Top 10 most expensive cities in Germany (2025)

Anyone who rents in Germany is familiar with the problem: in some cities, housing costs are rising faster than salaries. But where is it really most expensive to live? We show you the top 10 most expensive cities in Germany in 2025 – based on current rents.

1. Munich – undisputed at the top

With an average asking rent of over €22.63/m², Munich will remain Germany's most expensive city in 2025. Prices are driven particularly by inner-city locations and popular neighborhoods such as Schwabing and Glockenbachviertel.

2. Frankfurt am Main

Financial center with top rents: In Frankfurt, the average rent is around €19.75/m². Living space is scarce, especially in districts close to the city center such as Westend or Sachsenhausen.

3. Berlin

Despite the rent cap debate and new construction, Berlin will climb to an average of €17.98/m² in 2025. In districts such as Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, and Charlottenburg, prices are significantly higher.

4. Hamburg

In popular locations such as Eimsbüttel, Winterhude, and Ottensen, tenants pay up to €17.59/m². The average in Hamburg is €14.30/m².

5. Stuttgart

Stuttgart remains expensive — not least because of major employers such as Daimler and Bosch. On average, tenants here pay €17.54/m², and the trend is rising.

6. Freiburg im Breisgau

The green university city of Freiburg surprises with top rents of around €17.48/m². Particularly in demand: Wiehre, Stühlinger, and Vauban.

7. Heidelberg

This charming city with a high quality of life and international flair costs around €17.4/m² – the old town and the western part of Heidelberg are particularly expensive.

8. Potsdam

A central location, university town, proximity to Frankfurt for commuters – all this drives rents in Mainz up to €16.7/m². The old town and areas near the university are particularly crowded.

9. Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is just behind Mainz at around €16.47/m². Its proximity to Frankfurt and high-quality housing make the Hessian state capital expensive.

10. Mainz

The state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia impresses with its culture, location on the Rhine, and proximity to Cologne. The average rent in Mainz is €15.94/m².

Why are these cities in Germany so expensive?

The main drivers are economic attractiveness, limited living space, the influx of skilled workers and students, and the demand for an urban lifestyle. Cities such as Munich and Frankfurt also benefit from their international presence and good infrastructure.

Is moving despite high rent worth it?

In many cases, yes. Those seeking new career opportunities or an attractive environment are willing to accept higher rents. It is important to set clear priorities and plan the move well.

Tip: With Movinga, you get transparent fixed prices, digital move planning, and verified partners – for your move to any city in Germany.

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Source: Statista