Living In Cologne: A Local's Experience And Guide

Cologne is a large, exciting, and liberal city in Germany. It is known for its welcoming and laid-back atmosphere, vibrant culture, and diverse population. The city boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving arts scene, with world-class museums, theatres, and musical performances. Cologne offers a high quality of life, a safe and clean environment, and a blend of big-city perks and small-town charm. Its affordability, efficient public transport, and well-connected cycling routes also make it a convenient place to live.

Cologne is affordable

Cologne is quite a lot cheaper than some of Germany's more well-known cities. The nation's fourth-most populous metropolis, it is often overlooked in favour of Berlin, Munich and Hamburg. This means that Cologne offers the perks of fewer tourists, lower prices, and a more 'authentic' insight into German life.

The average cost of living in Cologne is very reasonable. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost you €788, and a three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre will be around €1,143. Basic utilities for an average-sized home are €244 per month, and internet is around €34 per month. A monthly pass for public transport is €95, and a gym membership is about €32 per month.

Groceries are also affordable, with a loaf of fresh bread costing €1.62, 12 eggs costing €2.36, and a half-litre bottle of local beer from a supermarket costing just €0.54. Eating out is also reasonable, with a meal for one at an inexpensive restaurant costing €12.50, and a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing €50.

The German government also offers money-saving nationwide public transport schemes, and the city is cycle-friendly, which helps to keep costs down.

In terms of accommodation, there are affordable options in neighbourhoods such as Lindenthal, which is popular with students, and Nippes, a quiet, multicultural area with very affordable housing.

Cologne is safe and clean

Cologne is a safe and clean place to live. The city is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere, and its laid-back, liberal attitude. It is a place where you can be yourself and feel accepted. The people of Cologne are known for their warmth and openness, and the city has a strong sense of community.

Cologne is a very safe city to walk around, even at night. Crime rates are low, and residents can feel secure in their neighbourhoods. The city is also very clean, with well-maintained public spaces and streets. There is a strong focus on community and a sense of pride in the city, which translates into a respect for the environment and public spaces. The city also has an efficient waste management system and good sanitation.

Cologne is also a very green city, with many parks and open spaces. The Rhine River is a focal point, with its banks providing a place for relaxation and socialising. The city also has an extensive network of cycle paths, making it easy to get around without a car and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. The city is relatively flat, making it ideal for cycling, and the cycle paths are well-maintained and safe.

Cologne is also a very affordable city to live in, with lower prices than many other German cities. The cost of living is reasonable, with affordable housing, food, and transportation options. The city also has a thriving job market, with a particular focus on media and television companies, making it an ideal place for young professionals and families alike.

Overall, Cologne offers a high quality of life with a safe, clean, and welcoming environment. It is a city that combines the perks of big-city life with a small-town community feel.

Cologne has a diverse population

Cologne is a diverse, international city. Two out of five residents have a migration background, with people from 180 nations living in the city. The city is also home to 100,000 students from all over Germany and the world.

Cologne is the fourth-most-populous metropolis in Germany, yet it is often overlooked in favour of Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. This means that, unlike those cities, Cologne has fewer tourists, lower prices, and a more 'authentic' insight into German life.

The city is also one of the most laid-back and liberal in the nation, with a reputation for being super warm and friendly. It is also very safe, with low crime rates.

Cologne is a great place to live for students, with multiple student-dominated neighbourhoods and numerous universities. The University of Cologne is one of the oldest and second-largest in Germany, with an exceptionally large number of study programmes. The German Sports University is also based in the city and is excellent for sports science. There are many other universities in Cologne that cover fields such as technology, media, art, and business.

The city is also a tourist magnet, and the locals are used to seeing new faces all the time. Cologne is mainly famous for the Kölner Dom and the Carneval. The latter is something that cannot be described and must be experienced, according to locals.

Cologne is also a great place to live for those seeking employment. It offers plenty of job opportunities, especially in the media, as many German television companies are based in the city.

Cologne has a thriving arts scene

For those who enjoy concerts, Cologne is an ideal place to live. The Lanxess Arena, one of the largest halls in Europe, is a regular stop for the world's biggest stars. There are also many small and medium-sized clubs where smaller bands perform.

Cologne is also known for its unique neighbourhoods, each with its own character and charm. The "Veedeln", or small and large neighbourhoods, are not easily accessible to tourists, so they remain largely undiscovered and full of insider tips for locals. The "Kwartier Latäng" around Zülpicher Straße, for example, is a popular nightlife area for students, just 1,000 metres from the CBS campus.

The city also has a strong connection to its local culture, particularly during the famous Carnival season. The pub carnival, street carnival, and the many smaller carnival processions, including the Rosenmontagszug (Rose Monday procession), are all highlights of the local culture.

Cologne's art scene is further enhanced by the presence of many universities, including the University of Cologne, one of the oldest and second-largest presence universities in Germany, and the German Sports University, which is excellent for sports science. The city attracts many young and talented artists, giving it a special vibe.

Cologne is a student city

The city has multiple student-dominated neighbourhoods, with a diverse range of students from across Germany and the world. The "Quartier Latin" or "Kwartier Latäng" is the most popular nightlife area for students and is just 1,000 metres from the CBS campus. The city's famous carnival is also a big draw, with its unique local culture. The "Veedeln", or small neighbourhoods, offer a strong sense of community, which is often difficult for tourists to access, so students can discover hidden gems and insider tips together.

Cologne is also a very safe city, with a laid-back, tolerant and friendly atmosphere. It is a place where you can be yourself, and people are open and welcoming. The city is also relatively affordable compared to other German cities, with lower prices and fewer tourists than Berlin, Munich or Hamburg.

The student union, or "Kölner Studierendenwerk", supports around 87,000 students from seven universities in the city, including CBS, with access to student halls of residence, canteens and cafeterias, day-care centres, events and advisory services.

Frequently asked questions