Is Berlin Still Worth It? What Expats Should Know in 2025

Introduction

For decades, Berlin has been a magnet for expats, creatives, and professionals from all over the world — known for its open culture, affordable rents (by Western European standards), and a buzzing international scene. But a new survey is painting a more complicated picture: fewer than one in three Germans now describe their own capital as "fascinating", a dramatic fall compared to two decades ago. For expats who moved to Berlin chasing that reputation, or for those still planning to, this shift is worth understanding. It reflects real, on-the-ground changes in affordability, infrastructure, and social atmosphere that directly affect daily life.

What the Survey Found

The poll reveals a striking decline in how Germans perceive Berlin. While the city once commanded a reputation for reinvention and excitement — particularly after reunification in the 1990s — that image appears to be fading among the domestic population. Less than 30% of respondents called the city "fascinating", a figure that was significantly higher just 20 years ago.

The reasons behind this sentiment are not spelled out in a single data point, but broader reporting and public debate in Germany point to a familiar set of frustrations: chronic public transport delays, crumbling infrastructure, a housing market under severe pressure, rising street-level insecurity in some districts, and a bureaucracy widely seen as slow and inefficient. These are not abstract concerns — they are the lived daily reality for millions of residents, including the estimated 250,000–300,000 expats who call Berlin home.

What This Means for Expats on the Ground

If you have already moved to Berlin, this survey likely confirms things you may have noticed yourself. Rents have climbed sharply over the past five years. Finding an apartment without connections or a thick portfolio of documents remains a stressful process. The Ausländerbehörde in Berlin has long been noted — not fondly — for its waiting times and appointment backlogs.

At the same time, Berlin still offers real advantages: a large, well-established expat community, English-language services in many sectors, a rich cultural and nightlife scene, and a relatively strong job market in tech, creative industries, and international organizations. The survey captures German sentiment, but expat experience is shaped by different reference points and priorities.

What the declining enthusiasm does signal, however, is that the city is no longer undervalued in the way it once was. The "cheap and vibrant" Berlin of the 2000s and early 2010s is largely gone. Expats arriving now should plan their finances and housing search with realistic expectations.

Berlin vs. Other German Cities: Worth Considering Alternatives?

One practical takeaway from this cultural moment is that other German cities deserve more attention than they sometimes get from expats who automatically default to Berlin or Munich. Cities like Leipzig, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, and Düsseldorf each offer strong labor markets, better bureaucratic efficiency in some cases, and quality of life that scores highly in international rankings.

Leipzig, for instance, is growing rapidly and still offers relatively affordable housing. Hamburg provides an international port-city atmosphere with strong English-language infrastructure. Frankfurt is the financial hub with excellent transport links. None of these will replace Berlin's specific energy, but for expats whose priority is practical livability over cultural cachet, they are worth serious consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Berlin still a good city for expats in 2025?

Yes, but with adjusted expectations. Berlin remains one of Germany's most internationally connected cities, with a large English-speaking community and a strong job market in tech and creative sectors. However, housing is competitive and expensive by past standards, bureaucracy is slow, and public infrastructure has well-documented challenges. Go in informed, not starry-eyed.

Are rents in Berlin still cheaper than in other major European capitals?

Berlin remains more affordable than London or Paris, but the gap has narrowed considerably. Average rents for a one-bedroom apartment in central Berlin can range from €1,200 to €1,800 per month depending on the district and condition of the flat. Outer districts offer lower prices but longer commutes.

Should I consider other German cities instead of Berlin?

It depends on your priorities. If your job or professional network is in Berlin, the city still makes sense. If you are flexible about location, cities like Leipzig, Hamburg, or Cologne can offer a strong quality of life with potentially easier access to housing and faster bureaucratic processes.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Berlin's fading "fascination" among Germans is not a reason to avoid the city — but it is a useful reality check for expats building their plans around an outdated image. The city is still dynamic, diverse, and full of opportunity. It is also more expensive, more crowded, and more administratively complex than its myth suggests.

If you are planning a move to Berlin, research specific districts carefully, start your apartment search well in advance, and connect with expat communities online who can give you current, ground-level advice. If you are already there and finding it harder than expected, know that you are not alone — and that alternatives within Germany exist.

Source: DW English