Last updated: March 2026

TL;DR: WG-Gesucht is the best platform for finding shared apartments (WGs) in Germany. Studierendenwerk dorms are the cheapest option (EUR 250-450/month). Start searching 2-3 months before arrival. Expect to pay EUR 300-700/month depending on city, with Munich being the most expensive and eastern German cities the most affordable.

How Much Does Student Housing Cost in Germany?

Housing is typically the largest expense for international students, and costs vary dramatically by city. Here is a realistic breakdown for 2026:

| City | WG Room (Shared Flat) | Studio/1-Bedroom | Studierendenwerk Dorm | |

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---| | Munich | EUR 550-900 | EUR 900-1,400 | EUR 350-500 | | Frankfurt | EUR 450-750 | EUR 750-1,100 | EUR 300-450 | | Hamburg | EUR 450-700 | EUR 700-1,100 | EUR 300-450 | | Berlin | EUR 400-700 | EUR 650-1,000 | EUR 280-420 | | Cologne | EUR 400-650 | EUR 650-950 | EUR 280-400 | | Stuttgart | EUR 400-650 | EUR 650-1,000 | EUR 300-420 | | Heidelberg | EUR 350-550 | EUR 550-850 | EUR 270-380 | | Dresden | EUR 250-400 | EUR 400-650 | EUR 200-320 | | Leipzig | EUR 250-400 | EUR 380-600 | EUR 200-300 | | Chemnitz | EUR 200-350 | EUR 300-500 | EUR 180-280 |

Important cost terms to know:

• Warmmiete (warm rent): Includes heating and basic utilities. This is what you actually pay monthly.
• Kaltmiete (cold rent): Base rent without utilities. You pay heating, water, and electricity separately (add EUR 80-150/month).
• Kaution (deposit): Usually 2-3 months' cold rent, refundable when you leave.
• Nebenkosten: Additional costs (heating, water, garbage collection). Sometimes included in Warmmiete.

Use the Cost Calculator to estimate your total monthly budget including rent.

The 10 Best Platforms for Finding Housing

1. WG-Gesucht (Best for Shared Flats)

URL: wg-gesucht.de

Germany's largest platform for shared apartments (Wohngemeinschaften/WGs). This is where most students find their housing. You can search for a room in an existing WG or find people to start a new one.

• Price range: EUR 250-700/month for a WG room
• Best for: Students who want flatmates and a social living environment
• Language: German and English interface
• Tip: Write a personal introduction in your profile. WG residents choose flatmates based on personality fit, not just finances. A bland "I am a student looking for a room" message gets ignored.

2. Studierendenwerk (Best for Budget)

URL: Each city has its own Studierendenwerk website (e.g., studentenwerk-berlin.de)

Student services organizations run affordable dorms and apartments near universities. This is the cheapest option, but waitlists are long.

• Price range: EUR 200-450/month (all-inclusive)
• Best for: Budget-conscious students, first-time arrivals
• How to apply: Apply through your university's Studierendenwerk website immediately after receiving your admission letter
• Wait time: 1-6 months depending on city. Munich and Berlin have the longest waits.

3. Immobilienscout24 (Best for Apartments)

URL: immobilienscout24.de

Germany's largest general real estate portal. Best for finding studio apartments or 1-bedroom flats if you prefer living alone.

• Price range: EUR 400-1,400/month depending on city and size
• Best for: Students with higher budgets, couples, or those who prefer private apartments
• Tip: Create a tenant profile (Mieterselbstauskunft) with your SCHUFA-equivalent or a parental guarantee letter. Landlords on this platform are more formal than WG-Gesucht.

4. Kleinanzeigen (Best for Direct Deals)

URL: kleinanzeigen.de (formerly eBay Kleinanzeigen)

Germany's largest classified ads platform. Housing listings here are often from private landlords who want to avoid agent fees. Also excellent for buying used furniture.

• Price range: EUR 250-1,000/month
• Best for: Finding deals directly from landlords, avoiding broker fees
• Scam warning: Be cautious of listings asking for deposits before viewing. Never transfer money before seeing the apartment and meeting the landlord in person.

5. Wunderflats (Best for Furnished Temporary Housing)

URL: wunderflats.com

Specializes in furnished apartments for 1-24 month stays. All listings are verified, and the platform handles contracts digitally. More expensive than unfurnished options, but useful for your first months.

• Price range: EUR 700-1,800/month (furnished, all-inclusive)
• Best for: First 1-3 months while you search for permanent housing
• Advantage: No Kaution (deposit) required on most listings

6. HousingAnywhere (Best for International Students)

URL: housinganywhere.com

Built specifically for international students and expats. Listings are often from other students subletting their rooms during exchange semesters. Platform provides payment protection.

