Accommodation – Accommodation in Germany is quite cheap compared to other Eurozone countries. Hostels are plentiful and range from about 10-22 EUR ($11-25 USD) per night for a dorm room. For a private room, expect to pay around 40-50 EUR ($45-57 USD) per night. Free WiFi is standard and many hostels also include free breakfast. Budget hotel prices begin in the same price range, so expect to pay between 45-65 EUR ($51-71 USD) for a small double room with a private bathroom, closet, and maybe a desk. Airbnb is another great option for as well (one I use often) with shared accommodation going for as little as 30 EUR ($34 USD) per night and an entire apartment or home starting at 50 EUR ($57 USD). While wild camping is illegal, there are a ton of campsites around the country. Expect to pay 5-20 EUR ($6-23 USD) per night for a basic plot.
Food – Food in Germany is very cheap (and hearty). You can eat out from outdoor vendors for around 2-4 EUR/$2.50-5 USD (great sausages and bratwurst). Meals at many of the beer halls around the country cost only 9-15 EUR ($10-17 USD). Pre-made sandwiches cost around 5 EUR ($6 USD). Fast food (think McDonald’s) will cost around 7 EUR ($8 USD). Beer usually costs 4-5 EUR ($4.50-5.70 USD) for a nice pint. If you eat in the beer halls, a traditional German meal plus a beer will cost around 14-18 EUR ($16-20 USD). Turkish, middle eastern, and Asian food can be found for as little as 5 EUR ($6 USD), while a nicer meal at a sit-down restaurant will cost just over 20 EUR ($23 USD). If you plan on cooking for yourself, a week’s worth of groceries will cost around 35-65 EUR ($40-74 USD).
Transportation – High-speed trains, which are popular in Germany, are very expensive — Berlin to Munich can cost over 180 EUR ($205 USD)! Most of the other (slower) intercity trains cost between 40-70 EUR ($46-80 USD) for a second class ticket. It’s cheaper to take a slow regional train or overnight bus. Most intercity bus tickets cost between 15-30 EUR ($17-34 USD). In Germany, the earlier you book tickets, the cheaper it is so if you have set dates, don’t wait! For public transportation, city transit systems are reliable and cost around 1-3 EUR per single ticket, though you can usually find day-passes that will get you a better rate. If you want to explore via bicycle, most cities offer daily rentals for around 18 EUR ($21 USD).
Activities – Museums cost between 1-15 EUR ($1.15-17 USD). Bike tours and river cruises can cost 24-40 EUR ($27-46 USD). Most city tours are between 12-25 EUR ($14-29 USD). Renting a bike costs about 18 EUR ($21 USD) per day, though prices will vary in each city.