Exploring The Size Dynamics: Düsseldorf Vs. Cologne

Düsseldorf and Cologne are two German cities that are only 40 kilometres apart. They are both situated on the Rhine River and are well-connected. While Düsseldorf is named after the river Düssel, a tributary of the Rhine, the name of Cologne comes from the Latin 'colonia' as it was originally a provincial outpost of the Roman Empire. With over 600,000 inhabitants, Düsseldorf is a medium-sized city, whereas Cologne is bigger, with over a million inhabitants.

Population

Cologne and Düsseldorf are two German cities that are only 40 kilometres apart. They are both situated on the Rhine River, with Düsseldorf being named after the river Düssel, a tributary of the Rhine, and "Dorf" meaning town or village.

Cologne is the larger city, with over a million inhabitants, while Düsseldorf has over 600,000 inhabitants, making it a medium-sized city. Cologne's large population is reflected in its impressive infrastructure, such as the enormous Hauptbahnhof train station. In comparison, Düsseldorf's train station is less impressive and conveys the city's smaller size.

Cologne's principal tourist attraction is the Kölner Dom, a magnificent Gothic cathedral that took centuries to build and is one of the tallest church buildings in the world. The city also boasts a variety of museums, including the Roman-Germanic Museum, the Ludwig Museum, and the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, which houses an impressive collection of medieval paintings.

Düsseldorf, on the other hand, is known for its upscale shopping street, Königsalle, which features luxury stores and is the widest boulevard in the country. The city also has a diverse population, including a large Japanese community, one of the largest in Europe.

Both cities offer vibrant nightlife, with Cologne known for its many bars, pubs, and clubs, while Düsseldorf boasts the "Longest Bar in the World," with around 300 interconnected bars, breweries, and pubs in the Altstadt (Old Town) district.

While Cologne attracts more tourists due to its famous cathedral, both cities have their unique charms and are well worth a visit.

Transport

Cologne has a decent light rail/pre-metro network with a good layout. However, a lack of tracks in the city centre can lead to congestion. The service is rather unreliable, and capacities are low, although the number of departures is fairly good. Cologne also has a bike-sharing system.

Düsseldorf, on the other hand, is one of the easiest cities to get around without a car. The city has an extensive network of trains, trams, and buses, all run by the Rhein Bahn, making it inexpensive and convenient to get around. The city also has an extensive underground network. The U-Bahn will get you to destinations like Koenigsallee or the Heinrich-Heine Allee, where the shopping and pedestrian areas are. Düsseldorf also has a bike-sharing system, Car2Go, with vehicles scattered around the city that can be accessed via an app.

Employment

Düsseldorf is considered the economic engine of North Rhine-Westphalia, with a strong focus on business and finance. The city has a large number of international companies and offers a range of career opportunities for internationals, including those without German language skills. The telecommunications industry is a major sector in Düsseldorf, with companies such as EE, Vodafone, Nokia, Ericsson, and NTT having a presence in the city. Internet services are also significant, with 18 internet service providers based in Düsseldorf. The city also has a strong working relationship with Japan, and many Japanese corporations have their headquarters in the Japanese district.

Düsseldorf's competitive job market offers a variety of employment opportunities for expats. English speakers with management or executive experience can find roles in the telecommunications industry. Au pair, bar, and restaurant jobs are also readily available in the nightlife districts. The city's cultural diversity has led to the formation of many expat groups, providing a supportive community for internationals.

Cologne, on the other hand, is known for its creative media landscape. It is home to a thriving television media industry, producing almost a third of all German television content. The city also has a large international community and is particularly popular among Latin Americans. With its easy-going spirit and vibrant culture, Cologne attracts those seeking a balance between career and leisure.

