Living In Cologne, Germany: An Insider's Perspective

Cologne, Germany is a vibrant, liberal, and exciting city to live in. Known for its rich history, diverse culture, and authentic living atmosphere, Cologne offers a unique and colourful experience. With its impressive standard of living, excellent public transportation, and good infrastructure, Cologne is one of the best places to live in Germany. The city boasts a wide range of cultural and historical treasures, including the famous Kölner Dom, a masterpiece of medieval Gothic architecture. Cologne is also known for its progressive and open-minded cultural atmosphere, with a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. The city has something for everyone, from its lively Carneval to its abundant green spaces and village-like feel.

Cologne's liberal and progressive culture

Cologne is known for its liberal, relaxed, and progressive culture. It is one of the most liberal and exciting cities in Europe. The city has a low tolerance for violence and violent behaviour, and its residents are known for being warm, hospitable, and open-minded.

Cologne is also celebrated for its inclusive and LGBTQ+-friendly ambience, which may set it apart from certain other parts of Germany. The city is rich in history, combining Roman history and medieval architecture with beer halls, carnivals, and a chocolate museum.

Cologne is particularly welcoming to expats. The job market and academic scene provide several opportunities, and the city is quite international, with people easily adapting to its environment. The city is also a hotspot for various musical, cultural, and mediatic trends.

Cologne offers a fantastic quality of life, and it is quite affordable compared to other cities in the region. The city is clean and safe, with a unique and colourful atmosphere. It is also known for its vibrant nightlife and many excellent green spaces.

The city's affordability

Cologne is one of the largest cities in Germany and the biggest in North Rhine-Westphalia. Despite this, it is considered affordable, especially when compared to other cities in the region. Germany, in general, has an affordable cost of living, which is in accordance with the EU average.

For international students, the estimated cost of living in Cologne is around €934 per month, or €11,208 per year. This is in line with the estimate that an international student in Germany needs around €992 per month to live comfortably.

The rent for a one-bedroom flat (40 m2) in Cologne is, on average, €468 per month, with utilities costing around €144 per month. A two-bedroom flat (80 m2) will cost, on average, €945 per month, with utilities costing around €216 per month.

A meal at a luxurious restaurant in Cologne will cost around €24, while a cheaper restaurant will cost around €7 for a single meal. Coffee is also reasonably priced, with an average cappuccino or latte costing €2.25. A loaf of bread will cost just over €1, and a large pizza delivery will cost approximately €11.70.

For entertainment, a ticket to the cinema will cost around €10, and a monthly gym subscription will cost around €36.

Public transport is also affordable, with a one-way ticket costing €3 and a monthly pass costing €95.

Basic monthly utilities for an average-sized home are €244, and the typical monthly internet bill is €34.

The city also has plenty of green spaces, such as Rheinpark and Stadtwald, which are free to access.

Overall, Cologne offers a fantastic quality of life for a city of its size, and its affordability is just one of the many perks of living there.

The job market

Cologne is one of Germany's leading destinations for expats seeking professional opportunities. The city offers the convenience of urban life, but also the cosiness and natural surroundings of a town, making it an ideal place for work-life balance. Being an important economic hub, Cologne provides numerous career opportunities, especially for those with skills that are in demand in the local job market.

Cologne is located in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, Germany's most populated and economically robust region. The city is an important media hub, home to television and radio stations, publishing houses, and marketing agencies. The creative industries, including tech, broadcasting, journalism, and public relations, are thriving in Cologne, and the city attracts professionals from a range of creative backgrounds.

The city is also a popular tourist destination, so there is a high demand for professionals in the hospitality and tourism industries, such as waiters, bartenders, chefs, receptionists, and hotel managers.

Cologne is a significant business centre in Germany, with a well-connected transportation system providing access by sea, land, and air. The Port of Cologne is the country's second-largest inland port, and the Cologne Bonn Airport is one of the largest cargo airports, with major transportation companies based there. Jobs in this sector include couriers, drivers, air traffic managers, shipping merchants, and warehouse specialists.

The region is home to several international companies, including BP, 3M, Ericsson, and Vodafone. Other major companies with a presence in Cologne include Ford, Toyota, AXA International Insurance, Lufthansa, and REWE.

Cologne's economy is diverse, with key sectors including aerospace, automotive manufacturing, information and communications technology, media and broadcasting, air transport, and food production. Insurance, tourism, and research are also important contributors to the local economy.

If you are seeking a job in Cologne, it is recommended to frequently check organisation career pages online and expand your network in Germany, particularly in Cologne. Recruitment agencies and local job centres can also provide assistance in finding employment. Facebook groups and websites such as Stepstone, Monster, Indeed, and Englishjobs.de are good places to start your job search.

The nightlife

Nightlife in Cologne

Cologne is a vibrant city with a diverse range of nightlife options. The city's young and talented artists give it a special vibe, and its nightlife is described as "edgy".

The city is known for its progressive and open-minded cultural atmosphere, embracing a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. This inclusive ambience sets it apart from certain other parts of Germany and contributes to its exciting nightlife.

Cologne is also famous for its local Kölsch beer, a light and crisp beverage served in small, cylindrical glasses. The tradition of "Kölsch etiquette" dictates that waitstaff will consistently refill your glass unless you indicate you're done by placing a coaster on top. This can be surprising to newcomers, who may receive multiple refills without ordering more.

Cologne has a range of famous theatres and musicals, contributing to its cultural offerings. The city also has various neighbourhoods, each with its unique character and attractions. Some of the most famous neighbourhoods include Innenstadt, Rodenkirchen, and Ehrenfeld. Innenstadt is home to most of the city's important landmarks, including the five Bezirke of Altstadt-Süd, Neustadt-Süd, Altstadt-Nord, Neustadt-Nord, and Deutz.

Rodenkirchen, one of the biggest districts, is perfect for families, offering excellent green spaces and international schools. Ehrenfeld, on the other hand, is known for its hip and trendy atmosphere, with plenty of craft beer bars.

Cologne's nightlife is also enhanced by its status as a media hub, with many German television companies based in the city. This contributes to a young and dynamic atmosphere, with plenty of options for entertainment and socialising.

Overall, Cologne's nightlife reflects its liberal and exciting reputation, offering something for everyone, from traditional beer halls to more edgy and progressive options.

The food and drink

Cologne is famous for its local Kölsch beer, a light and crisp beverage served in small, cylindrical glasses. The tradition of "Kölsch etiquette" means that waitstaff will consistently refill your glass unless you indicate that you're done by placing a coaster on top.

The city also has a strong coffee and cake culture. Cafes with impressive cake displays are filled with people enjoying an afternoon sugar and caffeine rush.

Bread is also a staple in Cologne, with bakeries offering a wide range of delicious loaves.

For those looking for a more substantial meal, Cologne has countless cultural offerings, including famous theatres and musicals, as well as a vibrant food scene. The cost of a meal for one at an inexpensive restaurant is around €10-€15, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will set you back about €50.

Supermarkets and groceries are affordable in Cologne, with a litre of milk costing around €0.98, a loaf of fresh bread €1.62, and a half-litre bottle of local beer from a supermarket just €0.54.

Frequently asked questions