Looking to relocate to Germany and settle down in one of its bustling cities? Well, recent surveys may paint a different picture than your aspirations. Berlin and Hamburg, two of the nation's largest cities, have reportedly not excelled in various areas, particularly when it comes to expat satisfaction.
In the 2023 Expat City Ranking compiled by InterNations, Hamburg and Berlin unsurprisingly showed up at the bottom of the list, with the second and first worst ratings, respectively.
Subpar cities for expats
Malaga, Alicante, and Valencia in sunny Spain, on the other hand, claimed the top three spots for the best cities for expatriates.
Hamburg, at the 46th spot, was criticized for its lack of social support among expatriates, while Berlin finished even lower with the 45th position.
So, what's causing the cities' downfall?
Hamburg: A tale of two extremes
Known for its active nightlife and being the birthplace of the Beatles, Hamburg is also a significant economic hub. Classy bars, mouthwatering restaurants, and luxurious hotels make the Hanseatic city a popular choice for expats.
Nevertheless, the survey revealed that foreigners in Hamburg are among the least content with their social life, scoring second in unhappiness, just behind Vancouver.
Astonishingly, 41% of expats were unhappy with their social circles, while only 25% globally stated the same. Additionally, 35% of survey respondents lacked a support network, and more than 60% reported difficulties making local friends.
The city's high cost of living, which is among the highest and fastest-growing in Germany, further complicates the issue by making housing unaffordable.
Berlin: A tough start
The German capital, beloved for its nightclubs and museums, is a magnet for people worldwide. Yet, Berlin turns out to be the worst city worldwide to start working as an expat, with a significant challenge adapting to cash transactions (43%), significantly higher than the global average of 8%.
Lastly, as the expat community grows, so does the demand for housing, which has resulted in a severe housing crisis in the capital.
In conclusion, despite continued appeals, Berlin and Hamburg have faced a tumultuous response from expats regarding social life, making friends, and navigating bureaucracy. While there are other factors contributing to their low ratings, these are the main issues highlighted by the survey.
