There are many reasons why Munich is such a popular destination for expats. However, many also find themselves confronted with larger-than-expected challenges. We reveal the pros and cons of our hometown and what you should be prepared for.
By the end of this article, you will know how to find a place to live in an extremely competitive housing market and how to quickly make new contacts. In addition, we have valuable information, tips, and numerous links to help you get off to a successful start in your new life in Bavaria's state capital.
Table Of Contents
Living in Munich as an Expat: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Munich is one of Europe's economic powerhouses and has strong international connections. Around 30% of Munich's approximately 1.6 million residents come from abroad. However, it is not only the good job opportunities that make the city so attractive for expats.
Places such as the English Garden, the Olympic Park, the cozy beer gardens in the middle of the city, and the numerous cultural offerings make for an excellent work-life balance. At the same time, Munich is the safest major city in Germany – in 2024 for the 49th time in a row.
All this and more makes Munich one of the most liveable places for expatriates worldwide. This, at least, is the conclusion of a study conducted by management consultancy Mercer in 2023, which assessed the quality of life of expats based on 39 factors in 241 major cities around the world. The result: Munich ended up in seventh place.
However, Munich's great appeal to people from all over the world also has its downsides. In addition to the notorious German bureaucracy – which even many Germans struggle with – these include, in particular, the tight housing market and high prices. Furthermore, many expats report difficulties in making friends with locals, with some even talking of a "closed society".
So it's anything but easy to settle in Munich. Read on to find out how you can do it anyway! Let's start with the search for a home.
Finding Accommodation
Finding a suitable apartment in Munich often requires patience, perseverance, frustration tolerance and the necessary budget. The Bavarian capital may not be as expensive as New York or London, but it is still by far the most expensive place to live in Germany!
"In 2023, as in 2022, Munich proved to be by far the most expensive location. [...] Housing costs per square meter in Munich are almost 81 percent higher than the national average. The surrounding district of Munich ranks as the second most expensive place to live, with rent and utilities 56 percent above the national average."
IW-Kurzbericht Nr. 46, 2024
Temporary Accommodation
Since private landlords in particular as well as members of shared apartments often insist on an inspection in person, it is advisable to wait until arrival before looking for a long-term accommodation. This way you don't have to incur too much risk and make too much of a commitment. The decisive factor is that you already have a safe place to stay when you arrive and can then make flexible appointments to view other properties at your leisure.
Boarding houses, (apartment) hotels or furnished apartments with fixed-term rental contracts are suitable as temporary accommodation for the first few months. Platforms such as Apartmentservice, myroom24 or Mr. Lodge can facilitate the search.
Apartmentservice (1 day – 6 month)
Wunderflats (rental period > 6 month)
myroom24 (1 – 6 month)
Mr. Lodge (rental period > 6 month)
Flathopper (rental period > 3 month, commission-free)
Boardinghaus Eching (rental period > 1 month)
Booking platforms are convenient, but often charge very high commission fees. In addition, many accommodations, such as boarding houses, are not listed on these platforms. A quick internet search often rewards you with better prices.
In countries such as Great Britain and Australia, the term boarding house is mostly used in the context of boarding schools, where it refers to the residential and communal buildings for students. In Germany, however, boarding houses (Boardinghouses, Boardinghäuser) cater to a broader clientele. The offerings range from spartanly furnished rooms with shared kitchens to high-quality serviced apartments.
Long-term Accommodation
While temporary, furnished accommodations are convenient, they are not directly tied to the Munich rent index (Mietspiegel). Consequently, providers often charge disproportionately high premiums. Particularly for long-term stays in Munich, it is therefore advisable to search for permanent accommodation – be it a conventional (unfurnished) rental apartment or a room in a shared apartment.
According to the rent index, the average monthly rent for a conventional 30 m² rental apartment in Munich is currently (2024) around €28/m², however, this is heavily dependent on the respective borough and neighborhood. Generally speaking, the more central, the more expensive.
