Many Romanians see Germany as a place of high salaries and financial security. However, the everyday reality is much more nuanced. A Romanian settled in Germany published on TikTok a simple and direct calculation of how much a month of normal life for a family costs, concretely. No frills, no frills, just real expenses: rent, bills, food, transportation, and child-related costs.
According to his experience, apartments considered “cheap” have become a rarity, and decent conditions have a clear price. Monthly fixed expenses alone quickly reach over 1,000 euros. Rent for an apartment is around 820 euros, internet costs around 40 euros, electricity reaches 150 euros, and car insurance is around 100 euros per month.
In total, these fixed expenses reach around 1,110 euros, before taking into account food, transport or other basic needs. Practically, the budget passes the psychological threshold of 1,000 euros without the family having spent anything for actual daily living.
Food and daily expenses bring the total to 3,000 euros
In a family with children, food becomes the most difficult chapter to keep under control. In the example shown, the monthly food budget effortlessly reaches around 1,000 euros. Added to this amount are expenses that are often considered “invisible” but that occur consistently every month.
Cigarettes come to around 400 euros, diesel to 100 euros, dining out or occasional orders add another 100 euros, and clothing and shoes for children and adults come to around 300 euros. In total, these variable expenses amount to around 1,900 euros per month.
Video source: TikTok/ @robyartistusecundar
Added with the fixed costs, the total amount quickly reaches approximately 3,000 euros per month. This is not a luxury life, but a normal one: decent rent, food, transport, a few occasional outings and normal expenses for children.
The conclusion that dismantles an old myth
The Romanian’s message is clear and direct: Germany is not a country where you “get rich” just because you arrived there. Even with an above-average salary, money goes fast”left and right”, on unavoidable costs of everyday life. “You don’t choose with May nothing“, says the Romanian.
For those already settled in Germany, these amounts are realistic and familiar. For those considering leaving, the calculation should be seen as an exercise in lucidity, not an attempt at deterrence.
Germany offers stability, infrastructure and safety, but the price of living is much higher than it seems from a distance. Realistically, a month of decent living for a family starts at around 3,000 euros.