• Price range: EUR 400-1,200/month
• Best for: International students who want English-language support and payment protection
• Available cities: Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne, and more

7. Studenten-WG (WG Specialized)

URL: studenten-wg.de

Similar to WG-Gesucht but focused exclusively on student housing. Smaller selection but less competition per listing.

• Price range: EUR 250-600/month
• Best for: Students in smaller university towns where WG-Gesucht has fewer listings

8. Immowelt (Alternative to Immobilienscout24)

URL: immowelt.de

Germany's second-largest property portal. Some landlords list exclusively here, so checking both Immobilienscout24 and Immowelt broadens your search.

• Price range: EUR 400-1,200/month
• Best for: Expanding your search beyond Immobilienscout24

9. Facebook Groups (Best for Insider Tips)

Search for "[City Name] WG" or "[City Name] Housing" groups on Facebook. Many cities have active housing groups with hundreds of daily posts.

Popular groups include:

• "WG-Zimmer & Wohnungen in Berlin"

• "München WG & Wohnung"

• "Hamburg Housing for Internationals"

• Price range: Varies widely

• Best for: Finding sublets, temporary rooms, and getting advice from other students

• Caution: Scams exist here too. Follow the same safety rules: never pay before visiting.

10. University Housing Portals

Many universities maintain their own housing boards or partnerships with local landlords. Check your university's international office website for housing resources specific to your campus.

How to Avoid Housing Scams

Housing scams targeting international students are common in Germany. Follow these rules:

| Red Flag | What to Do | |

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---| | Landlord asks for deposit before viewing | Never pay before visiting the apartment in person | | Price is significantly below market rate | If it seems too good to be true, it is | | Landlord claims to be abroad and can't show the apartment | Do not proceed; this is a classic scam | | Asked to pay via Western Union or cryptocurrency | Only pay via bank transfer to a German account | | No proper rental contract (Mietvertrag) | Always insist on a written contract | | Landlord won't show ID or ownership proof | Legitimate landlords will verify their identity |

If you fall victim to a scam: Report it to the local police (Polizei) and your university's student services office. The Verbraucherzentrale (consumer protection agency) can also help.

Step-by-Step Housing Search Strategy

1. Month 1 (3 months before arrival): Apply to Studierendenwerk dorms through your university. Join Facebook housing groups for your city.
2. Month 2: Create profiles on WG-Gesucht and Immobilienscout24. Start sending applications. Write personalized messages (not copy-paste).
3. Month 3: If no permanent housing secured, book 2-4 weeks of temporary accommodation via Wunderflats, HousingAnywhere, or a youth hostel.
4. After arrival: Attend WG castings (flat viewings) in person. Being there physically dramatically increases your success rate compared to remote applications.

For temporary housing options during your first days, see our guide on temporary accommodation in Germany. For general housing advice, read the housing pillar page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to find an apartment in Germany?

In popular cities (Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt), expect 2-8 weeks of active searching. In smaller university towns (Göttingen, Chemnitz, Jena), you can often find something within 1-2 weeks. Starting early and being flexible on location significantly shortens the search.

Do I need a SCHUFA score to rent an apartment?

For Studierendenwerk dorms and WG rooms, usually no. For private apartments through Immobilienscout24, many landlords request a SCHUFA Bonitätsauskunft (credit check). As a new arrival, you won't have one yet. Alternatives: a parental guarantee letter (Bürgschaft) or a blocked account confirmation showing financial means.

Can I find housing before arriving in Germany?

Yes, but it's harder. Wunderflats and HousingAnywhere allow remote booking with payment protection. For WG-Gesucht, many flatmates prefer meeting candidates in person. A practical approach: book temporary housing for your first 2-4 weeks, then search in person.

What is a WG casting?

A WG casting is a group viewing where the current flatmates meet potential new roommates. It's essentially a mutual interview. They'll show you the room and ask about your lifestyle, habits, and personality. Bring a positive attitude and be yourself. In popular cities, expect 5-15 people at a single casting.

Should I use a housing agent (Makler)?

For students, usually no. Agent fees in Germany are paid by the landlord for rental properties (since 2015), but some agents still charge for "service fees." Studierendenwerk, WG-Gesucht, and direct listings on Kleinanzeigen are free and sufficient for student housing.

What documents do I need to rent a room or apartment?

Typically: passport/ID copy, enrollment confirmation, proof of income or financial support (blocked account, parental guarantee), and a brief personal introduction. For formal apartments: add a SCHUFA report and the last 3 months' bank statements.