Students in Baden-Württemberg: Record prices for housing costs!

Students in Baden-Württemberg: Record prices for housing costs!

Housing costs for students in Germany are reaching alarming levels. With an average of over 500 euros per month, rental prices are at record levels. The current figures from the Moses Mendelssohn Institute in particular make it clear that the financial burden for many young people in university towns has become almost unbearable. In the winter semester of 2025, housing costs for first-year students are 505 euros, an increase compared to 493 euros in the summer semester of 2025. This development can be particularly observed in Baden-Württemberg, where students have to pay an average of 530 euros for housing, which is more than the national average costs. In cities like Heidelberg, Konstanz and Freiburg, students have to expect rent prices of an average of 600 euros, as the Tagesschau reports.

What is the situation in Rhineland-Palatinate? The average housing costs here are 460 euros, lower than in Baden-Württemberg, but rents in Mainz also exceed the 500 euro mark and are 530 euros. In Trier and Koblenz it is 440 euros and 430 euros. Only in Landau and Kaiserslautern are there still housing options for less than 400 euros at 390 euros and 360 euros. These developments have meant that the BAföG housing allowance of 380 euros is by no means sufficient to cover the ever-increasing rental prices. A circumstance that causes a lack of understanding among many students, as the institute's detailed analysis shows.

Urgent need for action

A fundamental problem remains the BAföG housing allowance, which is currently 380 euros and in many German university towns is not enough to at least cover basic rent. This applies to 70 out of 88 cities in the country. This price situation has meant that there are hardly any shared rooms available within the flat rate at many university locations. In 44 of these cities, where 54.5% of students live, it is difficult to find alternative housing options, which greatly increases the concerns of experts. It is urgently necessary to raise the flat rate to reflect reality, as was also announced in the coalition agreement, where there is talk of an increase to 440 euros.

The problem is not only worsening in metropolitan regions such as Munich or Hamburg, but also affects many university locations in North Rhine-Westphalia, where the rent prices for students are on average 520 euros. “Educational opportunities should not depend on the housing market,” emphasizes Dr. Stefan Brauckmann, an MMI study author, calls on politicians to finally act here.

New living options in Landau

In order to counteract the tense housing situation in Rhineland-Palatinate, a new dormitory was opened in Landau, which was built above the Aldi Süd branch. Around 200 places will be available there from October. The rental prices in this new dormitory are not unreasonable either; a furnished room in a shared apartment costs at least 441 euros, while a private apartment costs 884 euros. Creating several such opportunities could be an important measure to improve the situation for students.

With housing costs rising for years, it is becoming increasingly difficult for young people to find financial balance. Annegret Mülbaier from WG-Gesucht.de highlights that rental prices for shared rooms have increased by around 21% since 2020. If action is not taken soon, things will become tight for more and more students and the already limited options for finding accommodation will be further curtailed, as Haufe urgently notes.