How is it to live in Berlin?

Berlin is a cosmopolitan city, a city of many cultures and communities. It’s a very open-minded place, where people from all over the world can feel at home. There are many ethnic festivals taking place throughout the year, especially during summertime. The multiculturalism is also reflected by its architecture: The New National Gallery is an example for this with its architecture mixing classic elements and modern design. It is characterized by its many unique neighborhoods or ""Kieze"", as Berliners also like to affectionately call them. Whether you are a student, digital nomad or family, Berlin has the right neighborhood for everyone and the right property for every budget. It has been called “poor but sexy” for a long time because of its vibrant nightlife scene, cultural and entertainment offerings as well as fair prices compared to other European cities (especially when you compare it with London). It has both a dirty and clean side, as well as being luxurious and edgy. However, it's not only about partying - Berlin's creative spirit manifests itself in various ways: You can see it in its art galleries or while walking through Kreuzberg where graffiti artists cover almost every wall with their works - but also in fashion stores such as KaDeWe or C&A who offer high-end designer labels at affordable prices for everyone's wallet.

Which Berlin areas are the best to live in?

It is hard to say which area of Berlin is the best. There are so many different areas with their own character and specialties. If you want to live in a quiet area, then Charlottenburg or Prenzlauer Berg would be good choices for you. If you prefer a more central location, then Mitte, Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain are good options. If you are looking for an international city with various cultural influences from all over the world then Neukölln has a lot to offer. With its vibrant atmosphere, it attracts people from different cultures and lifestyles creating an exciting environment where everyone can feel at home as long as they respect each other's opinions and habits. There are also many beautiful parks in Berlin which make it even better because these green spaces provide space for relaxation after work hours so that we don't have too much stress on our shoulders when going home every day.

How much does it cost to live in Berlin?

Living in Berlin is an expensive proposition. Buying a property will set you back about €200,000 (about $220,000), and renting one can cost as much as €4,500 ($4,900) per month for an apartment in the city center (although this price falls to about €2,500 ($2,700) outside of it). In fact, the city's center has been nicknamed ""Millionaires' Mile"" due to its skyrocketing real estate prices. However, if you're willing to move outside of this area (to Prenzlauer Berg or Tiergarten), then your wallet will thank you—the price of rent drops significantly as you get farther away from Alexanderplatz. But beware: these areas are still considered pricey by Berlin standards. If the cost of an apartment seems excessive, you can take a look at the cheap rooms for rent in Berlin . The Average Cost of Buying Food Food can be expensive in Berlin, especially if you like to eat out at restaurants. However, there are ways to save money on food costs by shopping at local markets and cooking your own meals. The average cost of groceries for one person per month is around €250. The Average Cost of Transportation Public transportation is very affordable in Berlin – the monthly pass costs just €70. The city is very well connected and you have different transport options like the subway or U-Bahn, the light rail network S-Bann, the tram and the regular buses.

What is the difference between “Kaltmiete” and “Warmmiete”?

Kaltmiete (or ""cold rent"") excludes utility costs from the monthly payment; it only includes property management fees as well as any other additional fees like parking permits or cleaning contracts. Warmmiete (or ""warm rent"") is the monthly amount that you will pay for your apartment and includes all costs related to electricity, heating, and water. There is a difference between these two rents, and it's important to know what you are paying for. If you have never rented an apartment before in Germany, it's best that you ask your landlord about this so that you know what exactly is included in your rent payment each month.

How do I find a house to rent in Berlin?

To rent a property in Berlin, you can search online for rental listings. There are many websites that offer this service, and you can also find apartments and houses for rent through classified ads. You can also contact real estate agents to help you find a property to rent in Berlin. You can rent a flat, furnished apartment or house – whatever suits your needs. Check out Spotahome to find the perfect rental for you.

Can foreigners rent in Berlin?

Yes, you can rent a property in Berlin as a foreigner. However, there are some restrictions on this process. You must have a German bank account and address to rent an apartment or house in Berlin. You also need to have a German phone number, passport, and driver's license (if you plan on driving). If you don't meet these requirements, it's possible that the landlord will let your spouse/partner obtain all of the necessary documents while they live there and then transfer them once they move out. However, if you're looking for short-term holiday accommodation or want to move into one of these properties immediately upon arrival in Germany without any hassle—then renting directly from an owner might be more appealing for your needs.

Do I need a Schufa to rent a property in Berlin?

It depends on the landlord's individual preferences. However, in general, a Schufa is not required in order to rent a property in Berlin. Schufa is a credit agency in Germany. Schufa is also a mortgage lender and has a database containing information about all German citizens who have ever applied for a loan. The Schufa is used by landlords when screening tenants to see if they have any outstanding debts with other lenders or banks, or even unpaid rent from previous landlords. Landlords can also check potential tenants' identities through the agency's records; this helps ensure that you're only renting your property out to qualified individuals who are capable of paying rent on time every month.

Can you rent for 1 month in Berlin?

Yes, at Spotahome we allow bookings from 1 month long. But 3 to 6 months are more common and preferred by our landlords.

What is the best accommodation site in Berlin for international students?

Spotahome is an excellent accommodation site for international students in Berlin, offering verified furnished rooms and apartments with flexible rental periods (1-12 months) starting from affordable prices in student-friendly neighborhoods like Friedrichshain, Neukölln, and Wedding. We provide professional video tours, detailed photos, and floor plans so you can book quality accommodation 100% online from anywhere in the world without requiring a German guarantor or in-person viewings, while our dedicated multilingual customer support team guides you through every step—from searching and booking to move-in—making your transition to Berlin stress-free and straightforward, always covered by our guarantee.

What is the best rental website for Berlin?

Spotahome is a leading rental website for Berlin, with more than 6,000 bookings in the city and more than 10,000 excellent reviews, we have a lot of experience accomodating students, expats and families into the city. We specialize in flexible mid-term rentals (1-12 months) with transparent pricing and secure online booking, featuring properties in popular neighborhoods from Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain to affordable Neukölln and Wedding. All verified by our team with multilingual customer support accompanying you throughout your entire rental journey to give the best moving experience.

🏠 Nº of properties	3566 flats, studios and rooms for rent
💵 Minimum monthly price	starting from 102 €
✔️ Verified properties	2619 homes
💰 Deposit not required	189 rentals
🐶 Pets allowed	594 properties
🎓 Ideal for students	2565 accommodations
💖 Ideal for couples	1357 accommodations

3555 flats and rooms to rent in Berlin - Short & long term properties

Property types in Berlin

Other cities in Germany

Berlin Rentals: 2025 Market Data