Cost of living in Germany

Every now and then, I am asked about the cost of living in Germany. So here are a few items using todays exchange rate of € 1 = $1.5745.

• Gas (both diesel and regular benzine) = $ 9.25 / gallon
• Milk (generic brand) = $ 4.58 per gallon
• Bread (German style loaf) = $ 3.62
• Small Combo at McDonalds = $ 7.86

Of course, all of this is relative. After all, I can't drive to McDonalds and fill up the tank if my car is broken and in the shop (which it is). Two weeks ago, we had a leaky hose that caused a loss in the vacuum (in the motor system) that powers the car. Our local garage charged us only about € 80, or about $125. Thought we had it fixed until we had a second leak last week. And now today a third problem has arisen.