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At the age of 33, I sometimes feel like I’ve already lived a thousand lives. I’m originally from Los Angeles, and in the last decade, I’ve done it all teaching English in China to serve as an emergency aid worker in Turkey during the war in Syria.
After finishing my master’s degree in London, I started working as a product manager for a global travel technology company, and I had the option of moving to the US or Germany, where my husband is from .
When considering my decision, I did some math and realized that in Germany, even with a lower salary than I could earn in the United States, I could achieve my financial goals, as pay off my student debtfaster.
Since February 2020, I have called Berlin, Germany home, and I have never been happier. Here’s why I love living here:
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I love our quiet and 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’m on a first name basis with many shop owners, and I love the community here.
We live in a 1,100 square foot, 2 bedroom apartment with a balcony. We pay $1,843 per month for rent, about $350 for utilities, and $240 for parking. We pay about the same in London, but our apartment in Berlin is twice the size, and the building is much newer.
Soak up the sun and a beautiful day in the city.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
For groceries, I’m a big fan of METRO, which is essentially the Costco of Germany. Every two weeks, we spend about $300 on our bulk staples. We supplement as needed with other items bought from local budget retailers such as Aldi and Lidl. Lidl sells 45 cent Brötchen, or sandwiches, which are my favourite.
Moving here helped me pay off debt
In Germany, the government provides things like guaranteed health care, pensions, parental leave, tuition-free college and even unemployment insurance. I have a few 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 United States and Germany, I crunched some numbers and realized that with the social safety net – and not having to set aside thousands of dollars for medical emergencies, for example – I could save between $1,000 and $3,000 every month. That made a big difference.
In front of the Brandenburg Gate.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
When I arrived, I was facing $130,000 in student debt. I can pay it all back in November 2023, all while saving and investing for my future. It was a huge weight off my shoulders, and I didn’t worry about not being able to pay my bills there.
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 seemed to share, no matter their background.
Many cultural events have free entry, because access and participation are great core values here. One of my favorite things to do during the summer is explore cafes in other neighborhoods and go to food festivals.
Enjoy a drink and the atmosphere in an outdoor cafe.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
Festivals are fun, inexpensive (usually only spend $12 for a drink 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.
I also found that the immigrant community in Berlin, of which I am so proud to be a member, is especially friendly. We all understand how isolating the experience of finding your footing in a new place can be.
I have access to the rest of the European Union
In February, I will be a German resident for five years. This means I will be eligible to apply for a passport and dual citizenship, instead of just permanent residency.
Here in Potsdamer Platz, next to one of the pieces of the Berlin Wall on display.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
Holding a German passport means that I have the opportunity to move wherever I like in the European Economic Area. My long-term dream is to retire early, get some chickens and live peacefully in the Italian countryside. Obtaining an EEA passport is a key part of this plan.
Ultimately, even though I call 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. He is a thought leader and digital content creator who has amassed over 700,000 followers across multiple social media sites, along with his platform. Go ahead. Today, Vanessa lives in Germany, and her goal is to continue building digital products that enhance the lives of North Americans abroad, and help others pursue financial and location independence.
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