Cost of Living in Ulm - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $2,393 per month with rent, or $1,068 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $3,491 per month with rent, or $2,009 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $4,590 per month with rent, or $2,951 without housing.

Overall, Ulm is 62–79% above the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are 35% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Ulm? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$17.45 €15.03
$13.97 €12.03
$19.78 €17.03
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$68.3 €58.8
$68.3 €58.8
$91.0 €78.4
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$12.94 €11.14
$11.76 €10.13
$16.47 €14.18
Cappuccino
$3.80 €3.27
$2.27 €1.95
$4.54 €3.91
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.75 €3.23
$2.96 €2.55
$9.47 €8.16
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.64 €2.28
$2.04 €1.76
$3.41 €2.94
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.81 €4.14
$2.28 €1.97
$5.38 €4.63
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.67 €4.02
$4.28 €3.68
$5.74 €4.94
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.23 €1.06
$1.14 €0.98
$1.67 €1.43
White Bread (500g)
$2.23 €1.92
$1.79 €1.54
$2.80 €2.41
Rice (white) (1kg)
$3.53 €3.04
$3.09 €2.66
$5.26 €4.53
Eggs
$4.03 €3.47
$2.82 €2.43
$4.80 €4.14
Local Cheese (1kg)
$14.59 €12.56
$14.43 €12.42
$15.20 €13.09
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$15.20 €13.09
$8.85 €7.62
$19.79 €17.04
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$21.21 €18.27
$17.53 €15.10
$35.18 €30.30
Apples (1kg)
$3.23 €2.78
$2.51 €2.16
$3.43 €2.96
Banana (1kg)
$1.88 €1.62
$1.53 €1.32
$2.36 €2.03
Oranges (1kg)
$2.29 €1.97
$1.93 €1.67
$3.50 €3.02
Tomato (1kg)
$5.39 €4.64
$3.55 €3.06
$5.92 €5.09
Potato (1kg)
$1.53 €1.32
$0.86 €0.74
$1.59 €1.37
Onion (1kg)
$1.62 €1.39
$1.11 €0.96
$2.10 €1.80
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.88 €1.62
$1.36 €1.17
$2.27 €1.96
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.22 €1.05
$0.83 €0.71
$1.41 €1.21
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$9.88 €8.51
$9.59 €8.25
$10.17 €8.76
Wine (Bottle)
$5.83 €5.02
$5.83 €5.02
$7.00 €6.03
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.12 €0.96
$0.76 €0.66
$1.41 €1.21
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.73 €1.49
$1.30 €1.12
$1.91 €1.65
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$3.33 €2.87
$2.97 €2.56
$4.29 €3.69
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$62.7 €54.0
$57.4 €49.46
$68.0 €58.6
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.74 €3.22
$3.45 €2.97
$4.02 €3.47
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$3.02 €2.60
$2.12 €1.83
$5.29 €4.56
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$27.39 €23.59
$27.39 €23.59
$37.66 €32.43
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.97 €1.70
$1.87 €1.61
$2.14 €1.84
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$31.9K €27.5K
$31.9K €27.5K
$31.9K €27.5K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$37.1K €31.9K
$37.1K €31.9K
$38.8K €33.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$388 €334
$344 €296
$433 €373
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$41.64 €35.86
$10.40 €8.96
$52.1 €44.86
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$55.6 €47.87
$52.6 €45.27
$56.0 €48.24
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$36.84 €31.72
$23.52 €20.25
$45.86 €39.49
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.79 €10.16
$8.85 €7.62
$23.60 €20.32
Cinema Ticket
$13.92 €11.99
$11.60 €9.99
$13.92 €11.99
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$464 €399
$255 €220
$638 €549
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$13.1K €11.3K
$9,132 €7,864
$13.1K €11.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$104 €89.2
$92.1 €79.3
$115 €99.1
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$58.6 €50.5
$58.6 €50.5
$58.6 €50.5
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$93.1 €80.2
$81.8 €70.4
$105 €90.6
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$141 €122
$106 €91.2
$165 €142
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,146 €987
$986 €849
$1,567 €1,349
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$957 €824
$800 €689
$1,257 €1,082
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,965 €1,692
$1,734 €1,493
$2,080 €1,791
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,478 €1,273
$1,377 €1,186
$1,721 €1,482
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$6,088 €5,243
$5,985 €5,153
$6,192 €5,332
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$4,067 €3,502
$3,990 €3,436
$4,144 €3,569
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$4,151 €3,574
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
3.99
3.95
4

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,146, dropping to $957 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 28% of the average salary ($4,151) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $4,151 – comfortably above monthly costs of $2,393. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $3,589.

