The Rhine Rivals: Düsseldorf Vs. Cologne For Your New Home

Düsseldorf or Cologne? Both cities are beautiful, and you can easily visit both based on either one as they are only 40 kilometres apart. Düsseldorf is a business metropolis, the engine of the German economy, with a high standard of living and a village feel. It is also a hotspot for fashion and finance, with a strong Japanese cultural influence. Cologne, on the other hand, is a media metropolis with a large student population and a strong Kurdish cultural influence. It is known for its Gothic cathedral, museums, Roman history, and easy-going locals. The cost of living in Cologne is lower than in Düsseldorf, with rent prices 2.5% lower and restaurant prices 8.4% lower.

Cost of living

When it comes to the cost of living, there are a few differences between the two cities. Overall, Cologne is slightly cheaper than Düsseldorf. According to one source, the cost of living in Cologne is 1.6% lower than in Düsseldorf without rent, and 1.8% lower including rent. Another source states that the cost of living in Cologne is 0.5% less expensive than in Düsseldorf.

Rent

Rent prices in Cologne are 2.5% lower than in Düsseldorf. However, another source states that housing in Cologne is 8% more expensive than in Düsseldorf.

Food

Restaurant prices in Cologne are 8.4% lower than in Düsseldorf. Groceries prices in Cologne are 1.5% higher than in Düsseldorf. However, another source states that food costs are about the same in both cities.

Transportation

Transportation in Cologne is 15% more expensive than in Düsseldorf.

Clothing

Clothing in Cologne is 7% cheaper than in Düsseldorf.

Personal Care

Personal care in Cologne is 4% cheaper than in Düsseldorf.

Entertainment

Entertainment in Cologne is 9% cheaper than in Düsseldorf.

Salary

The average monthly net salary in Düsseldorf is €3,061, of which around 55% will go towards living expenses. The average monthly cost of living in Düsseldorf is €2,082 for a single person renting a studio and €3,294 for a family, including expenses such as daycare. For students, the cost of living is around €1,410 per month.

In summary, while there are some slight differences in the cost of living between the two cities, the overall difference is not significant. The choice between the two cities should be based on other factors such as personal preferences, career prospects, and cultural offerings.

Career prospects

When it comes to career prospects, Düsseldorf is considered a business metropolis and the engine of the German economy. The city is home to many international companies, offering a range of career opportunities for internationals, including those without German language skills. The major industry in Düsseldorf is telecommunications, with the city hosting the headquarters of some of the biggest providers of mobile services, such as EE and Vodafone. The city also has a strong working relationship with Japan, and many Japanese corporations have their headquarters in the Japanese district of Düsseldorf.

There are plenty of employment opportunities for expats in Düsseldorf, with the telecommunications industry offering roles for English speakers in management and executive positions. Au pair and bar or restaurant jobs are also readily available for foreigners in the nightlife districts. The cost of living in Düsseldorf is slightly higher than in Cologne, with rent prices, restaurant prices, and local purchasing power all being lower in Cologne. However, grocery prices are slightly higher in Cologne.

Cologne, on the other hand, is known for its media landscape and creative minds. Almost a third of all German television media is produced in the Cologne area. While Düsseldorf is known for its business and finance sector, Cologne is a cultural hub with a vibrant theatre scene, numerous open-air festivals, and a thriving music and art scene. The city also has a large student population, contributing to its young and hip vibe.

Commuting between the two cities is relatively easy, with a train journey of just under 30 minutes connecting the two. This means that those living in one city can easily access job opportunities in the other. However, some have noted that the commute can be quite packed and it is preferable to live and work in the same city.

Culture and nightlife

Cologne is a 2,000-year-old city with a glorious past and a vibrant nightlife. The city has a lot to offer tourists, from famous attractions to its soul-stirring nightlife.

Nightlife

Cologne's old town has a high pulse rate that doesn't slow down even at night. The city's bars, clubs, and discos offer a range of entertainment options, and its narrow streets showcase a cosmopolitan and cheerful atmosphere. The cathedral city is known for its hospitality, with people often socialising over a Kölsch, the local beer.

The boathouse on the shipyard, which opened in 1991, is considered one of the founding places of techno culture in Germany. The club has excellent sound and lighting systems and hosts well-known DJs. In the north of Cologne, the Odonia, created by artist Odo Rumpf, is an unconventional event space with bizarre metal sculptures, a large garden, and an open-air stage. It hosts a variety of events, including concerts, theatre performances, flea markets, open-air cinema, parties, and art festivals.

Cologne also has a variety of clubs, including the Diamonds Club, known for its classy atmosphere, and the Electrum Club, which offers three rooms and a terrace, catering to different moods and preferences. The Vanity club has a mixed concept, combining a dignified restaurant with an elegant club downstairs.

For those seeking unique cocktails, Seiberts is listed among the top 10 most influential bars in Europe, offering classic cocktails in a chic setting. Spirits is another popular spot, known for its modern and trendy interiors and delicious food.

