MOVING TO GERMANY FROM THE US

Germany offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for a vacation.

It's historic cities and picturesque small towns, nestled amid lush forests and majestic mountains, offer a plethora of unique experiences.

Metropolitan areas like Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg are perfect for sightseeing and cultural immersion, while the Bavarian Alps, Black Forest, and Rhine Valley cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

The country's rich heritage is evident in its cathedrals, palaces, and medieval Old Towns, where ancient traditions still thrive, especially during events like Christmas markets.

Berlin, the cultural hub, boasts numerous museums and galleries, serving as an excellent starting point for exploring the country.

Nature enthusiasts can explore Germany's diverse landscapes, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Here's a list of the top tourist attractions in Germany for ideas and recommendations.

• 1. Berlin's Brandenburg Gate
• Built in 1791 for King Frederick William II, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin's Mitte district is a monumental sandstone structure modeled after the Acropolis in Athens. Standing at 26 meters tall, it features a Quadriga, a four-horse chariot carrying the goddess of victory, making it the city's first Neoclassical building.

• 2. Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
• The Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), situated on the Rhine's banks, is Cologne's most remarkable landmark. This High Gothic masterpiece is among Europe's largest cathedrals. Construction began in 1248 and spanned over 600 years, making it one of the Middle Ages' most ambitious building projects.

• 3. The Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg
• The Black Forest, known for its dark, densely wooded hills, is a popular destination in Europe. Stretching 160 kilometers from Pforzheim in the north to Waldshut on the High Rhine in the south, this upland region in southwestern Germany is a paradise for hikers.

• 4. The Ultimate Fairy-Tale Castle: Schloss Neuschwanstein, Bavaria
• Füssen's charming old town, nestled between the Ammergau and Allgäu Alps, serves as a popular alpine resort and winter sports hub. It also provides an ideal starting point for visiting the nearby Neuschwanstein Castle, renowned as one of Europe's most famous and picturesque royal castles.

• 5. Miniatur Wunderland and the Historic Port of Hamburg
• Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest model railway, is a captivating attraction in the historic Port of Hamburg. It appeals to all ages with over 9.5 miles of track and sections showcasing the USA, England, Scandinavia, and Hamburg. The model features 1,300 trains, 50,000 lights, and 400,000 miniature figures, creating a truly impressive sight.

• 6. The Rhine Valley
• Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest model railway, is a captivating attraction in the historic Port of Hamburg. It appeals to all ages with over 9.5 miles of track and sections showcasing the USA, England, Scandinavia, and Hamburg. The model features 1,300 trains, 50,000 lights, and 400,000 miniature figures, creating a truly impressive sight.

• 7. Berlin's Museum Island
• Berlin's renowned Museum Island, situated between the River Spree and the Kupfergraben canal, houses some of the city's oldest and most significant museums. The focal point of this pedestrian-friendly area is the Old Museum, built in 1830 to showcase royal treasures and later expanded to include art and antiquities.

• 8. Munich's Marienplatz
• Munich, Germany's third-largest city, has much to offer adventurous travelers. The capital of Bavaria traces its origins to the 12th century, evolving from a monastery into the region's primary hub for trade and commerce.

• 9. Bamberg and the Bürgerstadt, Bavaria
• Bamberg, situated in the valley of the Regnitz River where it bifurcates, is a historic imperial city and the principal town in Upper Franconia. Renowned for its remarkably preserved medieval architecture, Bamberg is among Germany's most enchanting old towns and is particularly enjoyable to explore on foot.

• 10. Zugspitze Massif, Bavaria
• The Zugspitze massif, part of the Wetterstein mountain range, spans the border between Germany and Austria, enveloped by steep valleys. The eastern summit, reaching 2,962 meters, is adorned with a gilded cross and accessible by the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn cog railway or by cable car.

Germany has become the 4th most popular country for moving abroad, thanks to its excellent universities and promising career opportunities. However, the job market and cost of living can vary significantly from city to city; for example, prices in Munich differ from those in Berlin.

In a rank made by housinganywhere.com here is what we found

• 1. Berlin

Berlin is a city of contrasts, blending historical buildings with modern architecture and a laid-back mentality with a fast-paced atmosphere. The city's diverse culture clashes with the local attitude known as the Berliner Schnauze. Berlin is a city that constantly reinvents itself, reflected in its residents.

