Stuttgart stands as a premier destination for expat families, combining Germany's engineering excellence with high living standards. Home to Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, the city offers abundant international career opportunities and excellent international schools. The region boasts outstanding public services, efficient transportation, and numerous cultural attractions including world-class ballet and opera. Green spaces and nearby Black Forest provide excellent outdoor recreation. While housing costs are significant, salaries typically compensate well. The substantial international community, particularly from automotive and tech industries, creates strong expat networks. Stuttgart's central location enables easy European travel, making it ideal for internationally-minded families.

💰 Cost of Living

Monthly family budget estimates (USD)

At a Glance

$1,400

Avg. rent /mo

$12

Budget meal

$55

Mid-range dinner (2 ppl)

Dining & Drinks

Cappuccino$3.80

Domestic beer$4.50

Imported beer$4.00

Water (1.5L)$0.50

Groceries

Loaf of bread$1.80

Milk (1L)$1.10

Dozen eggs$3.20

Chicken (1 kg)$9.00

Transport

Taxi flag-drop$4.50

Taxi per km$2.20

Monthly transit pass$88

Gasoline (per liter)$1.75

Monthly Bills

Internet$32 /mo

Utilities (avg.)$250 /mo

Gym membership$40 /mo

Domestic help$550 /mo

Preschool / nursery$400 /mo

Comfortable

Rental apartment in Feuerbach, Zuffenhausen, or Bad Cannstatt. German state school with bilingual track, home cooking from weekly markets, VVS monthly pass, occasional Gasthaus dining.

$3,650/mo

Rent$1,300

Groceries$650

Lifestyle & leisure$250

Transport$100

Utilities$200

Dining out$250

Healthcare$100

School fees (per child)$600

Domestic help$200

Established

Spacious apartment in Stuttgart-Mitte, Stuttgart-West, or Degerloch. International school (ISS or SIS), regular restaurant dining, car plus S-Bahn, gym membership, weekend excursions to the Black Forest.

$7,150/mo

Rent$2,400

Groceries$900

Lifestyle & leisure$550

Transport$300

Utilities$250

Dining out$500

Healthcare$200

School fees (per child)$1,600

Domestic help$450

Premium

Villa or luxury apartment in Killesberg, Degerloch, or Gerlingen. Premium international school, private car, fine dining including Michelin-starred restaurants, wellness clubs, regular European travel.

$12,970/mo

Rent$4,200

Groceries$1,300

Lifestyle & leisure$1,400

Transport$600

Utilities$320

Dining out$950

Healthcare$400

School fees (per child)$2,800

Domestic help$1,000

Estimates for a family of four in greater Stuttgart. Rent assumes a 2–3 bedroom apartment. Groceries include German supermarkets (Edeka, Rewe, Aldi, Lidl) and weekly markets. School fees reflect a single child at an international school. Domestic help is a part-time cleaner. German statutory health insurance (GKV) covers most costs; private insurance is optional. All figures in USD at approximately 1 USD = 0.92 EUR. Stuttgart is one of Germany's most expensive cities after Munich and Frankfurt, driven by the automotive sector and high employment.