33-year-old American living in Germany: ‘I don’t worry about not being able to pay my bills here’

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Serving as an emergency aid worker in Turkey during the war in Syria was the China's English speaking role.

After I finished my master's degree in London, I landed a job as a product manager for a global travel technology company, and I was given the opportunity to relocate to either the United States or Germany, where my husband is originally from.

, faster.

Since February 2020, I've called Berlin, Germany home, and I've never been happier. Here's why I love living here:

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I love our peaceful and intimate residential area.

My husband and I reside in Charlottenburg, a peaceful neighborhood just west of Berlin, that features charming coffee shops and largely consists of middle-class families. I have a familiar relationship with many of the shop owners, and I really enjoy being part of this community.

We reside in a 1,100-square-foot, 2-bedroom apartment with a balcony. Our monthly rent is $1,843, as well as another $350 for utilities and $240 for parking. Our expenses were roughly the same in London, although our Berlin apartment is nearly twice as large and our building is significantly newer.

For groceries, I'm a big fan of Metro, which is essentially the equivalent of Costco in the US. Every two weeks, we spend approximately $300 on our bulk staples. We fill in as needed with other items purchased from local discount retailers such as Aldi and Lidl. Lidl sells 55-cent baguettes that are my favorite.

Living in a new location helped me accomplish financial debt repayment.

In Germany, the government offers benefits such as guaranteed healthcare, pension plans, parental leave, tuition-free college, and unemployment insurance. I have some friends who were laid off, but due to that insurance, they were able to collect 80% of their paychecks for a year.

I came to understand that with a social safety net, not having to save thousands of dollars for unexpected medical expenses, for instance, would leave me with the ability to save between $1,000 and $3,000 each month. That has made a significant difference.

As soon as I arrived home, I was faced with a whopping $130,000 in student loan debt. In November 2023, I managed to pay off the entire amount, all while continuing to save and invest for my future. It's been an enormous relief to have that burden lifted, and I no longer worry about being able to cover my bills every month.

My funds stretch further, and I'm glad to be contributing my fair share, enabling others to access assistance when they need it.

There is a strong feeling of unity and shared connection

What really caught me off guard and put a smile on my face when I arrived in Berlin was the strong sense of equality and fairness that seemed to be a shared attitude among everyone, regardless of their background or origins.

We welcome visitors without charge because we want everyone to be able to take part and feel included. One of my favorite things to do during the warmer months is to check out cafes in different parts of town and attend food festivals.

The festivals are fun, reasonably priced (I usually spend about $12 for a drink and snacks) and frequently celebrate different cultures and countries. It's a wonderful way to meet people with similar interests in a city with a population of 6 million.

I've also found that Berlin's immigrant community, which I'm really proud to be a part of, is incredibly welcoming. We all know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to start over in a new city.

I have access to the remainder of the European Union.

In February, I'll have five years as a German resident under my belt. This will qualify me to apply for a passport and potentially obtain dual citizenship, instead of settling for permanent residency.

With a German passport, I'll be able to move freely throughout the European Economic Area. My ultimate goal is to retire early, live off the land, and enjoy a peaceful life on a rural Italian farm with a flock of chickens. Obtaining the EEA residence permit is a crucial step towards making this dream a reality.

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A proud Latina 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 online platform. Wander Onwards Currently, Vanessa resides in Germany with the objective of creating digital products that improve the lives of individuals living abroad in North America, and to assist others in achieving financial and geographical independence.

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