20 Best Places to Live in Germany as an Expat (2023)
Germans have among the finest quality of life in the world. I am sure you find this comforting if you are looking where to live in Germany. Keep reading to discover the best places to live in Germany as an expat.
A terrific place to live, work, and raise a family, Germany has something to offer to everyone, whether you’re seeking the energy of a big city or the calm of a smaller place. For this post I have looked into the top German cities for expats. Both large cities like Berlin and Munich and smaller ones like Dusseldorf and Aachen are the center of our attention for our list of best places to live in Germany as an expat. Every city on this list has a certain set of advantages that make it ideal for expats.
There are a few things you should take into account while deciding which German city is the finest one to reside in. Some of these include public transport, the presence of an international community, the place has to be family friendly, easy access to an international airport, and the presence of great restaurants that serve local food but also international cuisine.
Berlin
After the unification of East and West Germany, most of Berlin that had been damaged during the Second World War has been rebuilt.
With parks, forests, lakes, and rivers covering an astounding third of the city, it is extraordinarily green. It has a variety of districts, each with a unique atmosphere.
Berlin because it is the biggest city in Germany. For a variety of reasons, it is also among the greatest cities for expats. Whether you want to go dancing or take your kids on a stroll around the park, there is something there for everyone.
A fantastic public transportation network and a diverse expats community in the city will make you feel right at home. Additionally, you can fly out whenever you wish from its international airport, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER).
Berlin, which is home to numerous startups, can be ideal for you if you’re just getting started. There are employment chances everywhere, and the market is suitable even for individuals who do not speak German.
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Munich
Germany’s most costly city is Munich. Schwabing is a favorite with young people and students because it is close to universities. Maxvorstadt is known for its hip stores and coffee shops.
The city’s gay neighborhood, Isarvorstadt, is home to numerous nightclubs. Professionals like to hang out in Haidhausen, which is located on the Isar River’s right bank.
Due to this, Munich is another fantastic location for expats. It is smaller and has a greater cost of living than Berlin, but it has all Berlin has to offer.
If you live in Munich, you may enjoy both the outdoors and the huge metropolis. On the banks of the Isar River in Munich, there are many possibilities to venture outside and take in the scenery. Access to the city’s international airport is a plus.
In addition, Munich has a great beer culture and a lot of international restaurants.
Because of the good quality of life and work-life balance, it is a well-liked city among expats.
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Hamburg
Hamburg ranks second in terms of population in Germany. Even though the city is enormous, there is more living space per person than in any other big city in the world, a ton of green open space, and more than 2,000 bridges that span several rivers and canals. That’s more bridges than Venice and Amsterdam combined.
Popular residential area Altona features grand, pricey villas with river views, well preserved ancient factories, and stunning old architecture.
The University is located in the upscale and fashionable town of Eimsbüttal.
The most populous neighborhood in the city is Wandsbek, which is organized into precincts and quarters and is primarily a suburban area.
With only a few rich neighborhoods, Hamburg Nord is traditionally a working-class neighborhood.
Bergedof, a former independent town south of the city, still retains its own castle, which is now a museum.
Due to this, Hamburg is a fantastic choice for foreigners. Even though it isn’t as large (or crowded) as Berlin or Munich, there are still a ton of things to do. You may stroll around Altona’s historic quarter, visit museums like Miniatur Wunderland or the Kunsthalle Hamburg Museum of Fine Arts, and engage in a variety of other thrilling activities like taking a boat cruise on the River Elbe.
Additionally, Hamburg Airport provides many of nonstop flights to various European cities, making travel simple when necessary.
I have to say that, in my experience, Hamburg gets a lot of rain.
Hamburg, a stunning German metropolis, attracts tourists from all over the world. Numerous professional sports teams call it home as well.
Expats with experience in marketing, finance, or communications are well suited for employment in Hamburg. Hamburg also boasts job vacancies in trade and logistics and is Europe’s third-largest port. These positions can be a good fit for you if you’re organized.
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Dusseldorf
Düsseldorf is a stunning, globally-diverse city that spans the Rhine River and is home to banks, businesses, media outlets, multinational headquarters, museums, and excellent international schools. There are 50 districts in Düsseldorf, and each one is a mix of cultures with both rich and poor people living there together.
Both the diversely cultural Pempelfort and the emerging Hafen are well-liked by singles and younger people.
Foreigners and students frequent the heavily populated neighborhood of Bilk because of its vibrant nightlife and abundance of green open spaces.
With its art nouveau architecture and affordable rates, Oberkassel, which is close to the river, is arguably the most appealing area of the city.
A lot of the city’s Japanese residents live in Niederkasse, a desirable neighborhood.
One of Germany’s most underappreciated cities for expats, Düsseldorf has an excellent public transportation system. It’s expat community are wonderful.
Additionally, you may fly out of its international airport, which is only a short 10-minute drive from the city center.
Although Düsseldorf isn’t a particularly big city, it is home to a wide range of international restaurants and has a fantastic beer culture.
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Frankfurt
Frankfurt, the financial hub of Germany, may resemble Manhattan in appearance thanks to its skyline of skyscrapers; similarly, the majority of the locals who work here prefer to commute from the suburbs rather than dwell in the city’s center. This is somewhat due to the price and partially due to availability.
While ancient houses populate the leafy Westend, Holzhausen Quarter, Poets’ Quarter, and the Diplomatenvierte, modern construction may be found in Reidberg, the West and East Harbour, Rebstockpark, and Friedberger Warte.
