Cost of living in New York City (United States) is 144% more expensive than in Karlsruhe (Germany)
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This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 913 prices entered by 141 different people.
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Currency:
Food | + 91% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in New York City (United States) is 91% more expensive than in Karlsruhe (Germany) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
New York City | Karlsruhe | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | $27 (€25) | €16 | + 51% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | $12 (€11) | €9 | + 22% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | $8 (€7) | €6 | + 16% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | $1.63 (€1.50) | €1.45 | + 3% | |
12 eggs, large | $10 (€9) | €3.71 | + 144% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | $6 (€5.93) | €2.34 | + 153% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | $9 (€8) | €5.55 | + 43% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | $7 (€7) | - | - | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | $3.53 (€3.25) | €1.47 | + 121% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | $4.63 (€4.27) | €0.75 | + 468% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | $21 (€19) | €9 | + 118% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | $4.69 (€4.32) | €1.80 | + 141% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | $4.90 (€4.51) | €1.33 | + 238% | |
Housing | + 261% | |||
Housing in New York City (United States) is 261% more expensive than in Karlsruhe (Germany) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
New York City | Karlsruhe | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | $7,568 (€6,972) | €1,563 | + 346% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | $5,000 (€4,606) | €1,025 | + 350% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | $301 (€277) | €225 | + 23% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | $3,981 (€3,667) | €833 | + 340% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | $2,948 (€2,716) | €656 | + 314% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | $217 (€200) | €121 | + 66% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | $66 (€61) | €28 | + 118% | |
40” flat screen tv | $480 (€442) | €426 | + 4% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | $171 (€158) | €106 | + 50% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | $17 (€16) | €6 | + 152% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | $54 (€50) | €15 | + 227% | |
Clothes | - 2% | |||
Clothes in New York City (United States) is about the same as in Karlsruhe (Germany) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
New York City | Karlsruhe | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | $68 (€63) | €96 | - 34% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | $48 (€44) | €38 | + 16% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | $114 (€105) | €88 | + 19% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | $175 (€161) | €110 | + 47% | |
Transportation | + 73% | |||
Transportation in New York City (United States) is 73% more expensive than in Karlsruhe (Germany) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
New York City | Karlsruhe | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | $32,277 (€29,732) | €20,272 | + 47% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | $1.01 (€0.93) | €1.81 | - 49% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | $134 (€124) | €55 | + 125% | |
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | $26 (€24) | €21 | + 13% | |
Personal Care | + 86% | |||
Personal Care in New York City (United States) is 86% more expensive than in Karlsruhe (Germany) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
New York City | Karlsruhe | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | $18 (€17) | - | - | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | $55 (€50) | - | - | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | $173 (€159) | €115 | + 38% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | $12 (€11) | - | - | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | $9 (€8) | €2.15 | + 292% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | $11 (€10) | €3.71 | + 170% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | $7 (€7) | €1.71 | + 301% | |
Tube of toothpaste | $1.95 (€1.79) | €2.11 | - 15% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | $36 (€33) | €16 | + 102% | |
Entertainment | + 207% | |||
Entertainment in New York City (United States) is 207% more expensive than in Karlsruhe (Germany) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
New York City | Karlsruhe | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | $92 (€85) | €38 | + 123% | |
2 tickets to the movies | $40 (€37) | €21 | + 72% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | $472 (€435) | €84 | + 415% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | $157 (€145) | €79 | + 84% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | $21 (€19) | €9 | + 103% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | $6 (€5.63) | €3.89 | + 45% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | $9 (€8) | €3.23 | + 155% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | $1,189 (€1,095) | €440 | + 149% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | $1.13 (€1.04) | €0.10 | + 949% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | $157 (€145) | €50 | + 189% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | $18 (€17) | €7 | + 148% | |
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TOTAL | + 144% |

These prices were last updated on March 15, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.921
EUR
/
USD
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For example, you would need at least €11,460 ($12,441) in New York City to maintain the same standard of living that you can have with €4,700 in Karlsruhe.
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