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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 for the last decade, I’ve done everything from teaching English in China to serve as an emergency aid worker in Türkiye during the war in Syria.
After completing my master’s degree in London, I started working as a product manager for a global travel technology company, and had the option to transfer to the United States or Germany, where my husband is from.
When considering my decision, I did some math and realized that in Germany, even at a lower salary than I could earn in the United States, I could achieve my financial goals, such as Paying off my student debtfaster.
Since February 2020, I have called Berlin, Germany, and 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 first name with a lot of the store 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 a month in rent, about $350 for utilities, and $240 for parking. We were paying almost the same in London, but our Berlin apartment is twice the size, and the building is much newer.
Soaking 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 top up as needed with other items purchased from local budget retailers such as Aldi and Lidl. Lidl sells 45 cent Brötchen, or bread rolls, which are my favorite.
Moving here helped me pay off the debt
In Germany, the government offers things like guaranteed healthcare, pensions, parental leave, tuition-free college, and even unemployment insurance. I have some friends who were laid off, but thanks to that 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, he could save between $1,000 and $3,000 each month. That has 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 was able to pay it all off in November 2023, all while still saving and investing for my future. It’s been a big weight 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 most when I arrived in Berlin was the deep sense of egalitarianism that everyone seemed to share, regardless of their background.
Many cultural events Have free admission, because access and participation are big core values here. One of my favorite things to do during the summer is explore cafes in other neighborhoods and go to food festivals.
Enjoying a drink and the atmosphere in an outdoor cafe.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
Festivals are fun, inexpensive (I usually spend only $12 on a drink and snacks), and I 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 Berlin’s immigrant community, of which I am very proud to be a member, is especially friendly. We all understand how isolating it can be to experience finding your footing in a new place.
I have access to the rest of the European Union
By February, I will have been a German resident for five years. That means I will be eligible to apply for a passport and dual citizenship, rather than just permanent residency.
Here I am in Potsdamer Platz, next to one of the pieces of the Berlin Wall on display there.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
Having a German passport means that I will have the opportunity to move wherever I like in the European economic zone. 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 have called many places home, the decision to come to Berlin has opened up more paths for me than I ever thought possible.
Vanessa Wachtmeister She is a proud Chicana from Los Angeles, California. She is a thought leader and digital content creator who has amassed over 700,000 followers across multiple social media sites, with her platform Wander. Today, Vanessa lives in Germany, and her goal is to continue building digital products that improve the lives of Americans abroad and help others pursue financial and location independence.
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