Best Cities in Germany to Live In 2026
3 cities ranked by Livability Score — affordability, safety, internet, democracy & climate.
Hamburg
75/100Berlin
74/100Munich
73/100Compare cities in Germany
❓ Living in Germany — Common Questions
What is the best city to live in Germany?▾
Based on our Livability Score, Hamburg ranks #1 in Germany with a score of 75/100, and city-centre rent from around $1167/month.
What is the safest city in Germany?▾
By UNODC homicide rate data, Hamburg is the safest city in Germany in our database, with a rate of 0.8 per 100,000 people.
Should I move to Hamburg or Berlin?▾
Hamburg scores 75/100 on our Livability Score vs 74/100 for Berlin. Rent is $1167/mo in Hamburg vs $1299/mo in Berlin. See the full comparison at the bottom of this page.
How do I get long-term residency or a visa to live in Germany?▾
Germany offers the Germany Freelancer Visa (complex process). Duration: 1–3 years. Key requirement: Proof of freelance work, health insurance, sufficient income. German bureaucracy included.. The process is complex. Check individual city pages for full details.