The bars and restaurants in Sachsenhausen and some areas of Nordend are popular with singles. There is also the Vordertaunus, a forested region 45 minutes northwest of Frankfurt. Many people that work in the city reside in the towns there.
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Nuremberg
On the Pegnitz River and Rhine-Main-Danube Canal, in the state of Bavaria, is Nuremberg, a stunning city. It is known for being both urban and laid-back, has a high population of expats residents, and is ranked 23rd in the world for quality of life.
Young people live in loft rooms in former factories as well as gorgeous art nouveau apartments. Among the most appreciated places in the city are Moegeldorf, Rehof, Laufamholz, and Zerzabelshof.
Stuttgart
If you want to work in high technology, Stuttgart is one of the best cities in Germany to live inStuttgart is home to numerous academic, research, and scientific institutions. Additionally, the city stands out when it comes to patent registration.
IT and engineering professionals should look for work in Stuttgart.
You should be aware that living in Stuttgart is pricey. It is one of the nicest cities in Germany thanks to the adjacent hills and vineyards, nevertheless. You may spend a lot of time outside in the open air in this extremely lovely location.
You’ll appreciate that it has a diversified community as an expat as well. In Stuttgart, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever feel lonely.
It might surprise you to learn that Stuttgart is spread out over a number of hills, valleys, and parks despite its strong ties to the automobile sector.
On the steep slope, with breathtaking views, are some of the most coveted mansions in the city. There is a lack of lodging in the city’s core, but Stuttgart-West is a charming neighborhood nearby with shops, markets, cafes, theaters, and parks all within easy walking distance.
Areas like Killesberg and Dogerloch are quite exclusive. If having a garden is vital to you, Sindelfingen, Böblingen, or Vaihingen are all farther away but you’ll have a better chance of finding one there.
Leipzig
The largest city in the state of Saxony is Leipzig, which is located around 100 miles from Berlin. The city is also known as “Hypezig” and “the better Berlin.”
Do you want a job in technology? Leipzig serves as the home headquarters for numerous businesses. Leipzig is home to auto plants for BMW and Porsche. Leipzig is home to the European Energy Exchange. This indicates that there are several employment options for expats.
Leipzig has less foreign residents than other German cities. Leipzigers do, however, lead very high-quality lives. The city boasts a vibrant arts culture, and biking around is a simple way to get about. It should come as no surprise that Leipzig is a popular place to live.
If you’re seeking for a city with a more laid-back atmosphere, Leipzig is a fantastic choice. The city is home to a friendly multinational community and boasts a first-rate public transit infrastructure. Its airport also allows you to fly out.
Live music can be found in a lot of the bars and clubs in Leipzig, which is recognized for its vibrant music scene. There are many different international restaurants to select from, and the cuisine scene is also outstanding.
Although it is not yet particularly well-liked by expats, it has already been given the nickname “New Berlin.”
Cologne
Germany’s fourth-largest city, Cologne, is situated on the Rhine River. It isn’t very huge, but it has metropolitan conveniences. Cologne is home to a sizable expat community from different regions of Europe, Asia, and America.
In Cologne, there are openings in the publishing and television industries. Additionally, there are some who work in insurance and for organizations like Ford Europe and Lufthansa.
Beautiful churches, cathedrals, and even Roman ruins may be seen in Cologne, one of the numerous historic cities in Germany.
Bremen
North of Germany is home to the delightful little city of Bremen. It contains several historical structures worth visiting and is renowned for its architecture. The city has a sizable international community, and its airport allows international flights. While visiting Bremen, you can have some wonderful seafood since it is renowned for being fresh.
A sizable Airbus plant in Bremen takes care of everything from engineering to assembly. With the correct abilities, expats may land fantastic work there.
Companies including Beck’s Brewery, Kellogg’s, and Kraft Foods have offices in Bremen. If you work for one of those companies, you’ll contribute to the production of great foods and drinks.
Dortmund
Dortmund is now home to sectors like biomedical technology and robotics, putting its roots in steel and coal behind it. The “Technologiepark Dortmund,” Germany’s first technology hub, is home to numerous high-tech workplaces.
Dortmund is a fantastic location for foreigners looking for engineering and technology jobs. You might meet industry leaders while working there, or you might be a part of innovations in the sector.
You might find your ideal job in tourism. It is a fantastic time to seek employment because Dortmund’s tourism sector is flourishing.
Aachen
On Germany’s western border, Aachen is another stunning city. The old city center is worth a visit and is noted for its architecture. Because Aachen has so many international restaurants, the local culinary scene is fantastic.
Due to its vicinity, you can choose to take a train to neighboring nations like the Netherlands and Belgium or fly out of its adjacent international airport.
Hanover
Small-town Hanover is home to a sizable Volkswagen (VWN) facility. There would be a place for skilled workers. Hanover is home to numerous insurance companies as well as businesses like Sennheiser.
The city’s proximity to Hannover Airport is a great perk for expats that might want or need to also travel.
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Dresden
Consider Dresden in the state of Saxony if IT employment are of interest to you. The city has a substantial presence in the tech sector. Sometimes, Dresden is referred to as “Silicon Saxony.”
Dresden has a strong reputation for growth potential, so you might join a flourishing business. But life is more than just work. You can appreciate the local history, culture, and activities by choosing to live in Dresden.
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Other German cities that are great for expats:
Darmstadt
Bielefeld
Heidelberg
Karlsruhe
Erlangen
Jena