The city is a hub for startups, offering numerous networking opportunities and a high living standard at relatively low costs. Major companies like Zalando, HelloFresh, and Pfizer are based in Berlin, providing a range of job and internship opportunities, especially in startups, science, and technology.

Berlin's universities, including the Free University of Berlin and Humboldt University of Berlin, offer a wide variety of English-taught programs, attracting many foreign students. The city's green spaces, parks, rivers, and lakes cover a significant portion of its area, providing a contrast to its urban facade.

Despite its reputation for vibrant nightlife, Berlin offers a relaxed lifestyle with coworking spaces, libraries, museums, and English-friendly cinemas. While it is considered the most dangerous city in Germany, it remains relatively safe compared to other international cities.

In terms of cost of living, Berlin is one of the cheapest capitals in Western Europe, with affordable dining options and reasonable rental prices. The city's international atmosphere and low language barrier make it a welcoming place for expats, ensuring they don't miss out on cultural events or the latest news. Overall, Berlin is regarded as the best place to live in Germany as an expat.

Data:

Average rental prices in Berlin 

• Private room: €790 or $882 US DOLLARS.
• Studio: €1,300 or $1,450 US DOLLARS.
• Apartment: €1,700 or $1,896 US DOLLARS.
• The cost of living in Berlin is 32.31% lower than in New York

• 2. Munich

Munich embodies the stereotypical German experience with its Lederhosen, Oktoberfest, and abundance of beer. The city offers attractive career opportunities in financial services, consumer electronics, and the automotive industry, hosting major corporations like BMW Group, Allianz AG, and Microsoft Deutschland GmbH.

Munich boasts some of the world's top-ranked universities, such as the Technical University of Munich and Ludwig Maximilian University, offering a wide range of English-taught programs at low tuition fees.

Known for its high quality of life and safety, Munich was ranked 3rd in the Mercer Quality of Life Survey for 2019. While it is one of the most expensive cities in Germany, with high rent prices, the city offers a high salary potential to match.

With a large international population, including 16% international students, Munich embraces its internationality. It offers a blend of old and new architecture, locally brewed beer, and easy access to the Alps or Northern Italy, making it an ideal place to experience the quintessential German lifestyle.

Data:

It's worth noting that tuition fees in Germany are quite low, averaging around €300 or $335 US dollars per semester nationwide. Additionally, with some research, you can discover numerous scholarship opportunities available.

Monthly expenses excluding rent average around €980, which is approximately $1,093.

Average rental prices in Munich in 2023 are approximately:

• Private room: €890 or about $992
• Studio: €1,498 or about $1,670
• Apartment: €1,800 or about $2,005
• Big Apple benchmark time: Munich is 35% cheaper than New York

• 3. Hamburg

Hamburg, a charming port city in northern Germany, boasts over 2,000 bridges, more than Venice and Amsterdam combined, highlighting its rich water culture and architectural beauty.

In terms of career opportunities, Hamburg's economy is vibrant, particularly in the media, entertainment, and finance sectors, offering exciting prospects in marketing, communication, and logistics due to its position as home to Europe's 3rd largest port.

Hamburg's universities, including Hamburg University of Technology and Hamburg University of Applied Science, are globally respected, attracting many international students.

Quality of life in Hamburg is excellent, with Lake Alster providing a focal point for leisure, a vibrant shopping district, and a rich cultural scene. While it is one of the rainiest cities in Germany, it is considered safe for both day and night activities.

The cost of living in Hamburg is relatively high, comparable to Munich and 9% higher than Berlin. Monthly living expenses, excluding rent, are around €949 about $1,059 US DOLLARS.

In terms of internationality, while knowing some German is helpful, Hamburg has a population with a basic level of English proficiency, making day-to-day life manageable for expats. However, learning some German basics can be beneficial for interactions with locals.

Data:

Prepare to spend around $1,059 per month on your living expenses in Hamburg, excluding rent.

