Although there are bigger cities in Germany than Frankfurt, it’s hard to tell with the really tall buildings the city has to offer. It is one of the only cities throughout the country that has many skyscrapers, and it won’t take American’s long to understand why its nickname is “Mainhattan”. It reminds many people of Manhattan and is located close to the Main River.
If you are from America and you are planning to move to Frankfurt, one of Germany’s most famous cities, this article might help you prepare for your move.
1.Where do Most American’s Live?
Although there is plenty of accommodation available in the city center, many expect to live outside the city, in one of the many surrounding towns. Because Frankfurt is the financial capital of Germany, people from all over the globe come here to live and work. There are lots of Americans and other international ex-pats living in and around Frankfurt. Approximately thirty percent of people living in Frankfurt have foreign citizenship.
If you speak a foreign language, like Spanish, French, and of course, German, you are bound to make friends easily, although almost everyone living there can speak fluent English. There is a great expat scene throughout the city, with a really friendly vibe. It is believed that over 170 different nationalities are living in Frankfurt. If you are looking for more information, check out this Frankfurt Relocation Service.
2. Easy Access to the Rest of Europe
If you are keen to travel throughout Europe, you’re going to love living in Frankfurt. You can reach nearly all major cities in Europe in less than six hours, which is great for weekend breaks. Plus, Frankfurt airport is the biggest commercial airport in the country, and there are over three hundred different direct international flights available. If you want to go back to America at any stage, you should have no issues finding available flights on a regular basis.
During the pandemic, international flights are not as frequent from and to Frankfurt as they once were. Before booking your journey, consider asking for details about the current restrictions that are put in place. You might have to go into quarantine for a certain amount of time to help reduce the spread of the deadly virus.
3. The Cost of Living
There are a lot of people looking to live in Frankfurt, so it is not surprising that the cost of living is not cheap. Unfortunately, Frankfurt is one of the most expensive cities to live in Germany. The rental market in the city is highly competitive, and don’t be surprised if you were to find yourself on a long waiting list for an apartment. Many ex-pats are surprised when they rent a house or an apartment to find it comes without furniture. However, there are many affordable Ikea stores and second-hand stores throughout the city.
4. Tax
Most people who work in Frankfurt are getting paid more than the average German. Some international workers who move to the city are getting a very high salary, but many are disappointed when they see their pay package for the first time. Income tax starts at fourteen percent but it can go as high as forty-five percent. On top of that, everyone including ex-pats is forced to pay solidarity tax too. If you are a religious person and you attend church, you will have to pay a tax on that as well! Everyone who lives in the city has to pay social insurance, which is deducted from your wages.
5. Big Difference between the Rich and the Poor
The recession in 2008 had a damaging impact on the country, and you can still see the financial effect it had on many people throughout Frankfurt. There are plenty of places through the city where you will find extreme wealth, high-end shopping, and fancy cars, and a stone’s throw away you will notice a completely different story, from prostitutes to drugs.
Inequality sticks out in Frankfurt, a lot more than in other major cities throughout the continent. Many American ex-pats find this a hard pill to swallow, and it might take some time to get used to.
Conclusion
The local residents are friendly folks, and they enjoy a beer or a cider on the weekends. Many locals are soccer crazy, and if you get the chance, check out the city’s beloved football team, Eintracht Frankfurt, which plays in the national league. In comparison to tickets in the English Premier League, Frankfurt’s are a lot cheaper.
There is a great nightlife scene in Germany’s 5th largest city, and there are lots to do. Although Euro is the preferred currency in Europe, almost everywhere accepts major credit cards, including pubs, clubs, and restaurants. Being able to speak German is helpful, but because there are so many people living in Frankfurt from countries all over the world, almost everybody speaks English.
