What It Really Costs to Furnish a First Apartment in Germany

Many guides quote a flat €15,000 to €20,000 for furnishing an apartment for the first time. That's not a realistic figure for a typical first apartment, it's closer to a fully kitted-out, high-end setup. If you furnish with new but simple pieces, a one-room apartment costs far less, and factoring in second-hand items brings it down noticeably further still.

What furnishing actually costs

According to Kostencheck, a small single apartment can be furnished with budget furniture for around €1,500, if you collect and assemble the pieces yourself. A concrete real-world example for a 45-square-meter single apartment comes out to €1,621.60 total: a complete wall unit for €189, a coffee table for €79, a three-seat sofa for €199, a rug for €17, a bed frame for €49, a mattress for €70, a three-door wardrobe for €79, an extendable dining table with 4 chairs for €159.50, a TV for €159, a washing machine for €299, plus dishes and other small items and a two-hour van rental for €31.80. At the top end, designer furniture can push a single apartment to €25,000–30,000, but that's for a high-end complete setup, not a typical first apartment.

The source doesn't give its own benchmark for larger, multi-room apartments. If you're furnishing more rooms, though, you can realistically scale up the individual item prices from the example above: an extra dresser, a second shelf, or a desk add on at the same budget prices, rather than guessing a flat total that doesn't reflect your actual apartment size.

The big difference comes down to furniture quality and whether you buy new or used, not apartment size alone.

What basic furniture pieces cost

According to Kostencheck, bed frames and mattresses are often available for under €100 each, as are wardrobes. Chairs can go for as little as €10 apiece, and wall units and sofas typically start around €200. Small single-person kitchens without appliances are often available from €300–400. The biggest single items are usually the TV and washing machine: without a sale or used option, both together can easily exceed €1,000, whereas in the sale example above, both together cost just €458.

How to save when furnishing

A priority list helps: buy the essentials first, bed, table, chairs, fridge, and stove. Everything else, like decor or a second shelf, can wait. Used furniture from classifieds sites or second-hand shops usually cuts costs the most, especially for pieces like wardrobes or shelves that show little wear. Multifunctional furniture, such as a sofa bed in a small apartment, saves both space and the cost of a second piece. Our guide to buying second-hand furniture safely covers exactly how to do that without getting scammed.

What other costs come alongside furniture

Beyond furnishing, the deposit comes due at move-in. Under Section 551 BGB, it can be at most three times the Kaltmiete, and it's refunded at the end of the tenancy if there's no damage. Then there's the ongoing Nebenkosten for heating, water, and waste disposal. According to the German Tenants' Association's operating-cost survey, these averaged €2.67 per square meter per month in 2024. Planning for these recurring items from the start avoids surprises at move-in.

Conclusion

Furnishing a first apartment usually costs far less than often claimed. A documented real-world example for a 45-square-meter single apartment with budget furniture comes to €1,621.60; at the top end, designer furniture can push a single apartment to €25,000–30,000. If you make a priority list, include used pieces, and budget for the deposit under Section 551 BGB along with ongoing Nebenkosten, you'll move in with a realistic budget. Our first apartment budgeting guide covers the full one-time and ongoing cost picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does furnishing a one-room apartment really cost?

A documented real-world example for a 45-square-meter single apartment with budget furniture comes to €1,621.60 total. Using second-hand instead of new furniture can bring that down further.

Is the commonly cited €15,000–€20,000 figure accurate?

Not for a typical first apartment with budget or simple new furniture: a documented example comes to €1,621.60. Figures in that higher range correspond more to a high-end complete setup with designer furniture (€25,000–30,000 per Kostencheck), not a typical first apartment.

How much is the deposit for a first apartment?

Under Section 551 BGB, at most three times the Kaltmiete. It's refunded after move-out if there's no damage to the apartment.

What do ongoing Nebenkosten cost alongside furnishing?

According to the Tenants' Association's operating-cost survey, Nebenkosten averaged €2.67 per square meter per month in 2024, on top of the Kaltmiete. Planning for these recurring items from the start avoids surprises at move-in.

How can I save the most when furnishing?

Used furniture from classifieds sites or second-hand shops saves the most, especially for wardrobes and shelves. A priority list of the most important items also prevents unnecessary purchases.