🇩🇪 Berlin vs 🇩🇪 Hamburg
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇩🇪
Berlin
Germany
$2,215–$3,508/mo
€2,051 – €3,248 / month (local)
🇩🇪
Hamburg
Germany
$2,338–$3,703/mo
€2,165 – €3,429 / month (local)
Hamburg is 6% more expensive
Berlin wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Berlin (USD) | Hamburg (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,662–$2,585 | $1,754–$2,728 | 🟢 Berlin |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $877–$1,385 | $926–$1,462 | 🟢 Berlin |
| Utilities | $69–$134 | $73–$141 | 🟢 Berlin |
| Groceries | $351–$526 | $370–$555 | 🟢 Berlin |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $46–$83 | $49–$88 | 🟢 Berlin |
| Public transport (monthly) | $88–$106 | $93–$112 | 🟢 Berlin |
| Internet & Mobile | $28–$46 | $29–$49 | 🟢 Berlin |
| Gym membership | $32–$60 | $34–$63 | 🟢 Berlin |
| Cinema ticket | $13–$17 | $14–$18 | 🟢 Berlin |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,215–$3,508 | $2,338–$3,703 | 🟢 Berlin |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing5.0 / 10 · 5.5 / 10
Berlin
Hamburg▲ better
Safety8.6 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Berlin
Hamburg▲ better
Healthcare8.6 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Berlin▲ better
Hamburg
Education8.2 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Berlin
Hamburg▲ better
Environment9.0 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Berlin▲ better
Hamburg
Economy7.3 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Berlin
Hamburg▲ better
Culture7.9 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Berlin
Hamburg▲ better
Internet8.3 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Berlin
Hamburg▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Berlin if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Hamburg
- ✓Startup scene
- ✓Nightlife
- ✓Value vs London
- ✓Creatives
Choose Hamburg if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Hamburg offers vs Berlin
- ✓Port city
- ✓Music
- ✓Water
- ✓Logistics
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📊
Full Berlin guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Berlin →📊
Full Hamburg guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Hamburg →