🏙️

Berlin

Germany's capital and largest city, Berlin is a global hub for technology, startups, arts, and culture. With three world-class universities, a thriving IT ecosystem, and one of Germany's largest Indian communities, it is the most popular destination for Indian students and professionals. The city's diverse, cosmopolitan character makes it especially welcoming for newcomers from abroad.

📍 Berlin👥 3.7M residents🇮🇳 Large Indian community
🎓
7
Universities
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4
Indian stores
🙏
1
Temple
🏥
4
Hospitals
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Universities

7 institutions — public universities are tuition-free

T

Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)

TechnicalTop 200 QSWebsite
EngineeringCSArchitecture
F

Freie Universität Berlin

ResearchTop 150 QSWebsite
SciencesHumanitiesLaw
H

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

ResearchTop 150 QSWebsite
Natural SciencesSocial Sciences
H

HTW Berlin

Applied SciencesRegionalWebsite
EngineeringBusinessDesign
Private Universities
⚠️ Tuition applies: €38,000–45,000 / €17,000–20,000 / ~€8,000/year — compared to essentially free at public universities. Verify accreditation (AACSB / EQUIS / FIBAA) before applying.
E

ESMT Berlin

Private — Business€38,000–45,000/yrTriple-crown (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA)
MBAM.Sc. ManagementM.Sc. Innovation
H

Hertie School

Private, Policy€17,000–20,000/yrWissenschaftsrat accredited
Public Policy (M.P.P.)International AffairsData & Policy
C

CODE University of Applied Sciences

Private — Digital~€8,000/yrState-accredited (Berlin)
Software EngineeringInteraction DesignProduct Management
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Indian Life

Groceries, spices and places of worship to feel at home

Indian Grocery Stores
🛒

Apna Bazar

Area
Neukölln
Specialty
Groceries & Spices
Hours
Mon-Sat 10-20
🛒

India Food Centre

Area
Kreuzberg
Specialty
South Indian Groceries
Hours
Daily 10-21
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Himalaya Indian Store

Area
Mitte
Specialty
Mixed Indian
Hours
Mon-Sat 11-20
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Spice of India

Area
Prenzlauer Berg
Specialty
Organic & Premium
Hours
Daily 10-20
Temples & Places of Worship
🙏

Hindu Tempel Berlin

Hindu
Deity
Multi-deity
Area
Hermanplatz
Events
Diwali, Holi, Navratri
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Healthcare

Emergency numbers and the major hospitals in town

H1

Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin

University HospitalMitte / Steglitz

One of Europe's largest university hospitals, multiple campuses

H2

Vivantes Klinikum

GeneralMultiple districts

Berlin's largest municipal hospital group, 9 locations across the city

H3

DRK Kliniken Berlin

GeneralWestend / Köpenick

Red Cross hospitals with strong emergency and specialist care

H4

Helios Klinikum Berlin-Buch

GeneralBuch (north)

Major private hospital with oncology and cardiology specialties

Tip: Always carry your Krankenkassenkarte (health insurance card) — doctors and hospitals require it at every visit. Without it you may be billed directly.

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Getting Around

Airports, rail connections and the passes worth getting

BER

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

~35 km south

Direct S-Bahn (S9/S45) from city — ~40 min to Hauptbahnhof

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Main station
Berlin Hauptbahnhof
Berlin OstbahnhofBerlin SüdkreuzBerlin Gesundbrunnen

ICE connections to Hamburg (~1.8h), Munich (~4h), Frankfurt (~3.5h). S-Bahn/U-Bahn network covers the entire city.

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Cost of Living

Typical monthly expenses in Berlin

Typical cost · single professional
€1,936/mo
Most affordableMost expensive
📊 #18 most affordable of 20 cities we track
Where the money goes
Rent (1-BR)72%
Groceries14%
Transport4%
Utilities9%
Monthly expense ranges
1-BR apartment€1000-1800/mo
2-BR apartment€1500-2500/mo
Groceries€200-350/mo
Transport pass€86/mo
Utilities€150-200/mo
Monthly budget by profile
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Student
Shared room: €600–€800
Groceries: €160–€200
Transport: €86
Phone, leisure: ~€100
~€1066/mo
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Professional
1-BR rent: €1000-1800
Groceries: €200-350
Transport: €86
Utilities: €150-200
~€2436/mo
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Family (2 adults)
2-BR rent: €1500-2500
Groceries: €525
2× transport: €172
Utilities: €150-200
~€2397/mo

Not sure Berlin is the one?

Put Berlin head-to-head with another German city, rent, community size, universities, transport and more, side by side.

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and may not reflect the latest rules, fees or requirements. Always check the latest information from the official sources (the relevant German authority, embassy or official website) before making any decisions.

Last updated: 19 July 2026