One of the biggest worries before moving to Germany is: “How much money do we actually need before arriving?”
The honest answer depends on your city, family size, medical insurance, and whether accommodation is already arranged — but most newcomers underestimate how expensive the first few weeks can be.
Between deposits, temporary accommodation, transport, groceries, paperwork, and waiting for the first salary, costs add up quickly.
This guide is aimed specifically at South Africans relocating to Germany and gives realistic estimates based on common experiences shared by expats.
For many, the first month in Germany is financially the hardest part of the entire relocation journey.
Before life settles into routines and regular monthly expenses, there are often dozens of upfront costs arriving all at once.
Rental deposits, temporary accommodation, transport, groceries, residence permits, mobile contracts, winter clothing, and basic household essentials can quickly drain savings during the first few weeks.
Many families also arrive before receiving their first salary, which means they rely heavily on the money they brought with them.
On top of this, Germany’s housing system can surprise newcomers, with some apartments being completely unfurnished — sometimes even without kitchens or light fittings.
Waiting for personal belongings or shipping containers to arrive from South Africa can also increase expenses significantly, as families may need to buy temporary household items, extra clothing, kitchen basics, or even furniture while living out of suitcases for weeks or months.
Once everything is set up, monthly expenses usually become far more predictable, but the start can feel like paying for an entirely new life in a single transaction.
The table below provides a realistic overview of common first-month expenses families may face when relocating to Germany.
Costs can vary greatly depending on the city, family size, lifestyle, and whether an employer assists with relocation, but proper planning can make the transition far less stressful.
| Expense Category | Notes & Helpful Resources |
|---|---|
| Flights from South Africa |
Depends on family size, season, and airline. Flight booking tips |
| Relocation Costs & Storage Fees |
Shipping containers, excess luggage, temporary storage, and relocation companies can become very expensive during the move. Shipping companies |
| Temporary Accommodation |
Airbnb, hotel, furnished apartment while searching for long-term housing. Finding a place to stay |
| Rental Deposit (Kaution) |
Usually up to 3 months’ cold rent paid before moving into an apartment. Housing in Germany |
| Additional Utilities (if not Warmmiete) | If the rental is not a Warmmiete (rent including utilities), you may need to pay separately for heating, water, and other utility costs. |
| Electricity Setup | Some electricity providers require you to choose a supplier shortly after moving in. The first payment may be due soon after setup. |
| First Month’s Rent | Varies greatly by city, apartment size, and whether utilities are included. |
| Basic Furniture & Household Items |
Beds, tables, lamps, bedding, towels, shelves, and kitchen basics. Beds, mattresses & duvets |
| Kitchen Appliances / Kitchen Setup | Some apartments may not include a kitchen, stove, fridge, extractor fan, or lighting. |
| Groceries | Depends on family size, dietary needs, and shopping habits. |
| Public Transport |
Deutschlandticket or local transport costs for trains, buses, and trams. Public transport in Germany |
| Rental Car / Car Hire | Useful during apartment hunting, furniture shopping, or settling into a new city. |
| Car Purchase (if buying) | Many families eventually purchase a vehicle, particularly in smaller towns where public transport is limited. |
| Mobile Phone SIM Cards |
Multiple family members may require prepaid SIM cards or contracts. Internet, TV & mobile |
| Home Internet Setup |
Some providers charge setup or router fees and installations may take several weeks. Internet setup tips |
| Television Licence (Rundfunkbeitrag) |
Mandatory household broadcasting fee charged in Germany regardless of whether you own a television. Television licences |
| Health Insurance |
Depends on employment status, visa type, and whether private or public insurance is used. Medical insurance in Germany |
| Residence Permit & Admin Fees |
Family applications, registrations, residence permits, passport photos, and paperwork. Applying for residence permits |
| School Supplies | School bags, stationery, indoor shoes, sports clothing, books, and excursion costs. |
| Kita / Daycare Deposit & Fees |
Strongly depends on city, provider, and family income level. Kitas in Germany |
| Winter Clothing |
Jackets, waterproof shoes, thermals, scarves, gloves, and rainwear. Dressing for the cold |
| Household Essentials | Cleaning supplies, cookware, adapters, laundry baskets, vacuum cleaners, and daily necessities. |
| German Document Translations | Certified translations for birth certificates, marriage certificates, school records, and official paperwork. |
| Emergency Medical / Pharmacy Costs | Medication, pharmacy purchases, or medical costs before reimbursements begin. |
| Pet Relocation Costs |
Flights, vaccinations, paperwork, microchips, crates, and transport arrangements. Moving pets to Germany |
| Bank Setup / Cash Buffer |
Many newcomers underestimate delays before first salaries arrive or banking arrangements are completed. Opening a bank account |
| Unexpected Costs Buffer | Germany always seems to have one more form, appointment, document, or fee waiting around the corner. |
Here are some websites where you can compare living costs, estimate monthly expenses, and get a rough idea of what everyday life in Germany might cost compared to South Africa or other countries:
Many newcomers automatically look at apartments in city centres, but housing costs can drop significantly just a few train stops away. Consider living in smaller towns or suburbs that are well-connected by public transport.
Germany’s extensive train and bus network often makes commuting surprisingly easy, while rent can be hundreds of euros cheaper per month.
Before accepting a job offer, ask whether the employer offers:
Many international employers already have relocation budgets, but only provide them if candidates ask.
Germany has an excellent second-hand culture. Many newcomers furnish entire apartments for a fraction of the cost using:
Some people even find free kitchens, wardrobes, tables, and sofas simply by collecting them.
Many South Africans are accustomed to driving everywhere, but in many German cities a car is unnecessary at first. Using public transport for a few months can help you:
Many families are surprised to learn that Germany offers financial support for children. Depending on your residence status and circumstances, you may qualify for benefits such as Kindergeld, childcare subsidies, or reduced fees for school and leisure activitie
When planning a move to Germany, most people focus on flights, deposits, rent, and paperwork.
While these expenses are important, there is another cost that cannot be measured in euros. Moving countries often means leaving behind family, lifelong friends, familiar routines, favourite places, and the support network you’ve relied on for years.
Even when the move is exciting and full of opportunity, it is completely normal to experience homesickness, loneliness, frustration, or moments of doubt during the first few months.
Many South Africans find that the emotional adjustment takes longer than the practical one. Learning a new system, building friendships, adapting to cultural differences, and missing important family events back home can all take a toll.
Permit yourself to take things one step at a time, stay connected to loved ones, and seek out communities that understand your journey.
The good news is that thousands of South Africans have successfully built fulfilling lives in Germany, and you don’t have to navigate the transition alone.
South Africans who are leaving Germany often sell household items, winter clothing, cars, bicycles, and furniture at very reasonable prices. Local Facebook groups and community forums can be excellent sources of both bargains and practical advice.
Arriving in Germany in late autumn or winter often means immediate spending on:
Families arriving in spring or summer often have several months to spread those expenses out before the cold weather arrives.
That single timing decision can save hundreds or even thousands of euros during the first few months.
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