Anastasiia Lushyna
Anastasiia is a content creator, writer, and motorcycle traveler with experience living in 4 different countries. She has been exploring the world and its cultural diversity since 2010.
Oleksandra Dosii
Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.
Last update: January 1, 2019
Next update: Scheduled for January 1, 2019
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is renowned for being the most expat-friendly city in the country. It boasts the largest expat community and provides a wealth of entry-level job opportunities. The city is home to a significant number of English speakers and a thriving startup scene, making it an ideal destination for professionals and entrepreneurs alike. Additionally, Berlin is famous for its vibrant nightlife, offering a dynamic and exciting social scene.
Interesting facts
- Berlin is nine times bigger than Paris.
- The city has more bridges than Venice.
- With around 175 museums, including world-famous sites like Museum Island, Berlin ranks among the top cultural hubs globally.
Population
Approximately 3.8 million
Number of expats
Over 880,000 (around 23% of the city's population)
Top 3 universities
Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin), Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin), Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)
Top-rated international schools
Berlin Brandenburg International School, Berlin International School (BIS), Berlin British School, SIS Swiss International School Berlin, John F. Kennedy School
Quality of life
24th on the Quality of Life Index
Crime rate
48/100 (moderate)
Weather
Cold winters and warm summers, typical of a temperate continental climate
The cost of living in Berlin is relatively affordable compared to other major European capitals. With an index of around 65, Berlin currently occupies the 57th position on the list of 217 entries. While the city has seen a rise in housing costs, it remains a popular choice for its expat community, a high number of English-speaking jobs, and a large startup scene. Berlin offers numerous free or low-cost cultural events and a thriving arts scene. Affordable public transportation and a well-connected network of bike lanes also contribute to its appeal.
Average salary
€55,000 per year
Average rent
Around €1,200 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center
Public transport (monthly pass)
€49
Average monthly expenses (excluding rent)
600-€800 for a single person and €1,500-€2,000 for a family of four
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Berlin is known for its job market, particularly in the tech and creative industries. The city offers numerous opportunities for professionals and has a reputation for being a startup hub. There are around 50 unicorn companies in Berlin, making it a great place for investments.
With a thriving ecosystem of co-working spaces, incubators, and events, Berlin attracts innovators and entrepreneurs from around the globe. Its central location in Europe and strong emphasis on cultural diversity further contribute to its appeal as a vibrant and entrepreneurial city, making it an attractive destination for career growth and professional development.
Explore Available Jobs
Finding accommodation in Berlin can be challenging, especially in popular neighborhoods — it may take months. Therefore, getting a short-term rental is the best way to start. Then, communicating with colleagues and other expats can help understand local rental trends and find a more decent place to stay.
Apartment deposit
Up to three months' rent
Best areas to live in Berlin
- Mitte
- Prenzlauer Berg
- Kreuzberg
- Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
- Neukölln
- Friedrichshain
Berlin accommodation search websites
- ImmobilienScout24.de
- WG-Gesucht.de
- Immowelt.de
- Nestpick
Berlin boasts an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. For instance, it takes only around 30-45 minutes to get from the East side of the city to its Western part. Many companies cover travel expenses for their employees, while Berlin is also highly bike-friendly, with over 1,000 kilometers of cycling paths and bike lanes integrated into the urban landscape.
Public transport options
- Berlin U-Bahn (subway)
- Berlin S-Bahn (urban rail)
- Trams (Straßenbahn)
- Buses (including night buses)
- Regional trains
Popular public transport ticket options
- Single Journey Ticket (Einzelfahrschein): €2.20-€4.40
- Day Ticket (Tageskarte): €6.50-€11.40
- Short Distance Ticket (Kurzstrecke): €1.90/€2.40
- Weekly Ticket (Wochenkarte): €41.50-€49
- Monthly Ticket (Monatskarte): €29-€119
- Berlin WelcomeCard (tourist pass with public transport option): from €26
Airports
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
Car rentals
Available from major providers like Sixt, Hertz, and Europcar
Cycling infrastructure
Berlin offers over 1,000 kilometers of bike lanes, making cycling accessible, though not as extensive as Amsterdam or Copenhagen. Top rental services include Nextbike, Donkey Republic, and Lime.
Useful apps
- BVG FahrInfo: Official app by Berlin's public transport authority (BVG), providing real-time schedules, route planning, and ticket purchase options.
- Jelbi: Integrates various mobility services including public transport, rental bikes, scooters, and car sharing, allowing users to plan and pay for their entire journey through one app.
Berlin has a healthcare system with numerous hospitals and clinics offering high-quality medical care. Well-equipped emergency departments (Notaufnahme) in hospitals throughout the city ensure timely access to urgent medical care.
The city is also at the forefront of digital health initiatives, with increasing adoption of telemedicine services, electronic health records (EHRs), and digital platforms for patient-doctor communication.
Top hospitals and clinics
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
- Vivantes Hospital Group
- Berlin Heart Center
English-speaking doctors in Berlin
Major hospitals and clinics in Berlin, such as Charité or Vivantes, usually have multilingual staff and can provide information on English-speaking doctors practicing within their facilities.
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