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Living in Cologne: Cologne is a 2,000-year-old city in western Germany crossing the Rhine River and is the region’s cultural center: the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral, a showpiece of High Gothic architecture nestled among the restored old town. Moreover, the nearby Ludwig Museum exhibits 20th-century art, including numerous Picasso masterpieces, while the Romano-Germanic Museum holds Roman antiquities. If you are planning to study in Germany or relocate to Germany, Cologne might be the right place to live. Read this blog to learn about the pros and cons of living in Cologne, the cost of living and more.
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Pros of Living in Cologne, Germany
With its peace, order, green areas, and great quality of life, Germany is a wonderful country. There are numerous advantages of living in Cologne, Germany. Some of the pros of living in this beautiful city are as follows.
Impressive Standard of Living
Moving to Cologne allows you to work with some of the world’s biggest car, pharmaceutical, telecommunications, and engineering industries, as well as earn some of Europe’s highest average and minimum wages. Aside from work, benefits include high-quality healthcare and public transportation, as well as good public education with no tuition costs for higher education.
Excellent Public Transportation
Cologne has excellent public transportation that is on time, safe, and comfortable in general. With some forethought and a willingness to walk, it is possible to live here without a car.
Low Tolerance of Violence and Violent Behavior
There is a very low tolerance for violence and violent behavior in Cologne. Striking children at school or at home is unlawful. There is no death punishment, and no one desires it. Calling someone “aggressive” is considered an insult; it is not recognised as a desirable characteristic.
Good Infrastructure
Walls are thick, doors and locks are well crafted and robust, windows may open wide or tilt vertically, and they use modern copies of the iconic old steam radiators found only in historic buildings in the United States.
Also Read: Student Life in Germany
Cons of Living in Cologne, Germany
Depending on your inclinations, you may despise some aspects of Germany while enjoying others. Some of the cons of living in Cologne are as follows.
People are a Bit Reserved
People might be reclusive and excessively private at times, therefore making it difficult to enter social circles and form acquaintances.
Humidity During Summer
In the spring and summer, Cologne and Germany as a whole are hotter and more humid than many people imagine.
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Tips of Living in Cologne
Cologne, with its rich history, provides a diverse range of sights and landscapes. Its captivating beauty will win you over. Here are some of the tips for living in Cologne:
Learning German
Although English is commonly spoken in Germany, it is strongly recommended that you first study German. You will also need to become acquainted with the technical words that you may encounter in job or rental contracts.
German Garbage System
Make sure you are familiar with the recycling system in your new house and that you are aware of the pickup days. Additionally, bins are color-coded, and the meaning of the colors varies by state. If you are unsure, consult a neighbor or your landlord. In Germany, around 68% of all household waste is recycled.
Meeting People in Cologne
Most Germans are members of one or more clubs or groups; in fact, they have one of the world’s highest levels of social cohesion, so joining a group can be a terrific way to meet like-minded people. However, the quickest approach to meeting new individuals will most likely be through your study or work.
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Cost of Living in Cologne, Germany for Students
As of 2024, the cost of living for international students in Cologne, Germany, is estimated to be around EURO 934 per month, totaling approximately EURO 11,208 per year.
| Aspect | Average |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | Around EURO 10 – EURO15 per meal |
| Rent Per Month | EURO 400 – EURO 750 |
| Utilities (Monthly) | EURO 200 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment | EURO 3,500 – EURO 4,500 per square meter |
| Monthly Pass for Transportation | EURO 49 |
| Monthly Grocery Cost | EURO 200 – EURO 300 |
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Surprising Elements in Cologne
Living in Cologne, Germany can provide a delightful experience, but there are certain unexpected and unique aspects of life in this city that you should keep in mind:
Kölsch Beer Culture
Cologne is famous for its local Kölsch beer, a light and crisp beverage served in small, cylindrical glasses. What might surprise you here is the tradition of “Kölsch etiquette.” Waitstaff will consistently refill your glass unless you indicate that you’re done by placing a coaster on top, which can be unexpected, particularly when newcomers receive multiple refills without ordering more.
Cologne Cathedral
While the beauty of the Cologne Cathedral is not surprising, this awe-inspiring structure dominates the city’s skyline. What can astonish you is the number of steps required to ascend the cathedral’s tower. Nevertheless, the panoramic view from the top is undeniably worth the effort.
Abundance of Green Spaces
Cologne boasts an unexpectedly generous selection of green spaces and parks such as the Rheinpark and Stadtwald. These provide a tranquil escape from the bustling urban environment and are ideal locations for picnics and outdoor activities.
Progressive Cultural Environment
Cologne is renowned for its progressive and open-minded cultural atmosphere. It proudly embraces a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and is celebrated for its inclusive ambiance, which may set it apart from certain other parts of Germany.
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FAQs
Ans. The advantages of living in Cologne, Germany include its dynamic culture, efficient public transit, and closeness to other major European cities. Cologne is also noted for its gorgeous architecture, numerous parks and open areas, and diversified population.
Ans. Cologne is particularly welcoming to expats. The people are warm, hospitable, and open-minded, the city is rich in both history and entertainment, and the job market and academic scene provide several chances.
Ans. Despite being Germany’s “oldest city,” Cologne is known for its liberal, relaxed culture, which combines Roman history and medieval architecture with beer halls, carnivals, and a chocolate museum. Cologne’s residents are not only polite and inviting, but they also know how to have a good time.
Ans. A good salary in Cologne depends on factors like your experience, education, and the specific industry you work in. However, the average salary in Cologne is around €45,000 per year.
Ans. Leipzig is generally considered the cheapest city to live in Germany.
Ans. Cities like Berlin and Munich offer the most job opportunities in Germany due to their strong economies, diverse industries, and vibrant job markets. They attract numerous multinational companies and foster innovation, creating a high demand for skilled professionals across various sectors.
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