At the age of 33, I sometimes feel like I’ve lived a thousand lives. I’m originally from Los Angeles and over the past decade I’ve worked all over the teaching English in China to serve as an emergency worker in Turkey during the war in Syria.
After I finished my master’s degree in London, I started working as a product manager for a global travel tech company, and I had the option of transferring to the US or Germany, where my husband is from.
When I thought about my decision, I did some math and realized that in Germany, even with a lower salary than what I would potentially earn in the US, I could achieve my financial goals, e.g. pay off my student debtfaster.
Since February 2020, I have called Berlin, Germany my home and I have never been happier. Here’s why I love living here:
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I love our quiet, cozy neighborhood
My husband and I live in an area west of Berlin called Charlottenburg, a relatively quiet neighborhood full of cozy cafes and middle-class families. I am in contact with many shop owners and I love the community here.
We live in an apartment of 1100 square meters, with 2 bedrooms and 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 the size and the building is much newer.
Enjoying the sun and a beautiful day in the city.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
As 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. If necessary, we supplement with other items purchased from local budget retailers such as Aldi and Lidl. Lidl sells 45 cent Brötchen, or pastries, which are my favorite.
Moving here helped me pay off my debt
In Germany, the government provides things like guaranteed health care, pensions, parental leave, tuition-free university, and even unemployment insurance. I have several 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 USA and Germany, I crunched some numbers and realized that with a social safety net—and not having to shell out thousands of dollars for medical emergencies, for example—I would be able to save between $1,000 and $3,000 each month. That made a big difference.
In front of the Brandenburg Gate.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
When I arrived, I faced $130,000 in student debt. I was able to pay it all off in November 2023, all while still saving and investing for my future. A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I’m not worried 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 support when they need it.
There is a palpable sense of community
What surprised and delighted me the most when I arrived in Berlin was the deep sense of egalitarianism that everyone shared, regardless of their background.
Many cultural events they have free entrance, because access and participation are great fundamental values here. One of my favorite things to do during the summer is explore coffee shops in other neighborhoods and go to food festivals.
Enjoying a drink and the atmosphere in an outdoor cafe.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
Festivals are fun, cheap (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 also found the Berlin immigrant community, of which I am so proud to be a member, to be particularly friendly. We all understand how isolating the experience of finding a foothold in a new place can be.
I have access to the rest of the European Union
In February, I will be a resident of Germany for five years. This means I will be eligible to apply for a passport and dual citizenship, instead of just permanent residency.
Here I am at Potsdamer Platz, next to one of the parts of the Berlin Wall displayed there.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
Having a German passport means that I will have the opportunity to move wherever I want in 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 has opened up more avenues for me than I ever thought possible.
Vanessa Wachtmeister is a proud Chicana from Los Angeles, California. She is an opinion leader and digital content creator who has amassed over 700,000 followers on multiple social media sites with her platform. Wander on. Today, Vanessa lives in Germany, and her goal is to continue building digital products that improve the lives of North Americans abroad and help others pursue financial and location independence.
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