Groceries cost around $363 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $68.0 – broadly in line with the European average.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $62.7 – above the European average of $48.00.

Cost Highlights

Internet is more expensive than 94% of cities in Europe

Taxi is more expensive than 93% of cities in Europe

Rice is more expensive than 91% of cities in Europe

Ulm Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Ulm - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ulm compare in terms of affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Ulm offers a compact, walkable center with a blend of medieval charm and modern conveniences. Cost of Living in [location] is a useful frame for planning a stay, but real-world costs depend on neighborhood choices and habit. The city’s size keeps daily expenses reasonable for a German city of its class, with dependable public transit, a good selection of groceries, and a wide range of dining options that don’t always push the budget. You’ll find housing options from airy studios to larger flats, often with attractive seasonal markets nearby. Seasonality affects some costs, but careful planning helps you stretch every euro. Tip: Choose a base near public transit to balance transport with housing.
What does daily life look like in Ulm for housing, food, transport, and errands?
Ulm’s daily life blends efficiency with a relaxed pace along the Danube. Housing options range from historic Altstadt apartments to newer flats in leafy neighborhoods; be mindful that riverside spots can be pricier, while other districts offer more space at similar rents. Food runs from vibrant markets to cozy cafés and international groceries, letting you cook at home or dine out without overspending. The tram and cycle lanes make errands and commutes straightforward, and co-working spaces are plentiful for remote work. [location] living cost varies by district, so explore several areas before you decide. Tip: Look for a longer lease to secure steadier housing costs.
What factors influence quality of life and budgeting in Ulm, and how can you tailor a stay to fit your pace?
Ulm offers a high quality of life with safety, parks, and river views, and budgeting can be framed with a simple approach. Start with a monthly plan that allocates housing, groceries, and transport, adding a small buffer for leisure and seasonal activities. Neighbourhood fit matters: Altstadt keeps you close to services and trains, Eselsberg feels more residential, and Hafen provides new apartments near the water. Seasonality affects energy use in winter and outdoor activity costs in summer, but the city’s compact size helps you keep travel light. To save, join a local library, reuse and swap essentials, and walk or bike when possible. Tip: Build a flexible routine that matches your work and rest days.
Does Ulm offer good value for money?
Ulm is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $2,393. For most residents, that's a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
How expensive is daily life in Ulm?
Ulm sits squarely in the middle of the price spectrum – not cheap, not expensive. Monthly costs with rent tend to hover around $2,393, which most working professionals can handle without feeling financially squeezed.
How much do people earn on average in Ulm?
After taxes, the average worker in Ulm takes home about $4,151 per month. Of course, that varies a lot by industry and experience – tech and finance pay well above this, while service jobs often fall below it.
How affordable is housing in Ulm?
Rent in Ulm is middle-of-the-road – 1-bedroom apartments fall between $957 and $1,146 per month. Not cheap, not outrageous, with reasonable options across most neighborhoods.
How much should I budget for food per month in Ulm?
Groceries in Ulm run about $363 monthly for one person – a moderate figure that matches the city's overall cost level. Local markets and supermarkets cover most needs, and food costs are manageable without strict budgeting.
What is a monthly transit pass in Ulm?
Public transport in Ulm costs about $62.7 per month – usually unlimited rides on buses, metro, or trams within the main zone. Much cheaper than owning a car, and the practical choice for most residents.
Is $2,500 a month enough for Ulm?
$2,500 is below the $2,393 average in Ulm, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
What makes Ulm attractive for remote workers?
Ulm has become a go-to for digital nomads thanks to fast internet, wellness scene, great local cuisine. At around $2,393 monthly all-in, the value is strong for the infrastructure and lifestyle you get. Coworking spaces, solid internet, and a growing international crowd make remote work here both productive and social.
Is Ulm a cheap city to live in?
Ulm is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $2,393, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

Ulm vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities