Moving to Germany is an exciting opportunity, but one of the biggest, and earliest, decisions you’ll face is where to live.
Germany is not a single, uniform market; each region and city offers something unique in terms of housing, lifestyle, culture and opportunities for expats.
This guide provides an overview of the property market, transport, climate, expat hubs, and a regional comparison to help you create a shortlist and select the most suitable for you location.
Germany’s Property Market
Germany has long been a country of renters, with just over 50% homeownership which is one of the lowest rates in Europe.
That means rental markets are well-developed, though competition in major cities can be fierce.
- National average (2025): ~€4,161 per square metre.
- Existing properties: ~€3,403 per square metre.
- New builds: ~€5,478 per square metre.
- Most expensive: Munich (~€8,500 per square metre).
- Most affordable: Eastern cities such as Leipzig, Dresden, and Chemnitz, often under €2,500 per square metre.
For many Americans, housing will feel more compact than suburban U.S. homes, with apartment living standard in urban areas.
Getting Around: Germany’s Transport Network
Germany is exceptionally well connected, meaning you don’t need to base yourself where you work forever, commutes and intercity travel are straightforward.
- High-speed rail (ICE) links major cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg within hours. High-speed rail also connects German cities with other European cities, including Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Vienna, Venice, Prague and Warsaw.
- Local transport: extensive tram, bus, U-Bahn, and S-Bahn networks make cars optional in big cities.
- Autobahn: famous for sections with no speed limits, useful if you plan to drive.
- Airports: Frankfurt, Munich, and Düsseldorf are major international hubs, making trips back to the U.S. or elsewhere in Europe easy.
For expats, this means you can comfortably live without a car in urban centres and still enjoy fast access across Europe. However, having a car suddenly makes the whole of Europe accessible.
Weather and Climate
Germany has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons:
Spring (March – May)
- Temperatures rise from chilly March days (5–10°C / 41–50°F) to pleasant May afternoons (15–20°C / 59–68°F).
- Spring is also festival season, with Easter markets and local fairs. Rain showers are common, so umbrellas are a must.
Summer (June – August)
- Daytime highs range between 20–30°C (68–86°F), with occasional heatwaves pushing above 35°C (95°F).
- Northern regions (Hamburg, Bremen) are milder, while southern and eastern areas (Munich, Leipzig) can get quite hot.
- Long daylight hours, the sun sets after 9:30pm in June, ideal for outdoor dining, lake swimming, and open-air concerts.
- Summers can be humid and not all homes have air conditioning.
Autumn/Fall (September – November)
- Temperatures gradually cool from 15–20°C (59–68°F) in September to 5–10°C (41–50°F) in November.
- Known for crisp air, colourful foliage, and the grape harvest in wine regions along the Rhine and Moselle.
- Oktoberfest in Munich and local harvest festivals define the season.
- Rain and fog become more frequent, and evenings get noticeably darker.
Winter (December – February)
- Average temperatures hover around 0°C (32°F), though the south and east often dip below freezing.
- Snow is common in Bavaria and mountain regions, offering excellent skiing, but less so in northern lowlands.
- Short daylight hours (sunset before 5pm in December) can feel gloomy.
- On the brighter side, Christmas markets transform cities and towns with lights, mulled wine, and festive traditions.
Climate by Regions
- Northwest: milder but wetter due to the North Sea influence.
- South: sunnier in summer, snowier, and colder in winter, perfect for skiing and hiking.
- East: more extreme; hotter summers and colder winters than the west.
Overall, Germany avoids US-style weather extremes. Expect moderate but varied conditions depending on region.
Expat Hotspots
Certain German cities are especially welcoming to internationals and have large American communities:
- Frankfurt am Main – Germany’s finance capital, home to the European Central Bank and many global banks. English is widely used in business.
- Berlin – Creative and international, Berlin attracts expats for its start-up scene, nightlife, and affordability compared to Munich.
- Munich – Wealthy, safe, and close to the Alps. Ideal for families, but the most expensive city.
- Hamburg – A maritime hub with a global outlook, strong in trade, media, and logistics.
- Düsseldorf – International business centre with one of the world’s largest Japanese communities.
- Stuttgart & Heidelberg – Stuttgart is home to Mercedes and Porsche; Heidelberg has a strong university presence and international culture.
