Cost of Living Calculator
Estimate your total monthly living expenses across all categories.
Model: Price/example values: How it is calculated
How it is calculated
Editorial and technical responsibility: Main-Mietservice. Calculation models checked against reference cases; estimates are not individually verified quotes. Sources, review process and corrections
Formula
Monthly cost = housing + utilities + groceries + transport + insurance + leisure + savings Net income under the 70 % rule = monthly cost ÷ 0.7 (our own assumption)
Default assumptions
| Assumption | Value | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| 70 % rule for income | spending takes at most 70 % of net income | Estimate |
| Average days per month | 30.44 days | Definition |
You can change every default above.
What this calculator does not account for
- The 70 % rule is a rule of thumb, not a standard — it can be too strict or too loose for your situation.
- One-off spending and repair reserves are not part of the model.
- Regional price differences have to be reflected in your own inputs.
About This Calculator
The Cost of Living Calculator helps you organize monthly expenses across key categories and compare total spending with your income goals. It is designed for planning with your real numbers, not generic averages.
How to Use This Calculator
- 1
Enter monthly housing costs (rent or mortgage payment)
- 2
Add utilities, groceries, and transportation expenses
- 3
Include insurance, entertainment, and savings goals
- 4
See your total, the annual figure and the net income the 70 % rule implies
Why Use This Calculator
Complete Budget Overview
See all your expenses in one place to understand total cost of living and identify where your money goes each month.
Income Planning
Calculate the income needed to comfortably afford your lifestyle with 30% buffer for unexpected expenses and financial goals.
Expense Optimization
Identify which expenses take the largest percentage of your budget and prioritize where to cut costs for maximum impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use budget frameworks like 50/30/20 as starting points, then adjust to your real obligations and priorities. A good budget is one you can maintain consistently with your actual income and fixed costs.
City-level costs change frequently. For a reliable estimate, gather current local prices for housing, utilities, groceries, transport, and insurance, then run those values through this calculator.
A practical target income is one that covers your required expenses and still leaves room for savings and irregular costs. Use your calculated monthly total plus a safety buffer to define your personal comfort threshold.
Common budgeting mistakes are underestimating variable costs, forgetting annual bills, and not tracking spending consistently. A monthly review cycle and category-level tracking usually improves accuracy.
Budget priorities often shift with life stage. Revisit your category targets when major changes happen, such as moving, new dependents, or retirement planning.
Category percentages are guidelines, not strict rules. Use them as a starting point, then adapt based on local costs and fixed commitments while keeping total expenses below income.
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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Actual costs may vary based on your circumstances, location, and market conditions. Not financial advice. See our Terms of Service for full disclaimers.