Discover Munich's districts with rent levels
There are a number of online portals where you can start your search and contact landlords or real estate agents directly. Immowelt and Immobilienscout24 are two of Germany’s biggest names. For those looking for a shared apartment, wg-gesucht.de is the right place to start.
Immobilienscout24
Immowelt
WG-gesucht.de (shared apartments)
As is so often the case, first impressions count. Housing providers are very keen on finding the right tenant for their property. This applies in particular with regard to your personal and financial situation. In your response to an advertisement, assure the landlord that you will treat the apartment with care and will pay your rent reliably. Also explain your professional situation.
Landlords often ask for a so-called SCHUFA credit report, which confirms a person's financial reliability and solvency. However, this report is not available for foreigners who have not yet lived in Germany. But there are other ways of proving your solvency. For example, you could bring a letter of reference from your foreign bank. Another option is to voluntarily offer a guarantee from a friend or relative. A letter of recommendation from your employer could also be helpful.
As a rule, a rent deposit must be paid to the landlord in advance, which usually amounts to 3 net rents. The deposit serves as security for the landlord in the event that the rent is not paid or damage is caused to the apartment by the tenant. At the end of the tenancy, the entire deposit plus interest will be returned to the tenant, if the rent has been paid in full and there are no damages or other claims. If rent is owed or there is damage, the landlord may withhold part or all of the security deposit temporarily or permanently.
As already mentioned, the search is very difficult; it is not uncommon for 100 applicants to apply for a publicly advertised apartment! What's more, many apartments that become available are passed on under the table and don't even find their way onto public housing portals. As everywhere else in the world, contacts are invaluable when looking for an apartment. Also take advantage of the opportunities offered by social media. For example, there are several groups on Facebook where current tenants are looking for a successor.
(FB) Nachmieter / Wohnung gesucht!
(FB) Freie Wohnungen in München / Wohnung zu vermieten
If you still have difficulty finding accommodation, or have very specific ideas about your future home, it is advisable to hire a real estate agent to help you find a place to live. If he or she is successful, a fee (broker's commission) will be payable. In addition to estate agents, there are also numerous providers of so-called relocation services, who not only help with the search for accommodation but also provide advice and assistance with administrative procedures.
Important Information & Tips
- Do not overlook the outskirts and suburbs
Munich is the most expensive place to live in Germany. Those looking to save money should consider slightly longer commutes and search in the outskirts or the suburbs. These are mostly well connected to Munich’s public transport system, and apartment hunting is significantly easier. - Beware of scammers
Many landlords ask for a security deposit before moving in. If you are unable to view the accommodation in person, you should only transfer a deposit if you are certain that the provider is reputable. Transfers to accounts outside of Germany (IBAN does not begin with DE) or via Western Union or similar agencies should not be made under any circumstances! - Be cautious with fixed-term rentals
Landlords who rent out their apartments for limited periods often find themselves in a legal gray area or clearly violate the law. This particularly applies to cities such as Munich, which has enacted strict regulations prohibiting the misuse of residential space – known as Wohnraumzweckentfremdung.
Important: Always ask for a so-called "Wohnungsgeberbestätigung" (landlord's confirmation of residence) in advance! Issuing this document is mandatory and needed for registering a residence. If the provider hesitates or even refuses to do so, they may want to remain invisible to the authorities. - Register your place of residence as soon as possible!
As a general rule, anyone moving into a new apartment in Germany must register with the relevant registration authority within two weeks of moving in. You will then receive a registration certificate, which you will need frequently – for example, to take out health insurance, apply for a residence permit, and much more. If you have never been registered in Germany before, you will also receive a letter from the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) with your personal tax identification number. Your employer needs this number to deduct income tax. - Broadcasting license fees
When registering your place of residence, it is important to note that every household (not every individual) in Germany is required to pay broadcasting license fees. After registering your new place of residence, you will receive a letter from the "Beitragsservice" asking you to register for the broadcasting license fee or to prove that the household in which you live is already paying it. You do not need to take immediate action yourself, but can wait for the letter to arrive. - Warm- vs. Kaltmiete
It is important to understand the difference between the terms Warmmiete (lit. "warm rent") and Kaltmiete (lit. "cold rent") to avoid unpleasant surprises. Kaltmiete refers to the part of the rent that covers the use of the living space only. Unlike Warmmiete, it does not include operating costs such as heating or hot water. In most cases, the tenant pays the estimated operating costs each month in addition to the Kaltmiete and receives a detailed annual statement from the landlord at year-end. In case of elevated consumption, an additional payment may be due, whilst a refund for economical use of water and heating is also conceivable. - Setting up an electricity supply contract
Electricity is not included in the Warmmiete and must be paid for separately. Important: Unless you have signed a contract with a provider of your choice, you will automatically be supplied by the local default supplier (usually Stadtwerke München) at the so-called "Grundversorgungstarif" (basic supply tariff). This tariff is generally significantly more expensive than regular plans.