When it comes to salary, Düsseldorf offers higher average salaries, with an average of $3,349.70 compared to Cologne's $2,637.98. However, it is important to consider the higher cost of living in Düsseldorf, as it is one of the most expensive cities in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Both cities offer unique employment advantages, and the close proximity between them allows for easy commuting and a diverse range of career options.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Düsseldorf and Cologne varies depending on the source of information and the timeframe. Some sources indicate that living in Düsseldorf is cheaper than in Cologne, while others suggest the opposite. Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in these two German cities:

Housing:

According to Expatistan, as of May 2024, housing in Düsseldorf is about the same as in Cologne. However, as of November 2024, they report that housing in Cologne is 8% more expensive than in Düsseldorf. This discrepancy may be due to changing market conditions or other factors. Rent prices in Cologne are reported to be 1.0% lower than in Düsseldorf by another source.

Food and Groceries:

Expatistan reports that food prices in Düsseldorf are 5% cheaper than in Cologne as of May 2024. However, by November 2024, they state that food prices in Cologne are about the same as in Düsseldorf. Restaurant prices in Cologne are reported to be 10.6% lower than in Düsseldorf by another source. Interestingly, grocery prices in Cologne are said to be 1.2% higher than in Düsseldorf.

Transportation:

Transportation costs in Düsseldorf are significantly lower than in Cologne. Expatistan reports that transportation in Düsseldorf is 21% cheaper than in Cologne as of May 2024. This includes the cost of a new car, public transport, and taxi trips.

Clothing:

Clothing expenses in Düsseldorf are generally higher than in Cologne. Expatistan notes that clothes in Düsseldorf are 7% more expensive than in Cologne, regardless of the type of clothing item.

Personal Care:

Personal care items and services show some variation between the two cities. While Düsseldorf is reported to be 6% more expensive for personal care items, a short visit to a private doctor in Cologne (15 minutes) is less expensive.

Entertainment:

Entertainment expenses, including dining out, movies, and gym memberships, are similar between the two cities, according to Expatistan. However, one source reports that entertainment in Cologne is 9% cheaper than in Düsseldorf.

Utilities:

Utilities for a 915 sq ft apartment in Cologne are reported to be 4.0% higher than in Düsseldorf. This may be due to differences in local regulations, energy sources, or other factors.

Salaries:

When comparing salaries, it is important to consider the local purchasing power. Cologne offers 4.0% higher local purchasing power than Düsseldorf. Additionally, the average salary in Düsseldorf is reported to be $711.72 higher than in Cologne.

Overall Cost of Living:

Considering all factors, Expatistan reports that as of November 2024, the cost of living in Cologne is 4% higher than in Düsseldorf. However, another source suggests that the cost of living in Cologne, including rent, is 3.0% lower than in Düsseldorf. This discrepancy may be due to differences in the calculation methods or the specific items and services included in the comparison.

Safety

When it comes to safety, Cologne has a slight edge over Düsseldorf. According to one source, Cologne is 12.88% safer when it comes to walking alone at night. This could be attributed to several factors, including the layout of the cities, the presence of well-lit areas, and the effectiveness of local law enforcement. However, it is worth noting that both cities have their share of drunk and disorderly individuals, especially during the night, so it is always important to stay alert.

Another aspect of safety to consider is the quality of drinking water. In this regard, Düsseldorf takes the lead with water that is 15.52% higher in quality. This is an important consideration, especially if you plan on consuming tap water during your visit.

In terms of health and sanitation, both cities have their strengths and weaknesses. Cologne, being a larger city, may have a higher risk of disease transmission due to its higher population. On the other hand, Düsseldorf's diverse and international population may introduce unique health considerations that are less common in Cologne. It is always a good idea to consult official health guidelines and stay informed about any health risks or updates before travelling to either city.

Finally, both cities have active transport systems, with Cologne boasting a more extensive network. When using public transportation, it is important to be cautious and aware of your belongings, as pickpocketing and theft can occur. Overall, both cities present similar safety considerations, and by taking standard safety precautions, your visit to either Düsseldorf or Cologne should be a pleasant and secure experience.

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