Regional Comparisons at a Glance
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Region
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Avg. Property Price (€/m²)*
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Job Prospects
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English Proficiency
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Quirks & Lifestyle
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Bavaria (Munich, Nuremberg)
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Munich €8,500
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Strong; automotive, tech, finance
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High (EF English Proficiency Index)
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Beer gardens, Oktoberfest, Alpine lifestyle, conservative but international in Munich
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|
North Rhine-Westphalia (Cologne, Düsseldorf, Bonn)
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€4,000–4,500
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Diverse; finance, media, logistics
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Very high; best in Germany (EF Index)
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Carnival traditions, media hub in Cologne, strong Japanese community in Düsseldorf
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|
Baden-Württemberg (Stuttgart, Heidelberg, Freiburg)
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€4,500–5,000
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Engineering, automotive, research
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High
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Precision culture, Black Forest, university towns with international students
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|
Northern Germany (Hamburg, Bremen, Lower Saxony)
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Hamburg €6,000, elsewhere €3,500–4,000
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Maritime, shipping, media
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Mid–high
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Port culture, maritime festivals, relaxed coastal lifestyle
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|
Eastern Germany (Leipzig, Dresden, Thuringia)
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€2,000–2,500
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Mixed; Leipzig rising as a startup hub, others lower
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Moderate
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Artistic cities, post-industrial landscapes, strong history and heritage
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*Property data: Investropa 2025 (national avg. €4,161/m²; existing ~€3,403/m², new builds ~€5,478/m²).*
FAQs When Choosing Where to Live in Germany
Which German cities are most popular with expats?
Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Düsseldorf are favourites for expats.
- Berlin suits creatives and start ups with a large international scene.
- Frankfurt is strong for finance.
- Munich offers a family friendly, high quality lifestyle. Hamburg has a maritime, media and trade focus.
- Düsseldorf has a sizeable international business community.
- Smaller cities such as Leipzig and Heidelberg appeal for lower costs and strong university and research ecosystems.
Is it better to live in a big city or a smaller town?
Big cities ease the transition with English speaking services, international schools and broader job markets, but housing is pricier and competition higher.
Smaller towns offer lower costs, calmer streets and a more local feel, though daily life usually requires stronger German.
Mid-sized options such as Freiburg or Bonn balance affordability, quality of life and good transport links.
Where in Germany is housing most affordable?
Eastern cities like Leipzig, Dresden and Chemnitz are typically far cheaper than Munich, Frankfurt or Hamburg. In the north, Bremen and Hanover are often closer to national averages.
Lower prices can mean smaller international communities, so weigh savings against access to English language services and networks.
Which regions are best for families, students or professionals?
Families often prefer Munich, Stuttgart and Düsseldorf for safety, green space and schools. Students gravitate to Berlin, Heidelberg and Leipzig for universities, culture and affordability.
Professionals often choose Frankfurt for finance, Munich for engineering and corporate headquarters, Berlin for tech and start ups, and Hamburg for media and trade. Prioritise the sector fit and lifestyle needs according to your situation.
What factors should I consider when deciding where to live?
Match your industry to the strongest city for jobs, set a realistic housing budget, consider how much English you will need day to day, and choose a lifestyle preference between international city buzz and quieter local living.
Check transport links to airports and high speed rail if you expect frequent travel, and shortlist neighbourhoods that fit commuting, schools and access to green space.
Checklist For Choosing Where to Live in Germany
12 Months Before Move
- Research expat-friendly cities.
- Compare housing prices by region.
- Check job market alignment with your profession.
6 Months Before Move
- Shortlist 2–3 cities.
- Visit in person if possible or connect with expat forums.
- Compare schools, healthcare, and daily costs.
3 Months Before Move
- Research neighbourhoods in chosen city.
- Monitor property and rental listings.
- Decide on must-haves vs. nice-to-haves.
Final Month Before Move
- Secure temporary housing to allow neighbourhood exploration.
- Arrange support from relocation agents if needed.
- Plan viewings and paperwork after arrival.
- Book your car lease.
Summary of where to live in Germany
Where you choose to live in Germany will depend on your priorities: career prospects, cost of living, cultural fit, or family needs.
Big cities make the transition easier with international networks and English services, while smaller towns offer authenticity and affordability.
To make the right choice, take time to research thoroughly, plan visits beyond short stays and speak to relocation specialists who understand the challenges of settling in Germany.
