When planning a move to Germany, several key factors should be considered to ensure a smooth transition. Which cities are more affordable, or have better housing options? 

Moving to Germany

Remember, the process of moving to Germany might vary depending on your individual circumstances, so it’s crucial to research your options and seek guidance. From a personal perspective; my sister moved to Germany when she was eighteen years old. Now, more than 25 years later, she is still calling Germany her home, even though she was born in the Netherlands. Moving to Germany wasn’t that difficult, but there are a few important steps to follow if you are moving to Germany, which we will highlight in this article.

Things that are different in Germany

• In Germany, things often work very differently in various provinces, so be sure to ask how things work in your “Bundesland”.
• It is much more formal in the German workspace, still a lot of thank you’s and respect to your seniors, pay attention to that if you are going to work somewhere.
• Groceries are cheaper in comparison to other West European countries. Almost every village or town has many local markets where you can buy vegetables, fruits etc.

Freiburg – the best city for students?

So which German city should I move to?

Germany has many cities and towns, so it can be difficult to make a choice. You can explore rental options, which could be apartments, shared housing, or houses. House prices vary from 600 to 1600 euro per month, but it really depends on the city or village you want to live in. Aachen, Leipzig, and Bremen tend to be the most affordable cities to live in. Munich, Frankfurt and Düsseldorf are on top of the most expensive list. INSIDE TIP: When you rent a house, always check if the kitchen is included, as this is not always the case. You can often buy it from the previous tenant.

Good to know: Once you have found accommodation, you must register your address within 14 days at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt). This registration (Anmeldung) is mandatory for anyone living in Germany. You’ll receive your certificate of registration, otherwise known as an Anmeldebestätigung or Meldebescheinigung. All you need is your ID, a prove of residency and your registration.

Berlin – great for jobs

Cost of living

Generally, Germany is considered to have a moderate to high cost of living compared to some other European countries. Here’s an overview of typical expenses:

Housing: Rent is usually one of the most significant expenses. Prices vary greatly between cities, with Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg being among the most expensive. Berlin (surprisingly!), Leipzig, Dortmund and smaller cities usually have more affordable housing options. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in a city center can range from €600 to €1,500 per month.

Food: Grocery costs can be reasonable compared to the Netherlands for example. Especially if you shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl. On average, a single person’s monthly grocery bill can range from €200 to €400, depending on eating habits and location.

Transportation: Public transportation in Germany is efficient and well-connected. Monthly passes for local transport can range from €60 to €100, depending on the city. Student cities like Freiburg are well accommodating when it comes to public transport.

Healthcare: Germany has a high-quality healthcare system, but health insurance is mandatory for residents. The cost varies based on your income and the type of insurance you choose. Typically, health insurance contributions can range from €300 to €600 per month.

Education: Public education is generally free, including university tuition for many programs. However, there might be administrative fees and costs for books and materials.

Learning the Language:

Needless to say, you need to speak at least a little bit of German in order to move to Germany. And while many Germans speak English, learning the language will make your integration into society much easier. If this is difficult, maybe consider moving to a multicultural city like Berlin or Hamburg, where most people speak English.

Finding a job

It’s a big task to start off with, but again, do some research beforehand and you can pick the German city to suit your needs.

Berlin tops the charts when it comes to finding a job due to the many restaurants and various businesses.

If you are an expat, Frankfurt has a reputation for having big, creative and top companies located in the city.

Are you looking to work in technology, engineering, automobiles etc? Check out Stuttgart. The city is one of the strongest commercial metropolitan areas in Germany. *Source

Pro’s of moving to Germany

• Health insurance and doctors are well arranged in Germany. If you become a new parent, the mother get’s up to 14 months paid maternity leave, that’s better than in the Netherlands where you only get 3. Besides, you are appointed a specialist for almost everything.
• It’s such a large country, full of hills, forests, exiting cities, and enchanting villages.
• Germany has a strong economy where there are plenty of job opportunities that provides stability.

We hope this article will make your decision a little bit easier if you want to that the leap and move to Germany!