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The pros & cons of living in Hamburg

Of course, no place is absolutely perfect. There’s always the good, the bad, and the ugly. Read on and discover what American expats love about Hamburg — and the challenges they face.

Pros of living in Hamburg

Cost of living: Despite being one of the biggest cities in Germany, the cost of living in Hamburg is still relatively cheap compared to major cities in the US, including rent, groceries, internet, etc.

Healthcare: It is mandatory for every resident to have health insurance, so you don’t have to worry about lacking coverage or access. As the contributions are income-based, it’s also much more affordable than in the US.

Walkability & transportation: Sidewalks on every street make Hamburg a walkable city, and there are also a lot of bike paths. Our American members love the public transportation options with affordable prices, unlike major cities in the US where it’s often necessary to drive a car.

Charm: With canals, bridges, parks, and gardens, Americans appreciate the many outdoor activities you can do. Or even just relaxing and chilling, especially when it’s sunny outside. The city also offers a lively nightlife (you can even find several American bars).

Work-life balance: German companies often have shorter working hours and more vacation days compared to companies in the US. The work culture is more relaxed and less competitive in Germany, leading to a better balance between personal and professional life.

Cons of living in Hamburg

Salaries: While salaries in Hamburg align with the living costs, they’re certainly below the US level.

Bureaucracy: Germany tends to have complex bureaucracy. Appointments are usually required and it can take a long time to get an answer. Everything is done in person at an office — not much is done online. All documents are also sent to you by mail.

Language barrier: Although many people speak basic English in an international city like Hamburg, you’ll still feel limited at some point. It can be challenging to connect with locals and carry out daily tasks without speaking German, especially when dealing with official appointments.

Bad weather: The weather here is very unpredictable. You may get days in summer that are sunny and hot, and then the next day it can be rainy and windy. It’s also very cold in winter.

Why Americans move abroad … ( & do they like it?)

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys for expats — Expat Insider — where we ask people living around the world about every aspect of expat life.

We’ve rounded up key facts about the typical American expat: what motivated them to move to a new country, what they enjoy about life abroad, as well as what they struggle with the most.

I love how easy it is to live here without a car. And when the sun does come out, the city is so amazing! (American member in Hamburg)

Opinion

All your questions about Hamburg, answered

I am very pleased with the many activities I can participate in. And I appreciate that people really care about work-life balance. I also love the easy access to beer and interesting food, as well as the convenience of public transportation. But the bureaucracy here is a bit much. (American member in Hamburg)

Opinion

Enjoy the international experience with InterNations

We’re not just active in Hamburg! 51�ԹϺ�����has lively communities in most of Germany’s major cities. If you’re traveling or moving to another city in Germany, check out our American communities in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, ��ü���������ǰ���, Essen, Cologne, Bonn, Regensburg, Heidelberg, or Stuttgart.

But that’s not all: If you’re in the mood for a nice night out while traveling further abroad, 51�ԹϺ�����is your go-to platform. As an 51�ԹϺ�����member, you’re always welcome to join events in any of our communities in over 420 cities worldwide. You can find the list here: Browse all 51�ԹϺ�����Communities worldwide.