Home to over 152,000 expats, Germany is one of the most popular destinations for Americans living and working abroad. And it’s no wonder why — Germany’s thriving job market and stable economic growth make it a great place to build your career. On top of that, every German city offers a unique, diverse local culture, and its central European location makes travel a breeze.
Thinking of working in Germany? Your next step is to pick your home base. This article will cover 5 of the best cities in Germany for working professionals. Whether you’re relocating your business, expanding into the German market, or just looking for a fresh start in a new country, these five major cities should all be on your radar.
What Makes a Great City for Work in Germany?
When comparing cities in Germany to work in, what should you look for?
First, remember that you’re choosing a home, not a tourist destination. You shouldn’t pick a city just because it’s historical or popular (although some of the most popular cities in Germany also happen to be great places to work).
Some crucial factors to consider include:
- Demographics: Check out the average age and employment status of the city’s residents. Will you find a community of other working professionals there to network and socialize with?
- Job market: Consider what types of jobs are most available in your chosen city. You should also research average salaries and cost of living to find out what you will earn, or what you’ll be expected to pay employees.
- Public transportation: Most European cities don’t require a car. Make sure your destination has accessible public transportation to get to and from work.
- After-work activities: Whether it’s hiking destinations, a bustling nightlife, or world-class dining, your chosen city should offer activities that fit your lifestyle.
- Proximity to airports: A nearby airport is a helpful asset, whether you need to travel for work or want to see more of Europe.
Top 5 Cities in Germany to Work In
Every German city has its own unique appeal. Some are ideal for corporate professionals, while others offer plenty of creative opportunities, not to mention world-renowned beer gardens.
Here’s what these five big cities in Germany have to offer for working professionals.
1. Berlin: Creative Hub With Endless Career Possibilities
Berlin has long been considered a creative hub. The country capital is a popular destination for young artists, creators, and musicians. However, it wasn’t known as an economic powerhouse until recently — the tech revolution has brought a wave of startups to Berlin.
Today, Berlin attracts both job seekers and business owners looking for a place to launch their startup alongside like-minded entrepreneurs. Some of the most common jobs include software engineer, data scientist, front-end developer, and software developer.
The average salary in Berlin is €56,000 ($63,546) per year. Despite being the most populous city in Germany, Berlin is still more affordable than many other major cities in Europe. Numbeo estimates that a one-bedroom apartment costs around €1,000/month, depending on the location, and other non-rental costs come out to around €1,006.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to think outside the box, in and out of work, you’ll feel right at home in this modern city. Plus, you can set up your office or workspace in Atrium Tower, Industrious’s new Berlin coworking space.
2. Munich: High-Paying Jobs and Corporate Powerhouses
Munich is often featured as one of the best places to live in Germany. It offers easy access to the Swiss Alps for winter skiing and plenty of sunshine in the warmer months — not to mention the world-famous Oktoberfest festival each fall.
But there is more to life in Munich than beer and recreation. It also offers a high-paying job market, with around 24.9% of the population employed in property, consultancy, or business services. Thanks to that thriving job market, Munich’s unemployment rate is only 4.5%, the lowest of any major German city.
The average salary in Munich is €58,745 ($66,661) per year. Non-rent expenses average around €1080/month, according to Numbeo, and rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around €1,466.
3. Frankfurt: Germany’s Financial Capital
If you’re pursuing a career in the financial industry, you might want to consider Frankfurt. This city in central Germany is home to the country’s largest stock exchange, as well as major operations of Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, and other big-name financial corporations. Frankfurt also has many international law firms and a high concentration of lawyers.
But what about life outside of work? You’ll find plenty of other expats in this diverse city. The botanical gardens and romantic medieval city center are ideal for after-work get-togethers. On top of that, Frankfurt Airport is a major international hub for those who like to travel.
The average salary in Frankfurt is €56,237 ($63,815) per year — comparable to Berlin. The cost of living is similar too, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging around €1,000 and non-rent expenses coming to €1,084.
Although Frankfurt is the financial center, Hamburg is actually Germany’s wealthiest city (and one of the nicest). That’s because this port city has operated as a commercial hub for centuries, processing over 134 million tons of goods every year.
Today, however, Hamburg’s job market offers more than international commerce. It also has a significant financial center that includes Germany’s oldest bank, and is an up-and-coming destination for creatives. Several advertising agencies and media companies have made their home in Hamburg, particularly in the e-business and gaming spaces.
This modern city offers plenty to do outside the office as well — it’s considered one of the best cities in Germany for dining and nightlife. If you can put up with a little rain, you’ll enjoy plenty of green parks, museums, and historic cinemas.
The average salary in Hamburg is around €57,000 per year. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs €1,142 on average, and other monthly expenses are around €1,073, according to Numbeo.
5. Cologne and Düsseldorf: Regional Business Hubs With Lifestyle Appeal
Cologne and Düsseldorf are neighbors in West Germany. Both cities are popular destinations for expats because of their local charm and warm, dry climate. Cologne is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe and has a vibrant student culture, while Düsseldorf is an international hub packed into a small, walkable metropolis.
Combined, these two cities are a business hub for the West German region. They offer plenty of work for English speakers in a variety of industries, including tech, manufacturing, and media. Either city would be a great destination for remote work in any industry.
Average salaries for these cities are similar: €54,467 ($61,807) in Cologne and €54,989 ($62,399) in Düsseldorf. The monthly costs in each city are almost identical as well, with total expenses hovering around €2,000/month, including rent.
Tips for Expats Moving to Work in Germany
Like many European countries, Germany is a welcoming destination for expats and offers a comfortable work-life balance. That said, moving to a new country is never easy! Here are a few tips to help your relocation go as smoothly as possible:
- Job Hunting: Check out the English Jobs Germany job board to find English-speaking work opportunities, or peruse options on sites like LinkedIn. Most major cities in Germany offer plenty of English positions.
- Work Permits: All non-EU citizens require a work visa to work and live in Germany. You must have a job offer to get a visa, so you’ll want to start applying for jobs before you plan your move.
- Culture: German culture is friendly, albeit a bit more reserved than American culture — you may not get a warm hello from every passerby, but your neighbors will be happy to help you in a pinch.
- Settling in: Don’t hesitate to make friends with your new coworkers! The more you get to know the people around you, the more at home you’ll feel in your new city.
Find Your Place to Work (and Thrive) in Germany
This list of cities covers just a few of the top places to work and live in Germany. From artsy West Berlin to the bustling financial district of Hamburg, it’s all about finding your place and your people.
Not sure where to go? While we love all the cities on this list, Berlin is a fantastic starting point. There is something in the German capital for everyone, whether you’re just starting out in your career or want to relocate your business. And if you’re looking for the best place to set up shop, check out our Berlin coworking space — a unique solution offering private offices and shared workspaces right in the heart of the city.