Making Friends
Making friends quickly in a new country is always a great enrichment. Not only is it fun to meet people from all over the world in your free time, but it also allows for an exchange of experiences that can make everyday life in Munich easier. Here's the problem:
„… expats find that getting settled in Munich isn’t easy, neither from a practical nor a cultural standpoint. The city comes dead last for Ease of Settling In (53rd)! Respondents perceive the local population as unfriendly towards foreign residents (53rd). They don’t feel welcome (52nd) and struggle to get used to the local culture (52nd).“
InterNations, Expat Insider, 2024
Fortunately, Munich has been a popular destination for people from all over the world for decades, so it shouldn't be a big problem to make friends and exchange ideas with other expats.
The Munich Expat Community
One of the most prominent networks in town is the Munich Expats, boasting a Facebook group with more than 55,000 members. Beyond their regular events, platforms like Meetup and Reddit are also excellent for connecting with others expats, asking questions, or organizing meetings to discover the city together.
Munich Expats
Meetup (Events & Groups)
Reddit (r/Munich)
InterNations (Networking & Events)
Understanding the Local Mindset
Munich is a city of contrasts. It is a place where deep-rooted tradition meets a glitzy high society, and Bavarian "Gemütlichkeit" meets the hustle and bustle of a vibrant metropolis. These contradictions are often the reason why expats initially find it difficult to read the locals correctly.
- Locals are blunt and honest
In contrast to the superficial politeness often found in other cultures, Germans generally place great value on directness, honesty, and authenticity. To expats, this can initially come across as distant or even standoffish. - Munich residents have a special sense of humor
Asking for a lighter might get you the reply: "Your poverty disgusts me". Arrogance? No, just a joke, but one that isn't always recognized as such right away. - In Munich, you are either a "Bayer" or a "Sechzger"
Red or blue? In Munich, football allegiance is not a hobby, but a way of life. While the spoiled supporters of FC Bayern (red) look down on others with their permanent winner's attitude, the fans of TSV 1860 Munich (blue) define themselves by their unshakeable stance: Bavarian, down-to-earth and loyal to the Giesing (borought of Munich) milieu, regardless of which league they are in. - Munich is "Schickimicki"
It is a widespread prejudice that Munich residents are conceited, snobbish posers. This is not entirely unjustified: money and status symbols play a significant role for the self-proclaimed high society, the so called "Schickeria". It's a good thing that this "aristocracy" has been meeting in the same places for decades (Maximilianstraße, Bayerischer Hof, P1 nightclub, Käfer, etc.) – so at least you know exactly where not to spend your free time. - Munich residents are "Grantler" (grumps)
So ein Schmarrn! Kreizkruzefix! Saupreißn! The traditional local loves to grumble and complain – about politics, the weather, or simply out of principle. But note: Bavarian cursing is often not driven by real anger, and is almost never meant as bad as it sounds. But it may seem off-putting to non-Bavarians at first. - Locals are only unfriendly within the city limits
Strangers rarely greet each other on the streets of Munich; they usually don't even acknowledge each other with a glance. However, this often changes at the city limits. In rural areas, people suddenly start greeting each other warmly.
This list could certainly go on, but it has become clear that Munich's society is diverse and that local cultural quirks can easily be misunderstood as unfriendliness.
