Migrant reveals cost of living in Germany: “700 euros rent, 200 for a car…”

A man on Instagram published a monthly budget from Germany that sparked more than 1,000 reactions as readers debated whether a €2,200 gross salary can cover life in Western Europe.

In his post he lists his monthly figures: a salary of 2,200 euros, with 700 euros for rent, 200 for a car, 50 for fuel, 400 for food, 300 for loan payments and insurance, 100 for a mobile phone and another 200 under "miscellaneous". After those costs, "to survive" he says he is left with 250 euros.

Comments split between two camps: some argued that "in Germany one cannot live well," while others questioned the numbers or the personal choices behind them — for example, who spends so much on loans.

Voices from the thread

Many replies described very different experiences. One user wrote: "– With my wife we live in Austria on 3,500 euros. After all bills and expenses, we have enough to go to the lake every year, take a four-week holiday and live a great life. When I lived in Bosnia I was only in the red."

Others pointed to regional differences and spending habits. "– The salary in Serbia is 700 euros, and the cost of living is higher than in Germany," one commenter wrote.

Several voices criticised newcomers' spending choices: "– The problem of the Balkans is that, when they arrive in the West, they immediately need to buy an expensive car and that is the first mistake. I see that many have returned to the Balkans because they are sick. Just to ask those who spend 1,500 euros a month on food — what do you eat?" another user asked. Another reply said: "– We don't have loans or car costs, and our salary is more than 2,000 euros; the two of us don't merely survive, we live well. I'm happy — I've been in Germany for two years and have saved money I could only dream of in Serbia." Some answers were blunt: "– If it's so hard for you, then go back."

For context, the post's figures sit below recent national averages. According to data for 2026, the average gross monthly wage in Germany for full‑time employees is about 4,850 euros (roughly €58,000–€64,000 annually with bonuses), while the median wage is about 4,500 euros per month (around €54,000 annually). The statutory minimum wage is €13.90 per hour, which for a 40‑hour week equals roughly €2,410 gross per month. Wages vary by qualification and sector; in high‑demand fields such as healthcare and IT, monthly earnings for skilled staff range from about €3,500 (for medical technicians/caregivers) up to over €8,000 for IT engineers, managers and specialist doctors.

Photo: Ilustracija (Unsplash, Edoardo Bartoli)