C is for Cost of living
When people find out we live In Germany they ask me for the cost of living difference between here and the US.
Cost of living is quite comparable but slightly higher in Germany, especially right now with the euro being so low. Here is a price comparison with Kaiserslautern and Monterrey, Mexico. You can take this information and see for yourself.
...in Kaiserslautern, Germany
...in Monterrey, Mexico
housing
They vary a lot depending on the city and area but right now we're paying 700€ ($757.97 USD) for a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, unfurnished but with an einbauküchen (built in kitchen) apartment.
Rent is currently $4500 pesos ($298.28 usd) per month for a 2 bedroom, 1 full bathroom apartment including cable/internet/water and furniture.
public transportation fares (train, bus etc.)
Single bus ride costs 2 €, if you have the bahncard you can get a lower rate. tageskarte (day ticket): 6 € and Monthly tickets cost €50 - 250, depending on the zones you need it for.
The bus is around $12.00 pesos ($0.80 usd) one way (usually per bus too).
food prices (your monthly budget)
We have a 60€ budget per week (240 € monthly), since I make lunch for two and dinner for three.
Monthly budget is $1400 pesos (92.84 usd) for two people.
price for a good menu in a traditional restaurant
most "good menu" styled restaurants have plates that range from €10-€15. (10.86 to 16.28 usd) the majority of restaurants are in the affordable side.
$300-$500 (19.87 to 33 usd) per couple
health prices
Student Health insurance: 70 €/month. Public Health Insurance we currently have: 400 €/month
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education prices
Kindergartens are free in Hamburg if the child attends 5 hours, if you need more than five hours per day then you would pay an amount that depends on your income.
As for universities, the public ones are free, you just have to pay a small semester fee, and this usually covers the semester ticket for public transport.
For college at UANL around $4000-$5000 (265-331 usd) per semester
Utilities
From what I've heard, electricity is expensive regardless of the supplier; but for us it's included in the rent.
Around $500-600 (33-39 usd) every two months
Internet, television, telephone, mobile phone
heating, internet, TV and phone are included in our rent, so we don't have to worry about it. Although, our internet is limited to 200 GB per month.
Cell phone - We have a pay as you go with blau.de and have two options:
Smart-option - 9.90€ Smart-Option 1000 - 14.90€
price for a coffee or a drink
at a kiosk, €1.25-€3.00
Around $11.00 pesos ($0.73 usd) in a kiosk
price for cinema tickets
Normal price is €10,40 (11.32 usd) around 13 for 3D.
Around $60 (3.75 usd) pesos per person, and above $100.00 pesos (6.63 usd) for VIP etc.
Conversion rates April 2nd: 15.09 MXN to 1 USD 1 EUR to 1.08 USD
How does this compare to prices where you live?
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