At 33, I sometimes feel like I’ve already lived a thousand lives. I’m originally from Los Angeles, and over the past decade, I’ve done everything from teaching English in China to working as an emergency aid worker in Turkey during the war in Syria.
After I completed my master’s degree in London, I started working as a product manager for a global travel technology company, and I had the choice of moving to the US or to Germany, where my husband is from.
When considering my decision, I did some math and realized that in Germany, even on a salary lower than what I could earn in the United States, I could achieve my financial goals, like paying off my student debt, faster.
Since February 2020, I’ve called Berlin, Germany home, and I couldn’t be happier. Here’s why I love living here:
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I love our quiet, comfortable neighborhood
My husband and I live in an area of western Berlin called Charlottenburg, a relatively quiet neighborhood full of cozy cafés and middle-class families. I’m on a first name basis with many of the shop owners, and I love the community here.
We live in a 1,100 square foot apartment, with a balcony. We pay $1,843 a month for rent, about $350 for utilities, and $240 for parking. We were paying the same in London, but our apartment in Berlin is double the size, and the building is much newer.
Taking in the sunshine and a beautiful day in the city.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
For groceries, I’m a big fan of Metro, which is basically Germany’s Costco. Every two weeks, we spend about $300 on our bulk food items. We fill as necessary with other items purchased from local budget retailers like ALDI and LIDL. Lidl sells 45 cent Brötchen, or bread rolls, which are my favorite.
Moving here helped me pay off debt
In Germany, the government provides things like guaranteed health care, pensions, parental leave, tuition-free university, and even unemployment insurance. I have a few friends who were laid off, but thanks to this insurance, they were able to get 80% of their salary for one year.
When I was deciding between the United States and Germany, I… I knocked down some numbers And I realized that with a social safety net — and not having to set aside thousands of dollars for medical emergencies, for example — I would be able to save between $1,000 and $3,000 each month. This made a huge 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 saving, backing up my future and investing. It’s been a huge weight off my shoulders, and I don’t have to worry 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 clear sense of community
What surprised me most when I arrived in Berlin was the deep sense of equality that everyone seemed to share, regardless of their background.
a lot Cultural events You have free access, because access and engagement are big core values here. One of my favorite things to do during the summer is to explore cafes in other neighborhoods and go to food festivals.
Enjoy drinks and ambiance at the outdoor café.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
Festivals are fun and inexpensive (I usually only spend $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 have also found that Berlin’s immigrant community, of which I am very proud to be a member, is particularly friendly. We all understand how isolating the experience of finding your feet in a new place can be.
I have access to the rest of the EU
In February, I will be a German resident for five years. This means that I will be eligible to apply for a passport and dual citizenship, rather than just permanent residency.
I’m here at Potsdamer Platz, next to one of the pieces of the Berlin Wall on display there.
Photo: Vanessa Wachtmeister
Holding a German passport means that I will have the opportunity to move wherever I want in the European Economic Area. My long term dream is to retire early, get some chickens and live quietly in the Italian countryside. Obtaining an EEA passport is a key part of this plan.
Ultimately, although I called many places home, the decision to come to Berlin opened up more paths for me than I thought were possible.
Vanessa Wachtmeister He 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 Walk around onwards. Today, Vanessa lives in Germany, and her goal is to continue building digital products that enhance North Americans’ lives abroad, and help others pursue financial independence and location.
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