Cost of Living: Germany vs Palau

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Germany and Palau.

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Germany is 52.7% more expensive than Palau. The biggest difference is in Childcare, where costs are 613.9% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Palau, you would spend about $153 in Germany for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Childcare 613.9%

Germany is 613.9% more expensive

Salaries And Financing 316.0%

Germany is 316.0% more expensive

Transportation 108.4%

Germany is 108.4% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 52.7%

Germany is 52.7% more expensive than Palau

Most Expensive Categories

  • Childcare +613.9%
  • Salaries And Financing +316.0%
  • Transportation +108.4%

Is Germany cheaper than Palau?

No, Palau is cheaper than Germany

Overall, living costs in Palau are 52.7% lower than in Germany.

Where Palau is cheaper:

  • Childcare 613.9% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 316.0% cheaper
  • Transportation 108.4% cheaper

Where Palau is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 56.9% more expensive
  • Sports And Leisure 27.5% more expensive
  • Clothing And Shoes 19.9% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Germany: 17.07 $ Palau: 12.00 $
42.3% more expensive in Germany

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Germany: 1,014.84 $ Palau: 750.00 $
35.3% more expensive in Germany

1 liter of milk

Germany: 1.26 $ Palau: 2.92 $
56.8% cheaper in Germany

1 liter of gasoline

Germany: 1.97 $ Palau: 1.78 $
10.7% more expensive in Germany

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Palau is indeed cheaper than Germany. You would spend approximately 52.7% on living expenses by choosing Palau over Germany. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

52.7%

Germany is 52.7% more expensive than Palau

Restaurants

3.7%

Germany is 3.7% more expensive than Palau in this category

Markets

51.1%

Germany is 51.1% more expensive than Palau in this category

Other Expenses

15.0%

Germany is 15.0% cheaper than Palau in this category

Transportation

108.4%

Germany is 108.4% more expensive than Palau in this category

Household Utilities

102.8%

Germany is 102.8% more expensive than Palau in this category

Mobile and Internet

56.9%

Germany is 56.9% cheaper than Palau in this category

Sports And Leisure

27.5%

Germany is 27.5% cheaper than Palau in this category

Childcare

613.9%

Germany is 613.9% more expensive than Palau in this category

Clothing And Shoes

19.9%

Germany is 19.9% cheaper than Palau in this category

Rent Per Month

26.4%

Germany is 26.4% more expensive than Palau in this category

Property Prices

19.9%

Germany is 19.9% more expensive than Palau in this category

Salaries And Financing

316.0%

Germany is 316.0% more expensive than Palau in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Germany Palau Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 17.07 $ 12.00 $ 42.3%
Germany is 42.3% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 73.99 $ 75.00 $ 1.3%
Germany is 1.3% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 11.38 $ 10.00 $ 13.8%
Germany is 13.8% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 3.99 $ 4.08 $ 2.2%
Germany is 2.2% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 3.28 $ 1.37 $ 139.4%
Germany is 139.4% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.95 $ 1.07 $ 175.7%
Germany is 175.7% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.07 $ 1.67 $ 35.9%
Germany is 35.9% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 5.69 $ 2.59 $ 119.7%
Germany is 119.7% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.74 $ 2.36 $ 26.3%
Germany is 26.3% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 9.11 $ 15.00 $ 39.3%
Germany is 39.3% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.98 $ 2.35 $ 15.7%
Germany is 15.7% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.26 $ 2.92 $ 56.8%
Germany is 56.8% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.19 $ 3.13 $ 30.0%
Germany is 30.0% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 3.33 $ 0.25 $ 1,232.0%
Germany is 1,232.0% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 3.79 $ 5.97 $ 36.5%
Germany is 36.5% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 14.58 $ 10.00 $ 45.8%
Germany is 45.8% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 13.95 $ 13.88 $ 0.5%
Germany is 0.5% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 19.57 $ 15.94 $ 22.8%
Germany is 22.8% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 3.16 $ 5.28 $ 40.2%
Germany is 40.2% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.81 $ 2.20 $ 17.7%
Germany is 17.7% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 2.25 $ 5.51 $ 59.2%
Germany is 59.2% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.77 $ 16.53 $ 71.1%
Germany is 71.1% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.56 $ 4.61 $ 66.2%
Germany is 66.2% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.59 $ 3.31 $ 52.0%
Germany is 52.0% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.86 $ 2.00 $ 7.0%
Germany is 7.0% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 62.61 $ 0.00 $ N/A
Cigarettes (20 pack) 9.56 $ 11.25 $ 15.0%
Germany is 15.0% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 3.64 $ 0.00 $ N/A
Taxi Base Fare 5.58 $ 2.50 $ 123.2%
Germany is 123.2% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 2.85 $ 0.00 $ N/A
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 37.56 $ 6.00 $ 526.0%
Germany is 526.0% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 1.97 $ 1.78 $ 10.7%
Germany is 10.7% more expensive
New Economy Car 30,939.70 $ 17,500.00 $ 76.8%
Germany is 76.8% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 36,770.68 $ 15,000.00 $ 145.1%
Germany is 145.1% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 344.76 $ 170.00 $ 102.8%
Germany is 102.8% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 27.11 $ 51.50 $ 47.4%
Germany is 47.4% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 50.88 $ 129.50 $ 60.7%
Germany is 60.7% cheaper
Gym Membership 39.89 $ 55.00 $ 27.5%
Germany is 27.5% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 24.36 $ ? N/A
Movie Ticket 13.66 $ ? N/A
Private Preschool (Full Day) 465.43 $ 200.00 $ 132.7%
Germany is 132.7% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 14,669.30 $ 1,920.00 $ 664.0%
Germany is 664.0% more expensive
1 Pair of Jeans 91.97 $ 62.50 $ 47.2%
Germany is 47.2% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 43.30 $ 52.50 $ 17.5%
Germany is 17.5% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 100.63 $ 147.50 $ 31.8%
Germany is 31.8% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 130.63 $ 195.00 $ 33.0%
Germany is 33.0% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,014.84 $ 750.00 $ 35.3%
Germany is 35.3% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 764.76 $ 550.00 $ 39.0%
Germany is 39.0% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,887.97 $ 1,766.67 $ 6.9%
Germany is 6.9% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,429.32 $ 966.67 $ 47.9%
Germany is 47.9% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,242.76 $ 8,490.56 $ 26.5%
Germany is 26.5% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 4,879.58 $ 788.80 $ 518.6%
Germany is 518.6% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 3,276.32 $ 787.50 $ 316.0%
Germany is 316.0% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 3.98 ? N/A

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Palau. Enter your monthly expenses in Germany to see the equivalent costs.

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Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Germany and Palau goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Germany vs Palau

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Germany

  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Palau

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Germany Cost of living in Palau

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