If you’re looking to relocate to a new city in Europe, Germany should be one of the first destinations to consider.
Not only is it home to some of the best universities in the world, but there is also an abundance of career opportunities in several prosperous fields.
With so many places to choose from, we’ve gathered a list of the best cities in Germany to help make your decision easier.
Best Places to Live in Germany for…
- Expats: Munich
- English Speakers: Bremen
- Digital Nomads: Berlin
- Solo Travelers: Leipzig
- Couples: Heidelberg
- Groups: Cologne
Top 10 Places to Live in Germany
1. Munich
Best Place to Live Expats
Cost of Living: $$
Munich has quickly become one of the most popular destinations in Europe for expats. This is because there are so many lucrative job opportunities in several different fields. These include the automotive industry, technology, computer sciences, film-making, and finance.
Seeing as Munich is one of the larger cities in Germany, most stores should accept credit cards, which is great for those who don’t want to carry around a large amount of cash. Check out our guide on how to carry money aboard to ensure that you’ve always got enough cash when traveling.
Tip: Parking can be quite expensive and difficult to find, so use public transport instead.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats and digital nomads.
Pros:
- The locals are friendly and helpful.
- It’s a big city, so you’ll always have something fun to do during your free time.
- Easy access to the rest of the European Union.
Cons:
- The language barrier can be challenging to overcome.
- There will be quite a significant cultural shock when you first arrive.
- Getting used to the cold weather can be difficult when you first arrive.
2. Bremen
Best place to live for English speakers
Cost of living: $
Bremen, located in the North of Germany, has quite a long history that stretches back 1200 years. In modern-day Bremen, however, the English language is quite common, so you won’t have to worry too much about a language barrier.
Job opportunities are also abundant in Bremen, as several large corporations have their headquarters located here.
Tip: Make sure you pack sufficient winter clothes. It can get frigid during winter.
Who Would Like to Live There: English Speakers and Digital Nomads.
Pros:
- High quality of education.
- Locals have a good grasp of the English language.
- A great public transport system
Cons:
- Winter can get extremely cold
- There isn’t much to do in Bremen
- Petty crimes like vandalism and theft are higher than in other cities in Germany
3. Berlin
Best Place to Live for Digital Nomads
Cost of living: $$.
Digital Nomads will adore Berlin because of its abundance of coworking spaces. For a small fee, digital nomads can join coworking spaces and use the facilities to get remote work done, network, and meet new people.
Tip: Cash is king in Berlin. Many shops and services will only accept cash, so always make you have enough before going out.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats and Digital Nomads.
Pros:
- Easy to network and make new business connections.
- The price of food and groceries is very affordable.
- Excellent nightlife atmosphere.
Cons:
- Many people outside the main districts do not speak English.
- Most rented apartments come unfurnished.
- Rent can be quite high if you’re looking for an apartment in one of the upmarket areas of Berlin.
4. Leipzig
Best place to live for solo travelers
Cost of living: $
The New York Times described Leipzig as the “cool kid in town,” and it is easy to see why. A large number of the factories that were a common sight 20 years ago have all found a new lease of life as refurbished nightclubs and art galleries.
There is an abundance of safe and affordable hotels — perfect for backpackers and solo travelers.
Tip: Leaving a tip at a restaurant or cafe is common in Leipzig, so don’t forget to tip your server.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats and Solo-travelers
Pros:
- It’s a busy city, so you’ll always have something fun to do.
- It’s Bicycle friendly.
- Excellent nightlife and art culture.
Cons:
- Not very popular with Nomads
- It can be quite difficult to find a high-paying job.
- Drug-related activity is common in the city.
5. Moselle Valley
Best Place to Live for Couples
Cost of Living: $$$
Moselle Valley is the ideal destination for couples. Those who choose to visit this quaint little village will be treated to some of Germany’s most breathtaking views.
The Valley runs along the Moselle River and is home to several ancient castles and vine-clad hills just waiting to be explored.
Tip: Moselle Valley borders both France and Luxembourg, so you’ll be able to visit those countries during your stay.
Who Would Like to Live There: Couples and Solo- travelers
Pros:
- The scenery is absolutely breathtaking
- The locals in Moselle Valley are very friendly and welcoming
- It provides easy access to other popular destinations in Europe.
