City Comparison
Frankfurt vs Hamburg
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Hamburg is ~9% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Frankfurt
Germany
COL+Rent
53.9
Rent Index
30.8
Groceries
60
Restaurant
65.4
Hamburg
Germany
COL+Rent
49.3
Rent Index
26.6
Groceries
56.3
Restaurant
59.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Frankfurt | Hamburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,363 | $1,177 | +$186 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,063 | $918 | +$145 |
| Groceries | $342 | $320 | +$22 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $18 | +$1 |
| Transit Pass | $66 | $61 | +$5 |
| Utilities | $271 | $254 | +$17 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Frankfurt | Hamburg |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,715/mo | $1,529/mo |
| Typical | $2,327/mo | $2,082/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,885/mo | $2,593/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Frankfurt | ≈ in Hamburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,372/mo | -$128 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,829/mo | -$171 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,744/mo | -$256 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frankfurt or Hamburg cheaper to live in?
Hamburg is approximately 9% cheaper overall. Frankfurt's COL+Rent Index is 53.9 vs Hamburg's 49.3 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Frankfurt vs Hamburg?
A 1BR in Frankfurt city center costs ~$1,363/mo vs $1,177/mo in Hamburg. Outside the center: $1,063 vs $918.
What is $2,000/month in Frankfurt worth in Hamburg?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Frankfurt has the purchasing power of approximately $1,829/month in Hamburg.
Are groceries cheaper in Frankfurt or Hamburg?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $342 in Frankfurt vs $320 in Hamburg. Groceries Index: 60 vs 56.3 (NYC = 100).