Are you ready to make the move to Germany, but haven’t decided where to settle? We’ve put together a guide to the best German cities for American expats looking to make the most of the high quality of life that Germany has to offer.
We’ve considered things like the German arts scene, nightlife, and green spaces, as well as work-life balance, cost of living, and career opportunities.
Here is our Remitly guide to the top seven best cities for expats and digital nomads in Germany.
Table of contents
Berlin: Germany’s dynamic and future-focused capital city
Any list of Germany’s top cities is likely to start with Berlin—and for good reason. Berlin is the capital of Germany and the country’s largest city.
It’s renowned for its art scene, nightlife, and its balance of recognizing Germany’s history while focusing on its future.
Pros
- Largest population of English speakers in Germany
- The cheapest capital city in Western Europe
- Great social life supports like international restaurants, cafes, art exhibits, and museums
- A hot spot for tech startups and freelancers
Cons
- The job market is incredibly competitive.
- Rents have been rising, and finding an apartment can be difficult.
If you’re looking for a vibrant cultural scene, a diverse international community, and incredible food, Berlin is an excellent choice.
Munich: emblematic of Bavarian culture
There’s no better city for experiencing traditional German culture than Munich, which is situated in the state of Bavaria.
The city is home to Oktoberfest, where you can don your lederhosen and wash down a pretzel with a large beer. Munich is famous for its beer halls and proximity to the Alps.
Pros
- Munich is the capital of German history and culture, with over 60 museums.
- The city attracts international professionals and has a vibrant expat community. European offices for major companies like Google, Microsoft, Siemens, and BMW, are located in the city.
- Big-city benefits like public transport, with a small town feel, thanks to 25 separate neighborhoods
Cons
- One of Germany’s most expensive cities
- Finding long-term leases can be difficult.
Varied employment opportunities, along with a rich culture and beautiful surroundings, make Munich a popular location for expats.
Hamburg: a port city filled with parks and cafes
Hamburg, which sits on the Elbe River, is one of Germany’s major cities in the North and is dotted with canals.
It boasts green spaces and parks—the perfect setting for all sorts of outdoor activities—and a central lake, surrounded by cafes.
Pros
- Often highly ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world thanks to a combination of culture, stability, and healthcare access
- Two lakes make this city a summer magnet for anyone who likes sailing or water sports.
- Emerging tech hub within Germany
Cons
- Relatively high costs for housing, dining, and transport
- Very rainy and grey for the majority of the year, giving meaning to the German saying, “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing”
Hamburg’s beautiful parks and high quality of life make it an attractive option for Americans looking to settle in Germany.
Frankfurt: the bustling business hub
This centrally-located city is also home to the European Central Bank. With Leipzig, Frankfurt is one of two seats of the German National Library, and is a city that values education and culture.
Frankfurt is also home to the Germany Football Association (that’s “soccer” to American expats).
Pros
- Very welcoming to expats, with more than a quarter of the population being foreign nationals
- Culturally, ethnically, and religiously diverse
- One of the wealthiest cities in Europe
- Easy travel options from Frankfurt International Airport
Cons
- High rental costs
- Tuition at international schools is very high.
American expats in search of a wide and diverse international network will feel right at home in Frankfurt.
Dusseldorf: the crossroads of art and fashion
Dusseldorf, split by the Rhine River, boasts beautiful streets lined with boutique shops. Dusseldorf, like many German cities, honors tradition, but is home to a culture that pushes the boundaries of the postmodern fashion, art, and music scenes.
Pros
- This relatively small city is very walkable.
- The job market is less competitive than in bigger cities.
- Dusseldorf has the third largest Japanese community in Europe, so there are amazing sushi restaurants.
- Its western location provides easy access to international travel to The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, and France.
Cons
- More car-centric than other Germany cities
- Frequent rain and cold winters
Expats are attracted to Dusseldorf because of its culture and style. It also serves as a great base to explore other countries in Europe.
Stuttgart: a green manufacturing center
Stuttgart, known as the “Cradle of the Automobile,” is home to the headquarters of both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche—some of the most beautiful cars are built in this city.
Stuttgart also boasts many parks, balancing its reputation as a manufacturing hub with green spaces.
Pros
- The US Army has a base in Stuttgart, so you’ll have contact with many other American expats, plus a local community that is familiar with Americans.
- Lots of job opportunities and affordable universities
- Vineyards dot the hills and valleys around the city, making for charming views and great wine.
- Lots of green spaces within the city and close to Germany’s famed Black Forest
Cons
- Surrounding hills trap exhaust, making air quality quite low.
- Post-war city center is not as architecturally or aesthetically beautiful to some people.
Car fanatics and wine lovers alike will love Stuttgart. Despite its strong automotive roots, the city is rich in green spaces and natural surroundings.
Cologne: picturesque Gothic architecture
Cologne, located on the Rhine River, is known for sweeping river views. Its city center is defined by examples of high gothic architecture.
Cologne is a city of culture, with many museums showcasing 20th-century art. If you’re looking for something sweeter, it’s home to the Lindt Chocolate Museum as well.
Pros
- An open-minded city known for its nightlife and partying. Cologne is also incredibly welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.
- Great public transportation and close proximity to other cities, like Bonn and Aachen
- The cathedral is a UNESCO world heritage site, and there’s plenty of other architecture to see as well.
- Amazing Christmas markets in the winter months
Cons
- Surprisingly hot and humid in the summer compared to other surrounding European cities, and air conditioning is not the norm
- The city center can be filled with tourists and crowds of people.
Americans looking for an open-minded city will love Cologne. It offers a diverse cultural environment, and could provide some interesting job opportunities, too.
Key tips for expats moving to Germany
Germany has many great cities for you to settle. These seven are our favorite, but you can also check out other options, like Heidelberg, Bremen, and Dortmund.
Here is some key information and tips about Germany that you might find useful:
- Germans value their work-life balance. There are strong laws about working hours and paid leave.
- Germans can be more reserved, but once you get to know people, they are often very loyal and value genuine friendships.
- Germany has an excellent healthcare system. You’ll need either public or private health insurance, depending on your situation.
- Germans generally value punctuality.
- Germany is serious about recycling, and provides multiple bins in public spaces. Check local recycling norms where you live.
- Quiet hours (“ruhezeit”) are very important in Germany, particularly in residential areas and apartment buildings. Exact times vary, but are typically between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on weekdays, and all day on Sundays.
As you’re preparing for your move to Germany, check out our resources on the German minimum wage, getting your driver’s license, and what you can deduct from your taxes as an immigrant.
Germany has so much to offer. Ready to take the next steps? Remitly has you covered. We’ll help you navigate the changes in finances that come along with your change of address by managing your secure, simple money transfers.
FAQs
Germany is known for its great healthcare system. It’s mandatory for everyone who is living or working in Germany to have health insurance. Depending on your situation, health insurance can be contracted through the public system or through private companies.
Unlike neighboring countries, like France and Spain, where speaking the native language is almost essential, in Germany you can often get away with speaking English, as many of the locals have a high level of English proficiency. However, you should try to reach a B1/B2 level of German in order to have a competitive edge in the job market.
LinkedIn and Indeed are great places to search for job opportunities in Germany. Many job posters also use more local platforms, like Gründerszene.
