The Best Cities in Germany for Expats to Live in 2026

A high salary in Germany doesn't necessarily guarantee a comfortable life: a significant portion of your income can be eaten up by rent and daily expenses. Here are seven cities that offer expats the best combination of work, affordability, and quality of life

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Munich offers high salaries but has the highest housing costs. Berlin attracts international companies, but finding an apartment there is becoming increasingly difficult. Leipzig is more affordable, although its job market lags behind that of the major business centers. The best cities in Germany for expats also include Frankfurt, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Stuttgart—each of which is suitable for different professions, budgets, and plans.

The difference in costs is indeed significant. The median rent in major cities can exceed 20 euros per square meter, while in Leipzig it remains close to 11 euros per square meter. At the same time, the most expensive cities are home to international companies, major universities, and high-paying job opportunities. That is why it is important to evaluate not just a single figure, but the balance between income, housing costs, and career opportunities.

Moving to a new country is not only about new opportunities, but also about many bureaucratic issues that should be resolved in advance. Each country has its own rules for obtaining a residence permit or citizenship, and it can be difficult to figure them out on your own. The Visit World team has prepared convenient guides with step-by-step instructions for dozens of destinations that will help you avoid common mistakes when applying for documents.

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Berlin: An International City with Expensive and Scarce Housing

Berlin is best suited for expats working in technology, the creative industries, science, media, or those planning to start their own business. At the end of 2025, the city was home to about 3.9 million people, including over 976,000 foreigners from more than 190 countries. The proportion of foreign nationals reached 25%, making it easier to find an international community here than in most other German cities.

At the same time, Berlin can no longer be called a cheap capital. In the first half of 2026, the median rent for new leases was 18.66 euros per square meter, and in new buildings, it was 21.92 euros per square meter. This refers to the base rent, excluding heating, electricity, internet, and other associated costs. A 50 m² apartment will cost approximately 933–1,096 euros per month, but in central neighborhoods and popular new developments, the price can be significantly higher. Supply remains limited, so landlords often have their pick from among dozens of applicants.

An approximate monthly budget in Berlin looks like this:

- Rent for a 50 m² apartment – 930 to 1,100 euros, excluding utilities

- Utilities, electricity, and internet – approximately 250–350 euros

- Groceries for one adult – about 250–350 euros

- Deutschlandticket for local and regional public transportation – 63 euros per month

- Total budget for one person – approximately 1,800–2,300 euros

- Expenses for a family with two children – approximately 4,000–5,000 euros, depending on housing, neighborhood, and type of schooling

The median gross annual salary for a full-time employee in Berlin is about 50,280 euros, or approximately 4,190 euros per month before taxes and social security contributions. This is lower than the national average of 54,066 euros.

Higher incomes are available to developers, engineers, doctors, cybersecurity and fintech specialists, and project managers. In contrast, salaries in the hospitality and retail sectors, as well as in some creative professions, may not adequately cover current housing costs.

Berlin’s startup ecosystem provides about 94,000 jobs, and the combined value of venture-backed companies is estimated at 169 billion euros. However, the large number of companies does not guarantee quick employment. In August 2026, the unemployment rate in Berlin reached 10.6%, significantly exceeding the German national average. Most English-speaking job openings are concentrated in IT, startups, research institutions, and international corporations. Jobs in customer service, medicine, education, administration, and local businesses typically require German proficiency at least at the B1–B2 level.

It is entirely possible to live without a car in Berlin. The public transportation network includes nine subway lines and 175 stations, as well as the S-Bahn commuter rail, trams, buses, and ferries. A single-ride ticket in zones AB will cost 4 euros in 2026. The main drawbacks are construction, strikes, and occasional delays. Berlin-Brandenburg Airport can be reached by regional trains and the S-Bahn.

For families, a major advantage is free childcare at public preschools. Parents typically pay 23 euros per month for meals, and children aged one and older are entitled to stay at the preschool for up to seven hours a day. However, being eligible does not mean that a spot will be immediately available in your chosen neighborhood. The city also has public bilingual schools and private international schools, but tuition at private institutions can cost several thousand euros a year.

In our previous article, we provided a detailed guide on how to start a business in Germany.

Munich: The Highest Salaries and the Most Expensive Rent

Munich is a good fit for highly qualified expats working in the automotive industry, IT, engineering, finance, insurance, the aerospace sector, or the pharmaceutical industry. The city is home to the headquarters of BMW, Siemens, Allianz, and Munich Re, as well as offices of Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and other international companies. English may be sufficient for working in technology and research teams, but knowing German significantly expands your job options.

In March 2026, Munich had a population of over 1.6 million. Foreign nationals accounted for about 30.6% of the population, and more than 805,000 residents had a migrant background. The city remains international, though its English-speaking community is smaller than Berlin’s.