Culture

Cologne is known for its art, friendliness, and historical significance. It is one of the most laid-back and liberal cities in Germany, known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The city offers a mix of attractions, including a massive cathedral, Rhineside cycling and running paths, an atmospheric old town, museums, galleries, and green spaces.

The Belgian Quarter, located in Innenstadt (the city centre), is considered one of the most liveable areas in Cologne. It offers a mix of shops and market stalls selling furniture, second-hand books, and other goods.

Cologne is also known for its excellent breweries, including Peters Brauhaus, which offers international cuisine and its own Peters Kölsch beer. Früh am Dom is another well-known brewery located near the Cologne landmark, serving traditional dishes and the famous Früh Kölsch beer.

Best Areas for Culture and Nightlife

• Innenstadt (Ring of Cologne): The vibrant city centre offers dining, entertainment, and nightlife options, as well as being home to the Kölner Dom cathedral.
• Ehrenfeld: Located northwest of the Ring, Ehrenfeld has a vibrant, artistic, cultural, and alternative vibe. It is popular among young creatives, families, and students, offering a mix of nightlife, shopping, and dining options.
• Lindenthal: Home to the vibrant nightlife quarter, Kwartier Latäng, Lindenthal also has picturesque cafes and bookshops surrounding the Sorbonne University. It is popular among students and young professionals, offering affordable housing and a great cafe culture.
• Chlodwigplatz: Located between Rodenkirchen and Altstadt/Heumarkt, Chlodwigplatz offers a central location with a great music scene, bars, eateries, and events.

Transport links

Cologne has an extensive public transport system, which is well-suited to the needs of foreigners, with English being standard across the network. The public transport system in Cologne is called KVB, and it includes trains, trams and buses. The trains are called "U-Bahn" (or "Hochbahn") and "S-Bahn", and they run from the outskirts of the city to the centre and out to the opposite outskirts. The U-Bahn is the underground train system, with the first line opened in 1968. The U-Bahn and Hochbahn train lines are indicated with a "U" on the line. The S-Bahn stands for "Schnellbahn" ("fast line"), although it is just as fast as the U-Bahn. The S-Bahn train lines are indicated with an "S" and are two-tone coloured, with the original colour being white. Together, the U-Bahn and S-Bahn are referred to as the Stadtbahnlinien, or city train lines. They are numbered from 1 to 18. All S-Bahns run via the main station in Cologne, but not all U-Bahns do. In most areas, they feel like trams as they run alongside or in the middle of the streets, but there are also areas where they run on special rails. The bus system consists of roughly 76 lines, with each district assigned a certain range of numbers. The ticket system is organised by distance, with zones distinguished by bright colour codes.

Düsseldorf's public transport is run by Rheinbahn, and includes the city railway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams and buses, all of which can be accessed with the same ticket. The working hours of public transport in Düsseldorf are generally between 9 a.m. and midnight, but this differs per line and type of transport. The Stadtbahn (city railway) is the fastest way to travel through Düsseldorf, as it allows you to escape traffic jams. It is a cross between a tram and a metro, but only in the centre do the lines go underground. Each of the 11 lines is identified by a number (U70 – U79, U83). When travelling within the centre, you normally won’t wait for your train for longer than a few minutes. But as you go further towards the suburbs, the waiting time in the evenings or on weekends can increase up to 20 to 30 minutes between trains. Trams (Straßenbahn or streetcars) will become your reliable companion in the centre of Düsseldorf. Each of the 7 lines is identified by numbers 701 and 704 through to 709. They stop frequently throughout the route, making them perfect for short travel. Buses are helpful when transferring between tram and U-Bahn lines or travelling to suburbs. The bus network in Düsseldorf is extensive but less so in the city centre, where it gives way to tram lines. The frequency of buses is also much lower than trams, trains or the metro. It might take from 30 minutes to an hour between each bus. Buses are also less reliable when in a hurry as they’re sensitive to traffic and their service can be sporadic on weekends.

Both cities are well-connected to each other and the surrounding region. In just under 30 minutes, you can travel from Düsseldorf's main railway station to Cologne's main railway station, and vice versa. Both cities also have good connections to the rest of the Ruhr region, with Düsseldorf offering easy access to Dortmund, Duisburg or Wuppertal in 90 minutes at the latest. Düsseldorf Airport is also easily accessible by public transport, with over 350 trains stopping at the airport every day, including S-Bahns and ICEs (Intercity Express trains).

Food and drink

Dusseldorf is well known for its restaurant scene, with a mix of regional specialties and international options. Traditional dishes include Rheinischer Sauerbraten (Rhine-style marinated roast), Haxe (shin), Flönz (blood sausage), and Ähzezupp (pea soup). There are also plenty of up-and-coming restaurants, including international options such as Japanese restaurants, which are more prevalent in Dusseldorf than in Cologne due to the city's good relationship with Japan.

Cologne's food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants, particularly Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes include Halve Hahn (an open-face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there are many donut shops with decadent toppings.

Dining out in Dusseldorf is very reasonable. Generally speaking, a main meal will cost €10-12, and a glass of white wine is normally around €4. In Cologne, a main meal will cost slightly more at €10-15.

Frequently asked questions