Icon

Comparison of life in Germany and the USA in 2024

Expats
Popular
Pros & Cons
Comparison of life in Germany and the USA in 2024

In today's world, when economic and social aspects of life are becoming increasingly important, comparing the cost of living in different countries is becoming a pressing task. The United States of America and Germany, two economic giants, attract the largest number of migrants worldwide. Find out more about the cost of living in these countries and how different factors affect the daily lives of citizens

Buy


Germany and the United States are economic giants operating in different realities. The cost of living in these countries is determined by various factors, such as the standard of living, location, access to transportation, and food.

Comparing the cost of living in Germany and the United States at face value is like comparing a mango to an apple. Both countries are giants in their own right, but the similarities end there. To make an objective comparison, a certain level of homogeneity must be brought in.

A typical country comparison covers categories such as housing, food, transportation, groceries, childcare, entertainment, and clothing. These aspects form an equal basis for determining the cost of living between countries. Overall, the cost of living in Germany is estimated to be about 13.5% less than in the United States. This is a general indicator that takes into account various categories for an objective comparison. It is worth noting that some specific aspects in Germany may be more expensive than in the United States, depending on the comparison categories.

Comparison of food costs in the US and Germany


In America, eating out is 17.6% less expensive than in Germany. The average restaurant meal with a bottle of drink costs $12.44 in Germany and $14.25 in the United States. Other restaurant products are also available at a lower price in America. A 33-ml bottle of Coca-Cola costs $2.73 in Germany and only $1.90 in America. Breakfast at a fast food restaurant such as McDonald's costs $9.55 in Germany and $7.75 in America. Even a 33-liter bottle of water costs $2.38 in Germany, compared to $1.53 in America. Overall, the cost of dining out appears to be cheaper in the United States compared to Germany.

Comparison of food costs in Germany and the United States


The cost of food in America is on average 36.8% higher than in Germany. This is especially noticeable in the pricing of basic goods. For example, a loaf of bread in the United States costs $2.71, which is significantly higher than the price in Germany - $1.62. A boneless chicken breast is also more expensive in America ($9.21 versus $8.36 in Germany). However, there are exceptions: milk in the United States costs $0.85 per liter, while in Germany it costs $1.02. Banana prices are also more favorable in the US ($1.66 vs. $1.95). In general, the cost of groceries in Germany are 36.8% lower, but some items may be more favorable for U.S. shoppers.

Transportation costs in the United States and Germany


Transportation determines the pace of modern life, providing convenience in daily activities. Compared to Germany, transportation costs in America are significantly lower - even, by 30.7%. For example, a liter of gasoline in Germany costs $2.14, while in the United States this price is $1.24. A taxi ride of 8 kilometers in Germany will cost $23.68, while in America it will cost only $16.83. A monthly public transportation pass costs $78.24 in Germany and $63.05 in the United States. In general, if we talk only about transportation costs, America is a more profitable alternative.

Housing costs: comparison of the USA and Germany


Housing determines the standard of living and is a key criterion when comparing countries. Compared to America, the cost of housing in Germany is impressive - 44.8% more affordable. Renting a 1-room apartment in the city center in America costs $1,225.46, while in Germany it costs $760.46. Outside the city center, the cost of an equivalent apartment is $1,034.80 in America and only $574.53 in Germany. In summary, the cost of living in America is 44.8% higher, making Germany more affordable in this aspect.

Comparison of the cost of clothing in Germany and the United States


The cost of clothing turns out to be an important aspect of the comparison between the countries, and here America wins by 27.1%. For example, men's leather business shoes in Germany will cost $119.62, while in America the price is $95.31. Levi's jeans in Germany cost $86.18, which is twice as much as their American counterpart - $43.02. A dress from H&M in Germany costs $43.20, while in America it costs $35.26. Adidas or Nike sneakers in Germany cost $93.84, while in America they cost $75.54.

The cost of utilities in the US and Germany


Utilities are a part of everyday life, and it turns out that in the United States, these services are 21.4% cheaper than in Germany. The cost of heating, water, gas, electricity, refrigeration, and garbage disposal for a 65 m2 apartment in Germany is approximately $201, while in the United States the cost of the equivalent amount of services is only $128.68. For an 85 m2 apartment in Germany, you will have to pay $251.8, while in America it will cost $170.77.

Comparison of childcare costs in Germany and the United States


Childcare costs differ between America and Germany, with 81.7% higher costs in the US. Private preschool for one child costs $348.14 in Germany and $891.12 in America. Two semesters of high school education cost $14,155 in Germany and $15,195 in America. At the same time, many parts of Germany have better conditions for raising children, making childcare more affordable and comfortable.

Paying for communication: a comparison of Germany and the United States


Communications, especially the Internet and prepaid mobile tariffs, define our modern lives. In this context, it turns out that the level of connectivity in Germany is 71% lower than in America. An internet connection with a speed of 50 Mbps or higher in Germany costs $38.62, while in the US it costs $67.11. In the United States, a 1-minute local call without any plans or discounts costs $0.15, while in Germany this service is available for $0.11. It follows that in Germany, the cost of communication is more acceptable to consumers.

Entertainment: cost in the US and Germany


Entertainment determines the quality of our lives, and comparing its cost in America and Germany, it turns out that in the United States it costs 6.6% more. A local beer in Germany costs $4.20, while in America this pleasure costs $4.52. In the average neighborhood, a cappuccino in Germany is sold for $3.31, while in America the price is $4.18. Thus, entertainment in Germany is more affordable to enjoy, making it an important part of everyday life.

Taking into account such major categories as housing, food, and utilities, life in Germany is 13.5% cheaper than in the United States. The data used for this was compiled based on user feedback and price indices in October 2024.





Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World


To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need travel insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.




Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:


Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.





Recommended articles

2 min

Residence permit The new law on citizenship in Germany in 2024: everything an expat needs to know about the simplified procedure for obtaining a German passport (updated)

The new law on citizenship in Germany in 2024: everything an expat needs to know about the simplified procedure for obtaining a German passport (updated)

The German parliament recently passed a new law on citizenship that will greatly simplify the naturalization procedure in the country. Find out more about when the document will come into force and who may be denied citizenship in 2024 under the new German law

20 Mar. 2024

More details

3 min

Popular Top 10 US cities with the best quality of life in 2024 (updated)

Top 10 US cities with the best quality of life in 2024 (updated)

When choosing a city to relocate to, it is important to consider many factors, such as quality of life, job prospects, crime rates, education and healthcare, etc. Learn more about the top best cities to live in the US in 2024

22 Mar. 2024

More details

2 min

Residence permit Visa-free travel for Israelis in Germany: what you need to know

Visa-free travel for Israelis in Germany: what you need to know

From 26 January, Israelis can stay in Germany without a residence permit until 26 April 2024. This decision was made to ease the visa regime for Israelis after the Hamas attacks. Learn more about the details of visa-free travel for Israelis in Germany

12 Feb. 2024

More details

3 min

Travels Ranking of the happiest countries in Europe in 2024

Ranking of the happiest countries in Europe in 2024

What could make people happier than the incredible and exciting spirit of travel? It's especially nice to visit new countries without harming the environment. Find out more about the 2024 Happiest Countries in Europe that are Sustainable in their Travels

25 Mar. 2024

More details