The Pros and Cons of Living in Frankfurt

There are plenty of amazing cities you can choose when you are thinking about moving to Europe. This can make it hard to decide exactly which one is right for you and your family.

Germany has several cities that are popular with people moving from the UK, and you can explore some of the best cities to live in Germany before deciding whether Frankfurt is the right fit for you. One of the most interesting options for anyone moving to Frankfurt from the UK is this busy, international city on the River Main. It is home to a major international airport, a well-known skyline and a big finance scene, but there is much more to it than that.

To help you decide whether it could work for your lifestyle, we have put together a closer look at the pros and cons of living in Frankfurt, especially if you are living in Germany as a Brit for the first time.

Job Opportunities in Frankfurt

One of the main advantages of choosing to live in Frankfurt over other cities is the range of jobs and career prospects. The city is home to the European Central Bank and many global and European headquarters, so it is widely recognised as a key financial hub in Europe. Banking, insurance, asset management and consulting are all big employers, which is good news if your background is in finance or business, and means there are plenty of jobs in Frankfurt for expats with the right skills.

It is also a strong place to be if you work in tech or digital industries. Frankfurt has one of the largest internet exchange points in the world and a growing tech and data centre scene, so there are plenty of roles in IT, software, cyber security and related services. English is often used in international companies, which can make the transition easier for expats who are still learning German.

Even if you do not work in finance or tech, there are still good opportunities across sectors such as logistics, aviation, hospitality and education, especially if you have in-demand experience or language skills.

The Cost of Living

The flip side to all these job opportunities is that Frankfurt is not a cheap place to live. Understanding the cost of living in Frankfurt before you move is important, as it will affect everything from where you live to how often you travel back to the UK. Salaries are usually generous compared to many other parts of Germany, but a large portion of what you are paid will go on taxes and social security contributions. This can feel a little disheartening until you remember that those contributions help to fund healthcare, infrastructure and social benefits.

Frankfurt is also recognised as one of the more expensive cities in Germany in terms of everyday costs. Housing, in particular, can be pricey, especially if you want to live close to the centre or in popular neighbourhoods with good schools and easy access to public transport. You may find that you need to compromise on space or location to keep your rent at a comfortable level.

Groceries, eating out and leisure activities can also be more expensive than in smaller German cities. You can definitely save money by shopping at discount supermarkets, using public transport rather than owning a car and exploring free or low-cost activities, but it is still important to be realistic about your monthly budget before you move.

A Welcoming City

Compared with some other cities in Europe, Frankfurt is known for being particularly warm and welcoming to people from all over the world. The city has a very multicultural feel, with a large international community and residents from many different backgrounds making it their home.

This diversity shows up in everyday life. You will find international restaurants, cultural festivals, language meetups and expat groups, which can make it easier to settle in and make new friends. English is widely spoken in many parts of the city, especially in business and service environments, which can help you while you get to grips with German.

Because the population is so international, Frankfurt is also well served by international schools and bilingual education options. This can be a big advantage if you are moving with children and want them to continue a particular curriculum or to have support in English while they adapt to their new surroundings, and it helps expat life in Frankfurt feel much more manageable.

When the Pace of Life Feels Too Fast

While many people enjoy the buzz of living in Frankfurt, others find that the pace of life can feel quite intense. With so many ambitious professionals in one city and so much focus on finance and business, Frankfurt can sometimes feel more like a fast-moving work hub than a relaxed place to live.

The work-life balance is not always as gentle as you might hope. Long hours in certain sectors are common, and it can sometimes feel as though people are expected to be “always on” if they want to progress in their careers. If you are moving to Germany in search of a slower lifestyle and more time to switch off, it is important to think about the type of role you will be doing and the expectations in that industry.

That said, the city is trying to balance its corporate image with more cultural and leisure options. There are museums, galleries, riverside cafes and local neighbourhoods that feel much calmer than the main business district. Choosing the right area to live in can make a noticeable difference to how you experience the pace of daily life.

Getting Around and Exploring Europe from Frankfurt

Frankfurt’s location and transport links are a major plus. The city sits in the centre of Germany and is extremely well-connected, which makes it an ideal base if you love to travel or need to move around for work.

Frankfurt Airport is one of the busiest in Europe, with direct flights to major cities around the world, including many in the UK. This can make visits back home or business trips much easier to manage. The main train station is also a significant hub, with fast rail services to cities such as Berlin, Munich, Zurich and Paris.

Within the city itself, public transport is efficient and well organised. Trains, trams and buses make it simple to get around without needing a car, and cycling is also an option in many areas. If you enjoy exploring at weekends, Frankfurt is a great base for discovering other parts of the country, and there are plenty of things to see and do in Germany just a short train ride away.

Quality of Life and Green Spaces

Despite its corporate reputation, Frankfurt offers a good quality of life for many residents. The city generally has a strong sense of safety, and crime levels are lower than in some other major European cities. As with any city, there are areas that feel more comfortable than others, but overall it is a place where many people feel at ease walking around and using public spaces.

Frankfurt also has more green areas than you might expect for a city with so many skyscrapers. There are parks, riverside paths along the Main, and plenty of tree-lined streets where you can get some fresh air. If you feel that you need to escape the built-up centre, there are forests and countryside just a short train ride away.

One particularly interesting feature is the inner-city forest, which can feel like an entirely different world when you visit it. It offers walking and cycling routes, picnic spots and a refreshing change of scenery, which can make a big difference if your weekday life is very office-based.

On top of this, Frankfurt has a lively cultural scene. There are museums, theatres, music venues and regular events running throughout the year, including Christmas markets that bring a cosy, festive atmosphere in winter.

Conclusion: Is Living in Frankfurt the Right Move for You?

Hopefully this has helped you to start weighing up whether Frankfurt is a good place to live for you and your family. The city offers strong job prospects, excellent connections and a multicultural environment, but it also comes with higher living costs and a faster pace of life than you might find elsewhere.

If you decide that Frankfurt is your new home, we would be happy to help you make the move with our expert removals to Germany service.

At Pinnacle Removals & Storage, we are experienced in moving people all over the world and throughout Europe. Our team can help you plan your relocation, handle packing and shipping, and make sure your belongings arrive safely, so you can focus on settling into your new life in Frankfurt with everything you need.