cost of living in Germany

[lavendarmist]

Hey I am going to be studying abroad next semester in Weimar Germany. Right now I go to school in NYC, and was wondering what the cost of living was there... like food, medicine, cosmetics, clothing, nights out etc. I am used to the rediculous prices of NYC and was wondering what the best deals were for general grocery items and such when i am over there so I have plenty of money for travel. -thanks! Kat

[Nick1556]

I haven't lived in Germany for ten years now, but I can sorta help a bit. The clothing prices can get a little high, especially when it comes to jeans. I remember a store selling USED jeans (Levis) for $150US.

The price of food wasn't that bad if you shopped at a local bakery or market. It can be expensive to eat out though. I was absolutely fascinated with their freshly baked bread over there, so I ate a lot of it (and it was quite cheap).

Stock up on your favorite deodorant before you go because you might not find it over there. As for makeup, I can't really help you out on that one.

As for going out at night to clubs, etc., I was quite lucky enough to get in free most of the time by letting the bouncer practice his English with me. I don't think I ever paid more than $7US to even get into a club.

I've experienced NYC prices and I don't think if you are used to those prices then you won't have a problem with living in Germany for a semester.

[Kevin Paul Bordelon]

I go to Germany once a year for vacation, and in my opinion, it is going to be cheaper than NYC prices. Food is quite cheap, as long as you don't have to eat in 2 or 3 star restaurants. I suggest shopping at an Aldi or Lidl store for cheap food and household items. They are everywhere in Germany. Clothing can be expensive, but probably comparable to designer clothing in the U.S. Fashion in Europe is ahead of ours. As far as cosmetics, my girlfriend never had any problems, as long as you go to a large department store, and she wears clinique and lancome, but as far as the prices of it compared to here, I couldn't tell you. The clubs aren't expensive, especially compared to what it cost in NYC. You are also going to be in the former East Germany, so things may be cheaper because East Germany (with the exception of Berlin) is still poorer than the West. But Weimar is beautiful and you should enjoy it thoroughly.
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Kevin