The median annual salary in Munich in 2026 is 64,750 euros gross, which is the highest among Germany’s major cities. This is approximately 20% higher than the national median of 53,900 euros. Doctors, engineers, IT professionals, bank employees, and executives earn the most. In contrast, high local prices can put a serious strain on the budgets of workers in the service and hospitality sectors.

Major expenses in Munich:

- Rent – an average of 25.41 euros per m², and 26.48 euros per m² in new buildings

- A 50 m² apartment – approximately 1,270–1,325 euros, excluding utilities

- Utilities, electricity, and internet – about 250–350 euros

- Groceries for one adult – approximately 300–400 euros

- Deutschlandticket – 63 euros per month

- Total budget for one person – approximately 2,400–2,900 euros

- Expenses for a family with two children – approximately 5,000–6,500 euros, depending on the apartment and education

In the first half of 2026, rent in Munich rose by another 5.4%. The average rate was 41% higher than in the country’s eight largest cities. The situation is exacerbated by sluggish construction: in 2025, only 4,324 apartments were completed in Munich, 33.5% fewer than the previous year.

Public transportation includes the subway, the city commuter rail, trams, and buses. The U-Bahn network consists of eight lines and nearly 100 stations. The S-Bahn connects the city center with the suburbs and the airport, although delays do occur on commuter routes. A car is not essential for daily life within the city itself.

Munich is attractive to families due to its many parks, low crime rate, top-tier universities, and access to the Alps. There are public, bilingual, and international schools. At the same time, a family apartment can cost over 2,000 euros per month, and spots in daycare centers should be secured well in advance.

Learn more about the highest-paying professions in Germany by following the link.

Frankfurt: A Financial Hub with High Salaries

Frankfurt is worth considering for bankers, financial analysts, auditors, consultants, lawyers, IT specialists, and logistics professionals.

The city is home to the European Central Bank, the Deutsche Bundesbank, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and branches of dozens of foreign financial institutions. By the end of 2026, the number of employees in the city’s banking sector could reach 75,500.

Frankfurt has a population of about 781,000, but the city is the center of the Rhine-Main region, which has a population of over 5 million. The large proportion of foreigners and the concentration of international companies make English the de facto language in finance, consulting, technology, and research institutions. German is generally required for jobs in public administration, healthcare, education, and local companies.

The median salary in Frankfurt is 64,000 euros gross per year, second only to Munich among major German cities. The banking sector has a nationwide median of about 70,250 euros, but experienced professionals in risk management, compliance, investments, and financial technology can earn more.

Major expenses in Frankfurt:

- Rent – on average, 19.45 euros per m²

- A 50 m² apartment – about 970 euros, excluding utilities

- Similar housing in a new building – approximately 1,080 euros

- Utilities, electricity, and internet – approximately 250–350 euros

- Groceries for one adult – about 280–380 euros

- Deutschlandticket – 63 euros per month

- Total budget for one person – approximately 2,000–2,500 euros

- Expenses for a family with two children – approximately 4,300–5,500 euros

Rent remains high, but is still noticeably lower than in Munich. In the first half of 2026, rates for new leases rose by 2.4%, averaging 21.55 euros per square meter in new construction. In 2025, 3,772 apartments were completed in the city. That’s 48 new units per 10,000 residents—the best figure among Germany’s eight largest cities.

Frankfurt has the best public transportation accessibility among the country’s major cities. About 95% of residents live near routes with regular service. The subway, commuter rail, trams, and buses make it possible to live without a car. The international airport is about a 15-minute trip from the central train station.

For families, Frankfurt is appealing for its compact layout, green spaces, and large number of international and bilingual schools. However, private English-language education is expensive, and family apartments in central neighborhoods are limited. More affordable options can be found in Offenbach, Hanau, and other cities in the metropolitan area, while still allowing for a daily commute to work in Frankfurt.

In terms of income levels and transportation accessibility, Frankfurt is one of the strongest options for expats. Professionals who already have a job offer in finance, consulting, IT, or logistics will benefit the most from moving here.

We previously discussed how to rent an apartment in Germany: lease agreement, security deposit, and tenant rights.

Hamburg: Logistics, Aviation, and Family-Friendly Living

Hamburg is a good fit for professionals in logistics, maritime transport, aviation, mechanical engineering, renewable energy, media, and IT. The city is home to Airbus, Lufthansa Technik, Hapag-Lloyd, the Otto Group, Beiersdorf, and dozens of international logistics companies. Hamburg’s aviation cluster brings together over 300 companies and institutions, employing approximately 48,700 professionals.

