How much do groceries and eating out cost in Germany in 2026?

One adult can plan around €250–400 per month when cooking most meals. A couple can often use €450–700 because oil, rice, cleaning products, and other staples are shared.

Aldi, Lidl, Netto, Penny, and Norma compete heavily on basics. Rewe, Edeka, and Kaufland offer broader ranges, while Bio Company, Alnatura, and independent organic shops tend to cost more.

Imported cereals, sauces, specialist meat, convenience meals, dietary products, and small central stores push the total upward. Seasonal German produce and store brands help keep it lower.

Pfand is a refundable deposit added to many drink containers. Return eligible bottles and cans through the supermarket machine and use the receipt at checkout. It is temporary cash outflow, not a consumption cost, unless containers are discarded.

Most supermarkets close on Sunday. Station and airport shops may open under exceptions, but they are poor places for a full low-cost basket. Plan Saturday shopping and check state-specific public holidays.

Weekly markets can offer quality and regional produce, but they are not automatically cheaper than discount chains. Turkish and international supermarkets can be strong for herbs, vegetables, rice, legumes, and larger packs.

A bakery sandwich, workplace canteen, university cafeteria, currywurst, döner, or simple lunch can keep an occasional meal controlled. Central Munich restaurants, Berlin cocktail nights, Hamburg waterfront dining, and trade-fair weeks in Frankfurt create another price level.

For regular but moderate eating out, add roughly €200–500 per adult each month. Daily bought lunches, delivery, alcohol, speciality coffee, and weekend restaurants can exceed that quickly.

Service is included in menu prices. Tipping remains customary for satisfactory table service, usually by rounding up or stating the total you want charged.