In Germany in 2026, the issue of salaries and the cost of living has become one of the main topics of public discussion. Despite the strong economy of the country, a significant part of the population continues to live on low incomes, while the costs of housing, healthcare, and utilities are constantly rising. About this reports Visit Ukraine.
What salaries in Germany are considered low and high
In 2026, the Ministry of Finance of Germany updated the conditional classification of household incomes.
According to new data:
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a very low income is considered to be a salary of less than 1538 euros per month;
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low-paid workers earn up to 3381 euros;
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the average income level is up to 3724 euros;
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well-off individuals are considered to have a salary of at least 4540 euros;
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high incomes are considered to be salaries of over 6530 euros per month.
In Germany, there is also a focus on the median salary — a figure that reflects the actual average income without the influence of excessively high salaries.
As of 2025, the median salary in the country exceeded 4100 euros per month or about 49,200 euros per year.
Why the topic of salaries in Germany has become so important
In 2026, the German authorities are actively discussing tax reform and support for the middle class.
The reason for this is the high cost of living, especially in large cities — Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg.
Among the main proposals currently being discussed by politicians:
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increasing the maximum tax rate to 49%;
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raising the threshold for the highest tax to 80 thousand euros per year;
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increasing the tax-free minimum;
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reducing contributions to health insurance.
Experts note that even people with above-average salaries often spend a significant part of their income on housing rent, insurance, and utilities.
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How much do you need to earn in Germany for a comfortable life
The level of comfortable income in Germany strongly depends on the city of residence and family composition.
In smaller towns, salaries of 3500–4000 euros are often enough for a stable life. Meanwhile, in megacities, this amount may only cover basic expenses.
Experts estimate that to live comfortably in 2026, you need:
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from 2500–3000 euros net income for a single person;
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from 4500 euros for a family with a child;
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from 6000 euros for living in large cities without significant financial constraints.
In large cities in Germany, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment already exceeds 1200–1800 euros per month without taking utilities into account.
For Ukrainians planning to move or work in Germany, this means that one must evaluate not just the salary level but also the real costs of housing, insurance, and taxes in the specific region.
Let us remind you, Germany has provided Ukraine with military support totaling €28.6 billion.