Average rental prices in Hamburg in 2023 are approximately:

• Private room: €725 or about $808
• Studio: €1,350 or about $1,504
• Apartment: €1,500 or about $1,674
• The cost of living in Hamburg is 29.71% lower than in New York.
  
• 4. Frankfurt

Frankfurt, also known as Mainhattan for its skyscraper skyline and bustling business atmosphere, offers a taste of New York City. The international airport conveniently connects Frankfurt to Manhattan in just 8.5 hours.

In terms of career opportunities, Frankfurt's financial district is home to key institutions like the European Central Bank and Deutsche Bank, making it an ideal place to start a career in finance.

For students, Frankfurt offers a range of English-taught programs at institutions like Johann Wolfgang Goethe University and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

The city boasts excellent infrastructure and flight connections, as recognized by the Mercer Quality of Life Survey, making it ideal for expats. Frankfurt also hosts numerous networking events and conventions, providing ample opportunities to expand one's social circle.

While the cost of living in Frankfurt is relatively high, expats in the financial sector enjoy generous salaries and employment security. Average monthly living expenses, excluding rent, are around €976 about $1,089.

Frankfurt's internationality is evident in its diverse population and multilingual environment, making it a top choice for expats looking for career opportunities and a vibrant lifestyle.

Data:

The cost of living in Frankfurt is around $1,089 per month without rent.

Average rental prices in Frankfurt in 2023 are approximately:

• Private room: €800 or about $892
• Studio: €1,093 or about $1,219
• Apartment: €1,400 or about $1,562
• To compare, Frankfurt is 27.21% cheaper than New York

• 5.Stuttgart

In the picturesque valley of mountains and vineyards lies Stuttgart, an economically thriving city that feels like a fairytale. Known for its higher temperatures, thanks to its boiler-like shaped valley, Stuttgart offers a delightful summer escape to the nearby mountains and vineyards.

Stuttgart is a hub for the automotive industry, with companies like Porsche and Daimler calling it home. Around 20% of the city's population works in this sector, and the city also boasts a vibrant startup scene, making it an attractive destination for young professionals, especially those in engineering, development, and IT.

The city is rich in academic and research centers, particularly in engineering fields, with the University of Stuttgart being one of the largest and most international universities in the city. The University of Hohenheim is another notable institution, especially for agricultural and food sciences.

Stuttgart is renowned for its safety, with a low crime rate of 8,535 recorded crimes per 100,000 citizens, making it an excellent choice for expats, especially those with families. Surrounded by natural beauty, including valleys, vineyards, and castles, Stuttgart offers a high quality of life with a perfect work-life balance.

Despite its booming economy, Stuttgart is relatively affordable compared to other cities. Monthly expenses for a single person, excluding rent, are around $961. Rental prices are also reasonable, with average costs for a private room, studio, and apartment being approximately $727, $870, and $1,150 respectively.

Stuttgart's internationality is evident in its strong economy, attracting major international corporations and expat families. The city offers an international school for children from abroad, adding to its appeal as a welcoming and diverse city.

Data:

You'll spend around $961 per month without rent as a single person living in Stuttgart.

Average rental prices in Stuttgart are approximately:

• Private room: $727
• Studio: $870
• Apartment: $1,150
• Big Apple benchmark time: The cost of living in Stuttgart is 30.33% lower than in New York.

Expats in Germany tend to gravitate toward cities that offer abundant career opportunities. According to our member base, the most popular cities for expats are Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart.

Rent prices vary based on location and personal circumstances. On average, single expats in Germany spend around $950 per month on accommodation, while expat families spend approximately $1,825. Here are the average rent prices for some of the most popular cities:

• Berlin: Single expats pay about $1,425, while expat families spend around $2,560.
• Hamburg: Single expats pay around $1,120, and expat families pay about $2,150.
• Munich: Single expats spend about $1,565, while expat families pay around $2,730.

In terms of nationalities, Germany is a melting pot, with Americans, Indians, Italians, and British nationals being among the most common in InterNations Communities.

Germany is generally considered safe, with low perceived risks of petty crime and violent crime. Confidence in the police and local authorities is also high among residents.

For women, Germany is rated as very safe by female expats, based on their subjective experiences rather than crime statistics. Safety perceptions can vary depending on the specific location within Germany.