Cons:
- Aside from enjoying the scenery, there isn’t much to do.
- Finding a stable, high-paying job can be a challenge.
- It’s quite a small town, so you could explore it in its entirety within a few days.
6. Cologne
Best place to live for groups
Cost of Living: $$
Cologne is a great place to live when you’re relocating with a group of people. The city is filled with stunning architecture, breathtaking cathedrals, and luscious parks as far as the eye can see. There is an abundance of inexpensive bars dotted around the city, along with affordable housing and great natural spaces.
Tip: Cologne is quite a big city, and it’s easy to get lost, so make sure you’ve got a map or GPS when exploring.
Who Would Like to Live There: Groups, and Digital Nomads.
Pros:
- The architecture is stunning
- The nightlife scene is great
- The locals are quite friendly.
Cons:
- It’s easy to lose your bearings and get lost.
- Rent can be quite expensive.
- Finding a high-paying job can be a challenge.
7. Stuttgart
Best Place to Live for Families
Cost of living– $$$
If you and your family are looking to relocate to a city in Germany, Stuttgart should be high on your list of considerations. Gone are the days of answering the question “What to do in Stuttgart?”. The city offers many family-friendly activities to keep you and the children entertained for hours.
Stuttgart is also regarded as one of the safest cities in Germany, boasting a safety index of 69.24, according to Numbeo.
Tip: Make use of the excellent public transportation system.
Who Would Like to Live There: Families, retirees.
Pros:
- There are lots of things to do for the whole family
- It’s a safe city to live in.
- The locals are quite friendly.
Cons:
- The cost of living can be quite high.
- Rent can be quite expensive.
- Finding a high-paying job can be a challenge.
8. Weimar
Best Place to Live for Artists
Cost of Living: $$$.
The city of Weimar has always had its roots in the arts and culture. Legendary artists such as Hannah Höch, Lotte Laserstein, and Gerta Overbeck all made their names here, and you could be the next to be added to that list.
Weimar has an abundance of art galleries, museums, theaters, and art exhibits to keep you entertained and possibly draw inspiration from.
Tip: Practice your German because English isn’t widely spoken in Weimar.
Who Would Like to Live There: Students and artists.
Pros:
- There are plenty of galleries to visit.
- You’ll find a lot of inspiration for your own artwork in Weimar.
- The locals are quite friendly.
Cons:
- The cost of living can be quite high.
- Rent can be quite expensive.
- English is not widely spoken.
9. Dresden
Best Place to Live for Students
Cost of Living: $
Dresden is arguably one of the most stunning cities in Germany. It is home to some of the best universities in Germany. These include the Dresden University of Technology, Dresden University of Applied Sciences, and the Academy of Fine Arts Dresden, just to name a few.
Tip: Student accommodation is plentiful in Dresden, so don’t waste your money looking for an apartment for yourself. Go with the cheaper student accommodation to save money.
Who Would Like to Live There: Students and artists.
Pros:
- Great city for students.
- The nightlife is excellent.
- Student accommodation is relatively cheap.
Cons:
- Aside from the nightlife, there isn’t much to do.
- The weather can get bitterly cold in winter.
- Not very popular with digital nomads.
10. Heidelberg
Best Place to Live for Retirees
Cost of living: $$
The small town of Heidelberg is located in southwestern Germany. Living here is like living in an old medieval town, but with 21st-century amenities. This includes a great public transport system and excellent educational and healthcare facilities.
Due to its location in southwestern Germany, it also boasts a much warmer climate than the rest of the country.
Tip: Heidelberg is a small town, so getting around on a bicycle is a great way to explore all of its hidden gems.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats and families
Pros:
- Great for retirees
- It’s a safe city to live in.
- The locals are quite friendly.
Cons:
- The cost of living can be pretty high.
- Rent can be quite expensive.
- There isn’t much to do besides explore the architecture and older buildings.
FAQs
1. Is It Safe in Germany?
On average, Germany is a safe place to live for students, families, expats, and Nomads.
2. What Currency Do They Use in Germany?
The currency used in Germany is the Euro.
3. What Language Do They Speak in Germany?
The most common language spoken in Germany is German. However, many people know basic English.
4. How to Travel Around Germany?
Public transportation is the most common method for getting around, closely followed by regular vehicles.