At the end of 2025, the city’s population stood at 1.87 million. Over the course of a year, it grew by nearly 7,000 people due to migration. About one-fifth of the residents are foreign nationals, so there are numerous international communities here. English is often sufficient in aviation, shipping, technology, and international trade. In the service sector, medicine, education, and when working with local clients, German is generally required.

The median salary in Hamburg is 60,000 euros gross per year, or 5,000 euros per month before taxes. This ranks third among Germany’s major cities, behind Munich and Frankfurt. The highest earners include engineers, IT specialists, logistics managers, aviation professionals, and corporate finance specialists.

Estimated living costs in Hamburg:

- Rent – on average, 18.63 euros per m²

- A 50 m² apartment – about 930 euros, excluding utilities

- Similar housing in a new building – approximately 1,190 euros

- Utilities, electricity, and internet – approximately 250–350 euros

- Groceries for one adult – about 280–380 euros

- Deutschlandticket – 63 euros per month

- Total budget for one person – approximately 2,000–2,500 euros

- Budget for a family with two children – approximately 4,300–5,500 euros

Hamburg is among the cities with the fastest-rising housing costs. In the first half of 2026, rents for new leases rose by 4.7%, and housing in new construction cost an average of 23.75 euros per m². In 2025, 5,976 apartments were completed in the city, which is 28.2% fewer than the previous year. More affordable options can be found outside the city center, particularly in the districts of Harburg, Bergedorf, and Wandsbek.

The transportation network includes four U-Bahn subway lines, four S-Bahn lines, buses, regional trains, and ferries across the Elbe. On weekdays, major routes run from approximately 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. at 5–10-minute intervals. On weekends, part of the network operates at night. The airport is located within the city limits and is connected to the city center by an S-Bahn line.

Hamburg is family-friendly, with plenty of green spaces, bodies of water, and residential areas outside the business district. Basic childcare at a daycare center for up to five hours a day, including lunch, is free of charge. For additional hours, parents pay a fee, the amount of which depends on their income and family composition. The city has bilingual and international schools, but admission to popular institutions should be planned well in advance.

In our previous article, we provided a step-by-step guide for foreigners on the specifics of finding employment in Germany.

Düsseldorf: International Business and More Affordable Rent

Düsseldorf is a good fit for expats working in consulting, telecommunications, finance, insurance, retail, fashion, and manufacturing. Major employers include Vodafone Germany, Henkel, Rheinmetall, E.ON, and Metro. The Messe Düsseldorf exhibition center plays an important role, regularly hosting international industry events.

At the end of 2025, the city was home to about 659,000 people. Düsseldorf has one of the largest Japanese communities in Europe: about 8,400 Japanese citizens and approximately 400 Japanese companies. Due to its international business environment, English is often the working language in large corporations, consulting firms, and the technology sector. Jobs at local companies and in the public sector typically require a B1–B2 level of German.

There is no single, precise figure for the median salary in the city. A rough guideline for western regions of Germany is about 56,250 euros gross per year. In consulting, telecommunications, insurance, IT, and manufacturing, experienced professionals can expect to earn 60,000–80,000 euros. Incomes in retail, hospitality, and administrative support are generally lower.

Major Expenses in Düsseldorf

- Rent – on average, 16.19 euros per m²

- A 50 m² apartment – approximately 810 euros, excluding utilities

- Similar housing in a new building – about 1,020 euros

- Utilities, electricity, and internet – approximately 250–350 euros

- Groceries for one adult – about 280–380 euros

- Deutschlandticket – 63 euros per month

- Total budget for one person – approximately 1,800–2,300 euros

- Budget for a family with two children – approximately 4,000–5,000 euros

Housing here is cheaper than in Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin, and Hamburg. However, prices are rising rapidly.

In the first half of 2026, rents for new leases rose by 7.4%—one of the highest increases among Germany’s major cities. In 2025, only 1,704 apartments were completed, although permits were issued for 3,004 units.

Public transportation includes the S-Bahn, city and underground trams, buses, and regional trains. From the main train station, it is easy to reach Cologne, Duisburg, Essen, and other business centers in the Rhine-Ruhr region. The airport is located about 10 km from the city center. It has its own train station and an automated SkyTrain connecting the terminals to the trains.

For families, Düsseldorf offers quiet residential neighborhoods, the Rhine waterfront, parks, an international school, and a separate Japanese school. Daycare fees depend on the child’s age, family income, and the number of hours of care. The last two years before school in North Rhine-Westphalia are exempt from parental fees.

We previously discussed how to obtain a temporary residence permit and resident status in Germany in 2026.

Stuttgart: High Incomes for Engineers and a Housing Shortage

Stuttgart is primarily geared toward engineers, programmers, researchers, and industrial production specialists. Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Bosch, Mahle, Kärcher, IBM, and hundreds of supplier companies operate in the city and the surrounding region. Specialists in automation, electronics, artificial intelligence, software development, and electric mobility are particularly in demand.

