Essen vs Darmstadt on €80,000: take-home pay, rent and cost of living in 2026
On a gross salary of €80,000 a year, a single employee takes home €4,004 a month in Essen (60% of gross) and €4,004 a month in Darmstadt (60%), after income tax and social security contributions.
Darmstadt is 15% more expensive than Essen overall (cost-of-living index 42.9 vs 37.2, New York = 100). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about €878 a month in Darmstadt and €565 in Essen, which leaves €3,126 and €3,439 of take-home pay after rent. Keeping the same standard of living and saving 15% of your pay would cost about €3,925 a month in Darmstadt — this salary leaves €79 a month on top.
By category, groceries cost 4% more in Darmstadt than in Essen, eating out 5% less and rent 57% more.
Of the gross salary, income tax takes €15,694 a year in Essen and €15,694 in Darmstadt; social contributions and other levies take €16,257 and €16,257.
| Essen | Darmstadt | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary per year | €80,000 | €80,000 |
| Income tax per year | €15,694 | €15,694 |
| Social contributions per year | €16,257 | €16,257 |
| Take-home pay per month | €4,004 | €4,004 |
| One-bedroom rent, city centre | €565 | €878 |
| Left after rent | €3,439 | €3,126 |
| Cost-of-living index (New York = 100) | 37.2 | 42.9 |
How each figure is taxed: Germany tax calculator and Germany tax calculator. Single employee without children; rent and price data from Numbeo, refreshed monthly.
Questions about Essen vs Darmstadt
Is Darmstadt, Germany more expensive than Essen, Germany?
Darmstadt, Germany is 15% more expensive than Essen, Germany overall. On a gross salary of €80,000 a year, you take home €4,004 a month in Essen, Germany and €4,004 a month in Darmstadt, Germany after income tax and social contributions.
How much can I save living in Darmstadt, Germany vs Essen, Germany?
Keeping the same standard of living as in Essen, Germany, you could save about €79 a month (€949 a year) in Darmstadt, Germany on this salary, after rent and living costs.
What taxes will I pay in Germany vs Germany?
On €80,000 gross a year you take home €4,004 a month in Germany and €4,004 a month in Germany. The calculation applies each country's 2026 income tax and social security rules for a single employee.