Students living away from home in Germany spent an average of 54 percent of their disposable household income on rent in 2025, more than double the national average of 24 percent, according to official figures.
The burden is especially acute for those living alone, who devoted 56 percent of their income to housing. Overall, 65 percent of students running their own households were classified as overburdened by housing costs — defined as spending more than 40 percent of income after transfers — compared with just 11 percent of the general population.
Half of students managing their own households had a median monthly net income below 963 euros. Income sources were varied: 45 percent came from employment, 29 percent from private support, 14 percent from federal aid or scholarships, and 12 percent from other sources. Across all students, 28 percent were considered overburdened by housing costs.