If you rent a classic apartment in Berlin, you don't just pay the base rent. Utility costs, often referred to in Germany as the “second rent,” can be considerable. This article explains which utility costs arise in Berlin, what they cost on average, and why furnished all-inclusive apartments are in many cases the more transparent and sometimes cheaper alternative.
What are operating costs?
Operating costs, colloquially called utility costs, are all costs that go beyond the actual base rent and are associated with the ongoing operation of the building and the apartment. They are paid monthly as an advance payment together with the base rent and are then settled once a year. If you used more than the advance payment covered, you have to pay the difference; if you used less, you get money back.
Typical utility costs in Berlin
Cost item |
Monthly (approx.) |
Note |
Heating and hot water |
80 to 150 EUR |
Depends on consumption |
Cold water and sewage |
20 to 40 EUR |
Depends on consumption |
Waste disposal |
10 to 20 EUR |
Depends on district |
Caretaker |
10 to 20 EUR |
Depends on building |
Insurance (building) |
5 to 15 EUR |
Passed on to tenants |
Elevator (if available) |
10 to 25 EUR |
Depends on building |
Electricity (separate) |
60 to 120 EUR |
Own contract |
Internet |
25 to 50 EUR |
Own contract |
Broadcasting fee (GEZ) |
18.36 EUR |
Mandatory |
Total (approx.) |
230 to 460 EUR |
In addition to base rent |
All-inclusive as an alternative
If you rent a furnished all-inclusive apartment, all these costs are already included in the rental price. This makes the monthly outlay significantly lower: no need to sign your own electricity and internet contracts, no utility cost statement at the end of the year, no unexpected back payments. This is a considerable advantage, especially for short-term stays.
Anyone who wants to live furnished all-inclusive in Berlin will find a wide range of offers in various districts on Farawayhome Berlin.
Utility costs for furnished temporary apartments
With furnished short-term apartments, there is no classic operating cost statement. Either everything is included in an all-inclusive price, or a warm rent is stated, which includes heating and water but leaves electricity and internet separate. Always clarify before booking exactly what is included in the price.
Conclusion
Utility costs in Berlin can add up to 200 to 460 euros monthly on top of the base rent. Keeping this in mind allows for a better assessment of the real total costs when comparing rental offers. All-inclusive furnished apartments make planning easier.
Frequently asked questions
1. How high are the utility costs in Berlin?
On average, utility costs in Berlin are between 200 and 460 euros per month, depending on the building, apartment size, and individual consumption.
2. What is included in Berlin's utility costs?
Heating, hot water, cold water, waste, caretaker, building insurance, and elevator. Electricity and internet are usually added separately.
3. Do I have to pay the broadcasting fee in Berlin?
Yes, every household in Germany must pay the broadcasting fee, currently 18.36 euros per month. Exceptions apply for certain groups.
4. Why are all-inclusive rents often more attractive than base rents?
Because all utility costs are included in the price, there's no effort involved in individual contracts, and no back payments are threatened.
5. Can you get money back from the utility cost statement?
Yes. If the monthly advance payments were higher than the actual consumption, you get the difference refunded. In case of high consumption, you have to pay the difference.