🇩🇪 Frankfurt vs 🇩🇪 Hamburg

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇩🇪

Frankfurt

Germany

$2,523–$3,995/mo

€2,336 – €3,699 / month (local)

🇩🇪

Hamburg

Germany

$2,338–$3,703/mo

€2,165 – €3,429 / month (local)

Frankfurt is 8% more expensive

Hamburg wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryFrankfurt (USD)Hamburg (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,892–$2,944$1,754–$2,728🟢 Hamburg
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$999–$1,577$926–$1,462🟢 Hamburg
Utilities$79–$152$73–$141🟢 Hamburg
Groceries$399–$599$370–$555🟢 Hamburg
Eating out (mid-range meal)$53–$95$49–$88🟢 Hamburg
Public transport (monthly)$100–$121$93–$112🟢 Hamburg
Internet & Mobile$32–$53$29–$49🟢 Hamburg
Gym membership$37–$68$34–$63🟢 Hamburg
Cinema ticket$15–$19$14–$18🟢 Hamburg
Monthly total (single)$2,523–$3,995$2,338–$3,703🟢 Hamburg

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

Housing5.3 / 10 · 5.5 / 10
Frankfurt
Hamburg▲ better
Safety9.6 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Frankfurt▲ better
Hamburg
Healthcare7.9 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Frankfurt▲ better
Hamburg
Education7.5 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Frankfurt
Hamburg▲ better
Environment8.3 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Frankfurt▲ better
Hamburg
Economy8.3 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Frankfurt▲ better
Hamburg
Culture8.9 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Frankfurt▲ better
Hamburg
Internet7.6 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Frankfurt
Hamburg▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Frankfurt if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Frankfurt offers vs Hamburg
  • ✓ECB
  • ✓Airport hub
  • ✓Salaries
  • ✓Finance

Choose Hamburg if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Frankfurt
  • ✓Port city
  • ✓Music
  • ✓Water
  • ✓Logistics

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Full Frankfurt guide

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Full Hamburg guide

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Explore Hamburg →