10 reasons to live in Frankfurt as an expat

Discover Frankfurt's abundant work opportunities, diverse culture and exciting things to do with our guide to expat life in Frankfurt.

Ivandzhelin

4 minute read

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Updated on 14 Oct 2024

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Living

Every life-changing move begins with thorough research of the city you want to live in. Assessing the quality of life and whether you can afford it are only a few of the questions you have to answer before taking the next step.

If you're considering exploring homes for rent in Frankfurt, we've got you covered. In this guide, we've compiled 10 reasons why Frankfurt is an excellent choice for expats. From the cost of living to the fun things to do in the city, we'll provide you with all the essential information you need to make an informed decision.

With people from over 170 nationalities living there, Frankfurt is one of the best German cities for expats to live in.

The city is attractive to expats because of the job opportunities, excellent education and high level of internationality.

Another reason to live in Frankfurt is that you can get by speaking English. So, not speaking German won't stop you from making friends or finding a job, but it might restrict you to the international bubble.

Before you pack your things and move to Frankfurt, it's important to consider if you can afford it. Known as one of the wealthiest cities in Europe, Frankfurt’s cost of living is naturally on the higher end. A single person living in Frankfurt can expect to spend between €1,700 – €2,025 in total per month, while a family of 4 will face an average cost of €4,170.

1. Thriving economy

As a renowned financial centre, Frankfurt has earned the nickname "Bankfurt" due to its multitude of banks and financial institutions. This makes it an ideal city for professionals in business, banking, and finance. The city also features a thriving IT sector, along with well-established industries in logistics, consulting, education, manufacturing, healthcare, life sciences, tourism, and hospitality.

Additionally, Frankfurt boasts one of Germany's lowest unemployment rates, making it an appealing choice for stable employment opportunities. With its vibrant economy, strong job market, and reputation as an international business hub, Frankfurt provides a supportive ecosystem for professionals.

2. High salaries

Working in Frankfurt offers expats significant advantages. The city's high average monthly salary of €3,361, surpassing the national average, provides excellent income potential and a comfortable standard of living.

3. World’s best universities

Choosing to study in Frankfurt is a great choice because there’re numerous English-language universities in Frankfurt, like the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University and the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences.

For expats moving with their families, Frankfurt has many international schools where you can enrol your children, such as the Strothoff International School, the Frankfurt International School and the Metropolitan School.

Parents moving from the USA to Frankfurt can enrol their children at ISF Internationale Schule Frankfurt-Rhein-Main, which offers an American curriculum to children between 3 and 18.

4. Highest concentration of expats in Germany

The city's international flair attracts a diverse expat community, providing opportunities to connect with people from around the world. More than 29% of Frankfurt’s residents are international. The presence of such a large international community fosters a sense of belonging and provides a support network for foreigners, making it easier to adapt to living in Frankfurt.

To expand your social network in Frankfurt, you can connect with various expat communities online, such as the Facebook group ‘Expats in FFM- Frankfurt am Main.’ Attending events on platforms like Meetup.com or Eventbrite can also help you find like-minded individuals and form lasting friendships.

5. Rich cultural scene

Frankfurt's cultural scene includes renowned museums like the Staedel Museum and the Senckenberg Natural History Museum. Enjoy parks, such as Palmengarten Frankfurt, and visit the historic Goethe House. Festivals like the Main Festival and the Apple Wine Festival add to the excitement. Don't miss trying traditional dishes like Frankfurter sausages and Grüne Soße!

6. Seamless connectivity

Frankfurt has an outstanding public transport system providing seamless connectivity throughout the city. Moreover, you can easily access every major German city by train and many international destinations via one of the largest airports in Europe.

7. Prime healthcare facilities

Frankfurt is renowned for its exceptional healthcare facilities, ensuring that residents receive top-notch medical care without any concerns. The city prides itself on possessing one of the finest healthcare systems in the country, boasting outstanding hospitals and a wide array of specialists across various fields.

When it comes to health insurance, you can choose between public or private German health insurance in Germany. The choice ultimately depends on your preferences, and the costs associated with each option will vary accordingly.

8. Safety

With a crime index of 45, Frankfurt is a safe city. Like other big metropolitan cities, the crime rate is higher than in smaller towns, but the city mostly deals with petty and drug-related crimes. As long as you're mindful of your belongings on the subway and avoid certain areas at night, you don't have much to worry about.

9. Beautiful green spaces

Frankfurt offers abundant outdoor areas for relaxation and recreation. Enjoy picnics with friends in the city's many parks. Botany enthusiasts can explore the Palmengarten Frankfurt, home to over 13,000 plant species for a low fee of €7. For a fun family outing, visit the historic Frankfurt Zoo, Germany's oldest.

10. Dynamic nightlife

Frankfurt's nightlife caters to all tastes. Start with a meal at top restaurants like Emma Metzler or No.16. Then, sip cocktails at Hunky Dory or grab a beer at Chinaski. Dance the night away at clubs like Velvet or Batchkapp.

Having learned the essentials of living in Frankfurt as an expat, you're now ready to embark on this exciting journey. Get ready to embrace the cosmopolitan atmosphere, immerse yourself in the city's rich culture, and experience the dynamic lifestyle that awaits you in Frankfurt.

Looking to make your move seamless and stress-free? Explore homes for rent in Frankfurt even before you arrive, ensuring peace of mind from day one.

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