Connecting with Locals
Getting to know locals is probably a bit more difficult everywhere in the world than meeting people who are in the same situation as yourself – Munich is no exception here. Munich residents have established social circles and are perhaps simply less spontaneous and open to new acquaintances than the typical Berliner. Language barriers and cultural differences only add to the challenge.
One thing is clear: small talk rarely leads directly to friendships in Munich. Maintaining regular contact and discovering shared interests and experiences are key – it takes a bit of patience and consistency.
Numerous associations, such as sports clubs or cultural groups, offer a great opportunity to meet like-minded people. Visiting local festivals, enjoying sunny afternoons in a beer garden, or attending after-work events with colleagues are also good ways to make connections. These occasions create a relaxed atmosphere in which conversations flow more easily.
By the way, many locals are also looking to meet new people. You can often find them on popular platforms like Spontacts or nebenan.de, where you can easily arrange casual get-togethers and activities.
nebenan.de
Spontacts
(FB) Neu in München
Topics of Conversation
Finally, here are a few ideas for conversation starters to help you get even the most reserved Munich locals to open up.
- Soccer / Football
Munich is Germany's soccer capital. With FC Bayern and 1860 Munich, the city has two clubs steeped in tradition. Almost all Munich residents tend to support one club or the other. If you choose the “right” club depending on who you are talking to, you will already have earned your first points of sympathy. - Bavarian dialect
You don't have to be fluent in Bavarian, but a few typical expressions often help break the ice. A friendly "Servus" as a greeting, a quick "Basst scho" when everything is fine, or an enthusiastic "Pack ma's" to get started together signals genuine interest in the culture and immediately brings a smile to the other person's face. - Leisure activities in the Alps
Talking about favorite leisure activities is a great way to start a conversation. There's a good chance that you'll hit the mark with topics such as mountain hiking or skiing. Ask about the best hike for beginners, the best ski resort, or the coziest mountain hut. - Joint grumbling
In Munich, collectively complaining about everything under the sun is often the fastest way to bond. Whether it’s the perpetually delayed S-Bahn, the astronomical rental prices, or the never-ending construction sites – shared frustration brings people together. - Beer & Oktoberfest
In Bavaria, beer is much more than just a drink – it is often jokingly referred to as "liquid bread" and is traditionally considered a staple in the Free State. Munich residents are proud of their brewing tradition and usually have very clear opinions about their local favorites. Oktoberfest is also an excellent topic of conversation, and almost every Munich resident has something to say about it. Where can you find the best beer? Do real Munich residents still go to the Wiesn? Which tent is still authentic and not just a tourist magnet? By asking these and similar questions, you show genuine interest in the Bavarian way of life.
Frequent Questions
Yes, Munich is even considered one of the most liveable cities for expats worldwide. The Bavarian capital offers a strong economy, a wide range of cultural offerings and an excellent work-life balance. Many international companies such as BMW, Siemens and Allianz are based here. As a result, there is already a large expat community, which facilitates integration.
The biggest challenges for expats include bureaucratic hurdles (visa, health insurance, residence permits, etc.), the high cost of living, and the struggle to find accommodation. Many expats also find it hard to meet locals and build friendships.
The average annual salary in Munich is currently (2024) around 56,250 euros gross (source: kununu.com). This makes Munich the city with the highest average salary in Germany. However, the high salary also reflects the very high cost of living in the city. If you earn significantly less, you can still live well, but make sure you keep your expenses under control.
While it is helpful to have some basic knowledge of German, it is not essential. Most Munich residents understand and speak English (with a strong dialect), but language skills make everyday life and integration much easier.
In 2023, average net rents were highest in Altstadt-Lehel, Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, Maxvorstadt and Schwabing-West (source: statista.com). In general, prices increase with the proximity to the city center.
According to crime statistics, Munich has been the safest city in Germany for decades. However, there are also some areas that are considered social hotspots. Neighborhoods such as the Hasenbergl, Neuperlach and Moosach had a bad reputation in the past, but this has improved significantly in recent years.
Disclaimer
This article was created with utmost care. However, we assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the content.