At the end of 2025, Stuttgart’s population stood at approximately 606,000. About 28% of residents are foreign nationals, and the share of the population with a migrant background exceeds 45%. However, there are fewer English-language job openings here than in Berlin or Frankfurt. English may be sufficient in international technology teams, but in manufacturing and when working with local partners, a B1–B2 level of German is often required.

Salaries in Stuttgart are among the highest in Germany. Engineers, developers, and automotive industry specialists typically earn 60,000–75,000 euros gross per year, while experienced managers and highly specialized professionals earn over 80,000 euros. However, the automotive sector is undergoing a complex transformation. Companies are cutting costs and restructuring their workforces, while at the same time increasing demand for experts in electrification, digital systems, and industrial automation.

Major living expenses in Stuttgart:

- Rent – on average, 17.33 euros per m²

- A 50 m² apartment – approximately 870 euros, excluding utilities

- A similar apartment in a new building – about 1,150 euros

- Utilities, electricity, and internet – approximately 250–350 euros

- Groceries for one adult – about 280–380 euros

- Deutschlandticket – 63 euros per month

- Total budget for one person – approximately 1,900–2,400 euros

- Budget for a family with two children – approximately 4,200–5,400 euros

In the first half of 2026, rent rose by 2.4%, while rates in new construction projects increased by 7.3%. The problem lies in the slow pace of construction. In 2025, only 661 apartments were completed in Stuttgart—half as many as the previous year. That’s just 10 new units per 10,000 residents—the lowest figure among Germany’s eight largest cities.

Stuttgart has one of the best public transportation systems among German metropolitan areas. About 92% of residents live near routes with regular service. The network includes the S-Bahn, the U-Bahn light rail, buses, and regional trains. The main drawbacks are the renovation of the central station as part of the Stuttgart 21 project, traffic jams, and delays on commuter lines.

For families, the city is attractive for its green neighborhoods, parks, strong public schools, and proximity to nature. Daycare centers charge fees, but the amount depends on the number of children, the duration of care, and the type of facility. Private international education is expensive: annual tuition at the International School of Stuttgart starts at approximately 14,950 euros for younger children and exceeds 20,000 euros for older students.

Learn more about the basic benefits in Germany in 2026 by following the link.

Leipzig: Lower Rent, but a More Challenging Job Market

Leipzig is the most affordable city in this selection. It is well-suited for professionals in logistics, the automotive industry, e-commerce, IT, medicine, and biotechnology. The city is home to BMW and Porsche plants, a DHL logistics hub, and a large Amazon distribution center that employs about 2,000 people.

At the end of 2025, Leipzig’s population stood at 633,592. Over the past ten years, it has grown by approximately 66,000 residents. The city attracts students, young professionals, and families who cannot or do not want to spend more than 1,000 euros on a small apartment.

The median salary in Leipzig is 51,250 euros gross per year. This is 2,650 euros less than the German national average and 13,500 euros less than in Munich. Engineering, technology, medical, and management positions are well-paid. In logistics, retail, service industries, and entry-level manufacturing positions, incomes are lower.

Major expenses in Leipzig:

- Rent – on average, 11.19 euros per m²

- A 50 m² apartment – approximately 560 euros, excluding utilities

- Similar housing in a new building – about 750 euros

- Utilities, electricity, and internet – approximately 230–330 euros

- Groceries for one adult – about 250–350 euros

- Deutschlandticket – 63 euros per month

- Total budget for one person – approximately 1,600–2,000 euros

- Budget for a family with two children – approximately 4,200–5,000 euros

Leipzig remains the cheapest rental market among Germany’s eight largest cities. In the first half of 2026, rent rates rose by only 1.6%, but over the past five years, the average annual increase has been about 8%. According to a city survey, households spend an average of 29% of their income on rent, and for some residents, this figure reaches 42%.

The main drawback is a less stable labor market. In August 2026, unemployment in Leipzig reached 9.3%, while the nationwide figure was 6.5%. English-speaking job openings are available in IT, international logistics, research institutions, and large industrial companies. In other sectors, German proficiency at the B1–B2 level is often required.

Public transportation consists of 13 tram lines, five commuter rail lines, and over 60 bus routes. The central station provides direct high-speed connections to Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg. Leipzig/Halle Airport is primarily important as a cargo and logistics hub, so the selection of passenger flights is limited compared to Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich.

For families, the advantages include more affordable housing, a large number of parks, and the city’s compact size. Public schools are free, but instruction is in German. The Leipzig International School offers instruction in English and accepts children as young as one year old; however, tuition costs approximately 9,850–16,500 euros per year, depending on the child’s age.

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