Community Events
#6
of 124 cities
25 events on luma
Current value
#66 of 124
Europe
Berlin
Germany
Salary & Cost of Living
How do salaries and expenses in Berlin compare to San Francisco?
Purchasing Power Comparison
An engineer in Berlin is 45% worse off vs in San Francisco
This shows how far a software engineer's salary goes in Berlin compared to San Francisco, taking into account both salary differences and cost of living.
Net Salary
$58,376
-$114K (-66%) vs San Francisco
Tax Rate: 41%
Community Insights
NewBerlin remains a top-tier European tech hub that offers a unique trade-off: lower net salaries and higher taxes in exchange for a vibrant cultural life, strong social safety nets, and a relaxed work atmosphere. While the median SWE salary of ~$98k provides a comfortable life, the days of Berlin being "cheap" are over. The city has matured into a serious economic powerhouse, but its infrastructure—specifically housing and administration—has failed to keep up with the influx of talent.
For software engineers, the barrier to entry is low due to the English-speaking job market, but the barrier to settling is high due to the housing shortage and bureaucratic hurdles. It is a city that rewards resilience and those who value "living" over "earning."
Resident Sentiment
Bittersweet Love: Most resident engineers express a deep affection for the "Berlin vibe"—the freedom, the parks, the beers by the canal, and the open-mindedness of the people. There is a strong sense of community among expats who bond over shared struggles.
Administrative Trauma: However, sentiment turns sharply negative when discussing Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) and landlords. Discussions are filled with horror stories of visa delays and housing scams. Many long-term residents admit they would leave if they lost their current "old contract" cheap apartment, as moving within the city is now seen as a nightmare.
Rankings
Top 5%
Pollution Score
#44
of 124 cities
38.4/100
Current value (lower is better)
Net Income
#54
of 124 cities
$58,376/yr
Current value
Housing Affordability
How affordable is housing for a software engineer in Berlin compared to San Francisco?
Salary Converter
Enter your annual gross salary (before taxes) to see what you would need to earn in Berlin to maintain the same standard of living.
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