At 33, I sometimes feel like I’ve already lived a thousand lives. I’m originally from Los Angeles, and over the past decade I’ve done everything from teaching English in China to emergency humanitarian service in Turkey during the war in Syria.
After completing my master’s degree in London, I started working as a product manager for a global travel technology company and had the option to relocate to the US or Germany, from where my husband is from.
As I thought about my decision, I did some calculations and realized that in Germany, even with a lower salary than I would potentially earn in the United States, I could achieve my financial goals, like paying off my student debt , more quickly.
Since February 2020, I have called Berlin, Germany home, and I have never been happier. Here’s why I love living here:
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I love our quiet and comfortable neighborhood
My husband and I live in a neighborhood in western Berlin called Charlottenburg, a relatively quiet neighborhood filled with cozy cafes and middle-class families. I’m on a first name basis with many of the store owners and I love the community here.
We live in a 1,100 square foot 2 bedroom apartment with a balcony. We pay $1,843 a month for rent, about $350 for utilities, and $240 for parking. We paid about the same in London, but our apartment in Berlin is twice as big and the building is much newer.
Enjoy the sun and a beautiful day in the city.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
For groceries, I’m a big fan of METRO, which is basically Germany’s Costco. Every two weeks we spend about $300 on our bulk staples. We supplement where necessary with other items purchased from local budget retailers like Aldi and Lidl. Lidl sells Brötchen for 45 cents, or rolls, which are my favorite.
Moving here helped me pay off my debts
In Germany, the government guarantees health care, pensions, parental leave, free university education and even unemployment insurance. I have a few friends who were laid off, but thanks to this insurance, they were able to receive 80% of their salary for a year.
When I was deciding between the United States and Germany, I I calculated some numbers and I realized that with the social safety net — and without having to set aside thousands of dollars for medical emergencies, for example — I could save between $1,000 and $3,000 each month. It made a huge difference.
In front of the Brandenburg Gate.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
When I arrived, I had $130,000 in student debt. I was able to repay this entire amount in November 2023, while saving and investing for my future. This has taken a huge weight off my shoulders and I don’t worry about not being able to pay my bills here.
My money goes further and I’m also happy to contribute my fair share so people can access help when they need it.
There is a palpable sense of community
What surprised and delighted me most when I arrived in Berlin was the deep sense of egalitarianism that everyone seemed to share, regardless of their background.
A lot cultural events have free entry, because access and participation are fundamental values here. One of my favorite things to do during the summer is to explore cafes in other neighborhoods and attend food festivals.
Enjoy a drink and the ambiance of a beer garden.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
Festivals are fun, inexpensive (I usually only spend $12 on drinks and snacks), and often celebrate different cultures and countries. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people in a city of 6 million people.
I have also found that the immigrant community in Berlin, of which I am so proud to be a member, is particularly friendly. We all understand how isolating the experience of finding one’s place in a new place can be.
I have access to the rest of the European Union
In February, I will have lived in Germany for five years. This means I will be able to apply for a passport and dual citizenship, instead of just permanent residency.
Here I am on Potsdamer Platz, next to one of the pieces of the Berlin Wall which is exposed there.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
Having a German passport means that I will be able to travel wherever I want within the European Economic Area. My long-term dream is to retire early, get chickens and live peacefully in the Italian countryside. Obtaining an EEA passport is a key part of this plan.
Ultimately, although I have called many places home, the decision to come to Berlin opened up more avenues for me than I ever thought possible.
Vanessa Wachtmeister is a proud Chicana from Los Angeles, California. She is a thought leader and digital content creator who has amassed over 700,000 followers across several social media sites, with her platform. Take a walk. Today, Vanessa lives in Germany and her goal is to continue creating digital products that improve the lives of North Americans abroad and help others become financially and geographically independent.
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