Housing Cost Calculator
Find out what your first flat really costs, including warm rent, electricity, internet, broadcast fee, water and insurance, based on 2026 figures.
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Legal notice
Current as of: 11.08.2026.
The results reflect the legal and fiscal state as of the date stated above. They are provided for general information and initial guidance only. They are not individual financial, tax or legal advice, and no guarantee is given as to their accuracy, completeness or suitability for your circumstances. In particular, the results are not a substitute for an official or judicial assessment. Please check the information independently and seek qualified advice where appropriate, as you are solely responsible for any decision made in reliance on the result.
How to use this tool (video)
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Housing cost calculator: What does a first flat really cost?
Many underestimate how much on-top costs come beyond the rent. The housing cost calculator sums the most important monthly items of your own flat: warm rent + electricity + internet + broadcast fee (GEZ) + water & sewage + contents and liability insurance.
All reference values are editable and carry as-of dates (September 2026) so you can adjust them to your contracts. The calculation is an illustrative overview, not binding tenancy or insurance advice.
What does a studio flat cost monthly?
For a 1-person flat (45–55 m², warm rent 600–700 €), current reference values give a total of roughly 720–850 € per month. On-top costs (electricity, internet, GEZ, water, insurance) add about 120–150 € to the warm rent. Actual costs vary by city, tariff zone, consumption and provider.
Line items (reference values, as of September 2026)
- Broadcast fee (GEZ): 18.36 € per household per month (unchanged since 2021; the KEF-recommended rise to 18.94 € was not implemented, a Federal Constitutional Court case was still pending in 2026).
- Electricity: approx. 45–60 €/month for 1 person (BDEW 2026: 37 ct/kWh, approx. 1,600 kWh/year).
- Internet: approx. 30–40 €/month for a 50–100 Mbit/s connection.
- Water & sewage: approx. 15–25 €/month per person.
- Contents insurance: approx. 5 €/month (≈ 60 €/year) for a small flat.
- Liability insurance: approx. 4 €/month (≈ 50 €/year) for a single person.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the broadcast fee (GEZ) in 2026?
The broadcast fee is 18.36 € per month per household. It has been unchanged since 2021; the KEF-recommended rise to 18.94 € was not implemented by the federal states. A case pending before the Federal Constitutional Court could lead to a later change, but 18.36 € currently still applies.
Which housing costs typically apply?
Beyond warm rent, mainly electricity, internet, broadcast fee (18.36 €/month), water & sewage and optionally contents and liability insurance. Together that is usually about 120–150 €/month for 1 person beyond the rent.
Is the calculation binding?
No. The calculator gives an illustrative overview based on current reference values (as of September 2026). Actual costs depend on city, tariff zone, consumption and providers.
Where does my data go?
All inputs stay 100% local in your browser and are neither stored nor transmitted.