Berlin is a beautiful place to live and one of Germany's most popular cities. However, if you’re going to live in Berlin, you need a more nuanced view of the area than just the positives. There are things to consider - cons as it were - and they will influence your decision.
We’re not giving you information to dissuade you from living in the area; we are just trying to help you make sensible choices. If you require a removal service to Berlin, Pinnacle Removals and Storage will be able to help you. Let’s now get started and take a proper look at what you need to know.
Pro - Lower Living Costs
Berlin enjoys a lower cost of living than many of its European counterparts. It is arguably one of the cheapest parts of Germany and might be the most affordable capital city in Western Europe.
Berlin's major living costs are rent, utilities, and health insurance. Other average expenses, like entertainment, groceries, public transport, and fine dining, are all affordable, considering this is one of the major cities in Europe.
Con - Lower Salaries
For every up, there is a down. The living costs in Berlin are lower, but salaries are lower to match them. The average salary for a property in Berlin is roughly 10% to 20% lower than in some of the major cities like Hamburg or Munich.
Compounding the situation is a lack of high-paying positions in the city. Computers and IT are the dominant industries for big earners, so if you’re not working in that sector, you may struggle to make an equivalent salary to other German cities. As we said, the cost of living is lower, so it balances, but it is worth noting.
Pro - Lots of Character
Berlin is a city with lots of character, which is why it can be a wonderful place to live. Every neighbourhood in the city is unique, and there’s a charm to appreciate everywhere you go. Each district seemingly caters to a different category or style, so finding a place where you can belong isn't difficult. Being a capital city, Berlin is multicultural, and this helps to give anyone a place to settle.
Con - Crime is Higher
Berlin attracts people from all over the world who want to build exciting new lives for themselves. However, not all the people who flock to Berlin have good intentions—there are crimes happening all over the city, and you need to have your wits about you if you’re going to stay safe.
It is worth noting that the overall crime rate is low, but there are some neighborhoods - you’ll learn quickly through reputation - that need to be avoided.
Pro - Lots of English Jobs
If you work in specific sectors in Berlin, you’ll be pleased to see that there are many job opportunities, and they’re all in English. Software programmers, engineers, e-commerce and biotech experts, and web and app developers have plenty of job opportunities, which is great for anyone moving to start a career.
Plus, many of these job opportunities speak English exclusively because startups from all over the world have headquarters in Berlin.
Cons - Lack of Other English-Speaking Jobs
Unfortunately, jobs are uncommon for English speakers outside the few key sectors we discussed. Strong language skills are usually needed to find suitable positions. Some countries don’t really mandate having to learn to speak the language immediately to get a job.
Unfortunately, Berlin is one of those cities where you need to be able to speak German at a very high level if you want to get a high-paying job. It might be worth studying before you move.
Pro - Good Work/Life Balance
One of the best things about Berlin is that it has a very keen understanding of the importance of splitting time properly between work and your personal life. if you’re somebody who values being able to spend time doing the things that you love, then you’ll probably fit right in.
This isn’t a high-flying, business-driven city. It’s full of start-ups, entrepreneurs, and creatives. Lots of people work part-time to pursue their passions.
Con - Not a Rich City
Unfortunately, Berlin is a city that doesn’t particularly put emphasis on business. If you’re trying to move somewhere and become affluent, there are better places to live in. This is more of a city for the creatives and those who don’t agree with the corporate rat race. That’s not to say there isn’t a business presence because there are several strong industries in Berlin.
Closing Thoughts
Berlin is a nice place to live. Economic growth is not at the heart of the city, and it’s not a priority for the people who live there. It’s a place where people come to chase their dreams, whether that is starting a business or pursuing a creative passion. This is no bad thing if this is something that you want to experience for yourself, but if you’re looking for a cutthroat business world to thrive in, this is not for you.
As long as you understand what Berlin is and what the city is trying to accomplish, it’s well worth moving here. This is a nice, culturally diverse, enjoyable city. It has a lot to offer people who have the time to stop and experience the many charms that are off, with different districts providing a different glimpse into unique lifestyles. However, it’s not for everybody. You might struggle to build a wealthy life, so it’s recommended that you have a position in one of the dominating industries lined up for you.
We have a lot of people who want to start a brand-new life for themselves in Berlin. As an international removal company, we have plenty of experience transporting people across the world.
We would be happy to help you start a brand-new life in Berlin or anywhere else, so please feel free to speak to us at Pinnacle Removals & Storage and find out more about what we can do for you.