Best places to live in Germany for Expats

Table of contents

1. Munich

2. Berlin

3. Stuttgart

4. Hamburg

5. Frankfurt

One fun aspect of the moving abroad process is deciding where to live, and in Germany there are a number of great options to choose from! Continue reading to discover our list of some of the best places to live here for expats.

Munich

This city in Germany is hugely popular with expats, who account for nearly a quarter of its population.[1] The third largest city in the country, Munich is home to 1.47 million people.

One reason it is attractive to expats is because of the variety of jobs on offer. Many large corporations are based here that have an international presence, and prominent work industries include engineering, tech and automotive.

Munich is also appealing if you like being outdoors, with 52% of the city made up of green spaces.[2] Notable parks include the English Garden and the Hofgarten, which you can wander around in your free time.

A neighbourhood you could consider living in is Au Haidhausen, which is situated on the river Isar and a great option if you want to be located centrally. Or, if you’re relocating with your family and want a quieter environment, Pasing-Obermenzing could be right for you. It has lots of amenities, but is still only 20 minutes from the city centre.

Berlin

Next up on our list is Berlin, the capital of Germany. With its renowned transport system, thriving food scene and excellent job opportunities, there is lots on offer here for its 3.65 million residents.

Key job sectors in this city incorporate financial services, information technology and healthcare. It also has a reputation as a strong start-up hub, which helps to drive economic prosperity.

Expats can benefit from the modern and highly efficient transport system in Berlin to get around, which provides transport to most parts of the city. This runs all night on the weekends and consists of an overground system (“S-Bahn”), underground system (“U-Bahn”), trams, buses and even ferries!

A location that is ideal for young professionals is the vibrant Prenzlauer Berg, found in the eastern part of the city. It has a diverse range of restaurants to dine at, and most parts of the area are within walking distance.

Alternatively, a more family friendly district to consider is Zehlendorf, situated around 40 minutes from the centre of Berlin. Nearby Grunewald Forest, it has no shortage of woodland and lakes to explore.

Stuttgart

Located in the south west of Germany, Stuttgart is one of the smaller cities in the country, with a population of 600,000. It has a high proportion of expats, who make up approximately 27% of the total population.[3]

The city is widely regarded for its beautiful green spaces and reputation as an economic hub, helping to explain its draw for expats. It is a great choice if you’re looking for a role in science and research or automotives, as the city is renowned for its innovation in these sectors.

Due to its close proximity to the city centre, a popular neighbourhood amongst young expatriates is Stuttgart West. It is known for its weekly food markets and vibrant café and restaurant scene, as well as its picturesque hilly landscape.

However, if you prefer a quieter location that is a bit further away from the city centre, then Degerloch is one to consider. Living here, you can be within easy access to the heart of Stuttgart, but still enjoy a peaceful residential life.

Hamburg

The next city on our list takes us to the northern part of the country, not far from the border with Denmark. Known for having one of the largest ports in Europe as well as a diverse architectural style, Hamburg is another great spot for expats.

The city operates as another important German economic centre, with both a strong start-up scene and an established presence of large enterprises. Thriving job sectors here include shipping, healthcare and aviation.  

If you want to live in a creative environment and have an appreciation for modern architecture, HafenCity is a fantastic option. The area is located on the city’s waterfront to the south of the centre, and is home to the famous floating Elbe Philharmonic Hall.

Another exciting neighbourhood to think about is Altona, which is perfect for both young professionals and families. This historic district is found in the western part of the city and is known for its Sunday morning market and its creative atmosphere.

It’s worth noting that if you’re looking to rent when you move to Hamburg, you could expect to pay around €1,650 a month for a furnished one-bedroom apartment, €120 cheaper than in Munich.[4]

Frankfurt

Frankfurt, the financial centre of Germany, is another popular European destination for foreign nationals.

The city is found in the western part of the country, and has a population of more than 750,000 people. The European Central Bank and other large financial institutions are located here, providing an exciting range of job opportunities for expats.

Dating back to the 1st Century AD, Frankfurt’s notable features include the Römerberg Square and and a towering skyline. This modern city is best explored on foot, where you can sample the delicious food and take in the bustling atmosphere.

An appealing neighbourhood for young expats is Bornheim, which is located in the eastern part of the city and boasts excellent transport links. An alternative neighbourhood to ponder is the family-friendly Nordend, which is full of colourful streets and green spaces.

Out of the cities in Germany on our list, Frankfurt has the cheapest rental cost for a one bedroom apartment, coming in at €1,500 per month.[5]