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What To Know if You Are Moving to Berlin
February 19th 2020
By Inter Nations
What To Know if You Are Moving to Berlin
If you are dreaming about how to move to Berlin, you are probably not alone. Of the city’s 3.5 million population, about one million migrated there or descend from families who did. People have always found compelling reasons to move to the German capital, like its excellent standard of living, cultural offering, and, more recently, its start-up and technology community.
One of the first things to consider regarding the relocation process to Berlin is where exactly you will live. Berlin was nicknamed “poor but sexy” by former mayor Klaus Wowereit, but it barely justifies that tag now, especially after rent prices have increased so much. Average rents have risen 129% since 2009.
Despite potential issues finding the perfect place to live in Berlin, the city has lots of attractive features, like its thriving start-up scene. Plus, Germany has the world’s fourth-largest economy, and Berlin is doing well too—if you want to join a start-up in the city, either as an entrepreneur or a worker, finding investment and job opportunities is a distinct possibility.
And there is so much life and culture to enjoy: Berlin is seen as the night club capital of the world, where you can dance to the best DJs around. Plus, there are around 170 museums, including the Neues Museum, where you can see a bust of the Egyptian queen Nefertiti, among other spectacular artifacts.
Why Move to Berlin?
Berlin can be beautiful and green in the summer and there are lots of places to enjoy the sun outdoors, while in winter, there are lots of museums to visit and Christmas markets to enjoy. The people can be warm too and they will really appreciate it if you make an effort to Speak a little German. Having said this, the English language is used widely in Berlin, making it easier for many expats to settle. Still, knowing the local lingo will ease your transition into your new life.
Efficient Public Transportation
Bus, tram, train, and underground services will take you anywhere you want to go in the city, and they are usually very reliable, comfortable, and in excellent condition. You can also take a taxi. Look for the yellow light to find one that’s available.
You can get more information on U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, and bus services, such as timetables and fares, on Berlin’s route planner website.
The Art Scene
Berlin has thriving street level and underground art scenes. Each year, Berlin’s local government gives 18 “Berliner Grants” of 10,000 EUR (11,080 USD) to artists in the city, helping to keep the experimental scenes going.
The annual Gallery Weekend which takes place around the end of April in Berlin is a demonstration of everything the city’s major galleries have to offer. For three days you can sample exhibitions as around 50 galleries open.
Alongside the art, Berlin has close to 200 museums—the Schwules Museum documents the lives of queer and trans people from Germany, the Judisches Museum tells the story of Jewish people, and 1.3km of the old Berlin Wall now functions as the East Side Gallery.
Job Market
Between 2005 and 2018, the unemployment rate in Berlin was cut in half, and now sits at 8%. According to Business Location Center, a company that offers information about starting a business in Germany, there are 2,500 start-ups in Berlin, and 500 are set up each year. Berlin is a center of talent and innovation and there is sure to be somewhere you can fit in.
The manufacturing industry is also doing well with 700 companies and more than 100,000 workers. Plus, these companies are working with the city’s start-ups to make sure they remain on the cutting edge of technology. The city also has healthy tourism, creative, and education and research sectors. Berlin gets about 135 million day-visitors every year and in 2016, the city hosted a record 31.1 million overnight stays, keeping hospitality staff busy.
Cost of Living
Compared to other European cities, living in Berlin is relatively affordable. In the 2019 Mercer Cost of Living Survey, Berlin ranked as only the 81st most expensive city in which to live out of 209 around the world. The survey showed it is more expensive to live in Frankfurt and Munich than Berlin.
Plus, accommodation is much cheaper than in other major European cities. You can get a one-bedroom apartment in Berlin for 550 EUR (607 USD) on average. Also, figures show that to maintain a certain standard of living, you would only need to earn 64% of what you need to earn in London, and 75% of what you would need in Paris.