With a flourishing job market, impressive transport network, and an efficient administrative system, Germany is one of the most coveted countries to live in the world. Known for its prestigious automobile marques, buttery beer, and stunning landscapes, this European nation delivers on all fronts for a great standard of living. Notably, in the OECD Quality of Life index, the country ranks 9th in the safety and security category, and 13th in the environmental and climate category.
Anyone can purchase property in Germany regardless of their citizenship, creating a prosperous investment landscape for expats. The German property market is relatively stable, and investors can enjoy fixed interest rates, a high income threshold, and the spirit of entrepreneurial promise.
Read on to discover the best places to live in Germany
Berlin
Berlin, Germany’s capital and largest city, is one of the most sought-after cities to live in Europe. Steeped in history and rich culture, Berlin is an eclectic city that offers an excellent quality of life. Home to 3.85 million residents, it is the EU's most populous city.
Berlin is littered with momentous landmarks and brims with fascinating historic lore. While walking about the city, monuments such as the Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, Brandenburg Gate, and World War II sites will lay in your path. The bustling capital boasts 23 Michelin-starred restaurants and an assemblage of nightclubs, galleries, and museums, promising a truly enriching European city living experience.
Berlin has a thriving media and marketing industry and is a haven for creatives of all disciplines, whether a musician, artist, or writer. Properties in this beautiful capital are priced at €5,251 per square metre on average.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt is Germany’s finance and commerce hub. It is home to major financial institutions , such as the European Central Bank and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, in addition to several international banks. A commercial capital and centrally located in Europe, its airport is one of the busiest in the world.
Frankfurt’s skyline is marked by towering skyscrapers and historic monuments, blending old-world baroque charm with corporate prosperity. The city also has more than 30 museums as well as renowned technological hubs such as the DE-CIX.
A testament to its corporate and financial significance, Frankfurt abounds with fintech startups. It's also home to the prestigious Goethe University, and hosts world-class cultural fairs like the Frankfurt Book Fair and the Music Fair.
Frankfurt is every finance enthusiast’s and tech guru’s haven. Family condos are typically priced between €850,000 and €2.5 million.
Hamburg
Hamburg is Germany’s artistic haunt, underscored by its plethora of galleries, art museums, and picturesque neighbourhoods. It is the second largest city in Germany and the sixth largest in the EU.
Hamburg is peppered with vibrant bars and cafes, and it is plastered with Beatles-themed art (it was in this city that the band first became famous). The Speicherstadt – a colony of old warehouses and canals dating to the 19th century – is a key German UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Neo-Renaissance beauty of the Hamburg City Hall and the Kunstmeile (a motley of the city’s art museums) are other notable landmarks that lend Hamburg its bohemian flavour.
The Hamburg Port is Germany’s biggest and the EU’s third-largest port. As such, the maritime sector is thriving here – shipbuilding is particularly crucial to the industry. Biotechnology, aviation, media, and art-related niches are also flourishing in Hamburg.
Hamburg is one of Germany’s most expensive cities and has the highest population of millionaires in the country. The average price of a single-family home here is €4,962 per square metre.
Munich
Munich is arguably the most breathtaking city of Germany, abloom with rugged landscapes and majestic architecture. It is situated on the River Isar in the north of the Alps.
Baroque architecture and post-war finesse define the streets of Munich. Dating to the 8th century, Munich rose to significance during the Middle Ages, as evidenced by landmarks such as the 17th century Nymphenburg Palace, the 18th century Fürstenried Palace, and the 15th century Blutenburg Castle. Its old town, dating to the 12th century, has steadfastly held onto its quaint charm to this day.
Besides its old-world allure, Munich is known for its bustling markets, minted neighbourhoods, the distinguished Opera house, and the iconic Oktoberfest. Complementing its dated charm, engineering, automobile, fintech, and IT industries are thriving in Munich.
Munich has one of the highest standards of living in the world, ranked third in the 2023 Monocle Quality of Life Survey. It is also one of Germany’s most expensive cities and is home to some of the world’s most well-off individuals. Property prices in Munich are about €12,000 per square metre.
Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf is Germany’s de-facto fashion, music, and art capital, located on the right bank of the Rhine River. It is characterised by multiculturalism, modern architecture, and prosperous business enterprises, such as Henkel.
The Rheinuferpromenade (a thronging promenade by the Rhine River), the Königsallee (a high street lined with flagship designer stores such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Gucci), and the Rheinturm (the city’s tallest tower, presenting all-encompassing views of the cityscape) exemplify Düsseldorf's modern charm.
There are three major art venues in Düsseldorf, collectively known as the “Kunstsammlung Nordrhei”: the K21 at the Standehaus, the K20 at the Grabbeplatz, and the Schmela Haus. This site bears testimony to the city’s utterly unique artistic and architectural sensibilities.
Düsseldorf’s drive relies on its fashion and trade fairs, besides its DAX companies and Japanese corporations such as Hitachi, Daikin, and Asahi. The perfect city for fashionistas and tech entrepreneurs alike, the median house price in Düsseldorf is approximately €3,043 per square metre.
Cologne
Cologne is a 2,000-year-old city situated on the bank of Rhine River. It is Germany’s main cultural pulse, bestowed with rich history and staggering architecture. The city is easily identified by the ornate, double-spired Cologne Cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that embodies the best of High Gothic architecture.
Like most other German cities, Cologne is packed with museums, such as the Roman-Germanic Museum (an art and architecture museum), the Museum Ludwig (a modern art venue), and the Museum Schnütgen (a religious art monument).
The average price of a home in Cologne is €1,241 per square metre.
Stuttgart
Stuttgart is a beautiful city situated on the Neckar river in the Black Forest. Embraced by verdant forestland while headquartering luxury automobile brands, Stuttgart offers residents the best of both worlds. Home to Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, Stuttgart is unsurprisingly known as the "cradle of the automobile”, with museums dedicated to both brands. The city is also the birthplace of some highly reputed auto-enthusiast magazines, such as the “Autohauptstadt” (“capital of cars”). Besides cars, Stuttgart boasts a stunning share of vineyards, thermal spas, and parklands.
Stuttgart is the international hub for the automotive engineering and tech industries. Ideal for IT professionals and city dwellers, the average house price here is €3,470 per metre square.
Whether it’s revelling in the beauty of the European countryside or reaping the fruits of a rich business landscape, Germany is the ideal homestead for everyone. Residents are guaranteed an exemplary standard of living, an eclectic culture, and esteemed history. From the historic intrigue of Berlin to the technological prowess of Stuttgart, these are the best places to live in Germany.
