Students in Germany who no longer live with their parents spend an average of 54% of their disposable income on rent and housing costs, according to new data from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). That is more than double the 24% share the general population spends on housing.
The burden is even higher for students living alone, who spend 56% of their income on housing, Destatis found. Students who share a home only with other students or trainees fare slightly better, spending 49%.
Two-thirds are “overburdened”
Eurostat defines a household as overburdened by housing costs if it spends more than 40% of its disposable income on housing, even after any housing benefit (Wohngeld) is deducted. By that measure, 65% of students who live independently count as overburdened, compared with just 11% of the general population. Looking at all students, including those still living with parents, 28% are overburdened.
Money is tight to begin with: half of independently living students have a net equivalised income of less than €963 a month, the data show. On average, 45% of student income comes from paid work, 29% from private support such as payments from parents or relatives, 14% from BAföG grants and scholarships, and 12% from other sources such as Kindergeld (child benefit) or survivor’s pensions.
What this means for you: If you are studying in Germany and living away from your parents, budget for housing to take up roughly half of your income, and expect it to be tighter if you live alone. If your rent and bills push past 40% of your disposable income, you are in the same position as most independent-living students Destatis surveyed. Check whether you qualify for Wohngeld or BAföG to ease the load.
Sources: tagesschau.de / Destatis
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