Heidelberg Tops Baden-Württemberg as Priciest City for Student Housing

Students in Heidelberg now pay more for rent than anywhere else in the region. As prices climb and supply dwindles, will affordability push them out?

, and Administrator

2025 December 27 . 9:46 AM

1 min read

In this image we can see collage. In the images we can see houses with different colors and also... — In this image we can see collage. In the images we can see houses with different colors and also there is text.

Heidelberg Tops Baden-Württemberg as Priciest City for Student Housing

Heidelberg has become the most expensive city in Baden-Württemberg for student apartments for rent. A small apartments for rent there now costs around €670, while a shared flat room averages €630. The rising prices reflect a broader trend as student numbers grow and new housing remains scarce.

Over the past three years, rents in Heidelberg have climbed by an average of 5.2 percent. This increase places the city eighth nationwide for student apartments for rent costs. A recent study found that 62 percent of student households now spend over 40 percent of their income on rent.

Other university cities in Baden-Württemberg also face high apartments for rent expenses. In Freiburg and Konstanz, rental prices have risen the fastest in recent years. Across the region, average warm rents for students range between €502 and €644. Berlin, by comparison, remains more affordable, with a small apartments for rent costing €660 and a shared room €620. Despite the growing pressure, no specific national report on student housing shortages has been published. General housing market analyses mention regional support, such as low-interest loans in North Rhine-Westphalia, but lack targeted solutions for students. Experts warn that without more construction, the situation will worsen as demand continues to outstrip supply.

The rising cost of student apartments for rent in Heidelberg and other university cities poses challenges for retention, particularly among international students. With limited new builds and increasing demand, the market faces further strain in the coming years. Affordable options remain critical for ensuring students can stay and study in these locations.