What is the cost of living in the UK vs Germany? Ans: The monthly cost of living averages around €1,425 in Germany and £1,154 (approximately €1,335) in the UK.
What is the cost of living in Germany? It would be hard to get by for less than €1,000 a month in Germany, and this rises to around €1,500€ - €2,000€ in the cities where rents are higher. Students can usually cover living costs for around €850 a month.
Germany's higher income tax rates kick in later (around €277k vs £125k in the UK). However, Germany's significant social security contributions (c. 20%) push total deductions higher. UK high earners keep more of their pay at £250k income level, thanks to lower social taxes.
Standards of living are higher in Germany, the healthcare system is much much better, while the NHS has been almost completely run into the ground (yes our healthcare system has problems, too. But the NHS is almost on its knees. Waiting HOURS for an ambulance during a heart attack has become the norm in the UK.
Average German Wages Trend Below the United Kingdom
Head-to-head, the average salaries for professional level employees show that, accounting for the currency differences, incomes are higher in the United Kingdom by as much as 17%, although those figures vary by job family.
The UK was ranked 20th, four places above Germany, in the World Happiness Report 2024, which lists 143 countries by their happiness levels. The annual report found that Britons feel they have a greater sense of freedom than Germans and believe there is less corruption in their country.
Germany and the UK rank among the world's most developed nations, boasting advanced infrastructure, robust economies, and excellent healthcare systems. Germany is recognised for its strong industrial base and efficient public services, while the UK excels in global finance and cultural influence.
Yes, you can move to Germany from the UK, but you'll need to follow EU rules. While you don't need a visa for entry, you will need one for longer stays. Since Germany is in the Schengen Area, you can stay for up to 90 days without a visa.
In Germany, healthcare is funded by statutory contributions, which therefore entitles German citizens to free healthcare (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung). In addition to this, you can also take out private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung) to replace or top-up the cover that's offered by the state.
It has a highly developed employment landscape and strict labour laws that help employees thrive in a fair environment. If you have completed your education and want to level up your career by working abroad, getting a job in Germany is the best choice for you.
You can find a job easily in Germany as many companies are very open to hiring working students and interns. In the UK, you can only work up to 20 hours per week during term time or full-time during holidays.
What Is the Average Rent in Germany? Renting an apartment in Germany can start from €486 per month in a cheaper city like Saarbrucken and up to €1,436 in Munich. Taking into account all major cities, the average rent across Germany is around €892 per month (see list below).
Among European OECD countries, the average statutory top personal income tax rate lies at 42.8 percent in 2025. Denmark (55.9 percent), France (55.4 percent), and Austria (55 percent) have the highest top rates. Hungary (15 percent), Estonia (22 percent), and the Czech Republic (23 percent) have the lowest top rates.
The UK's economy and the structure of its workforce also play a crucial role in shaping its tax system. With a significant portion of the economy centred around services, the government relies heavily on Income Tax and National Insurance contributions, which are relatively high compared to other types of taxes.
Countries with no income tax include Anguilla, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cayman Islands, Kuwait, Maldives, Monaco, Oman, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Turks and Caicos, United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu. Tax-free countries in Europe include Monaco, Liechtenstein, Cyprus, and San Marino.
The UK is known for its top-ranked universities, work opportunities, and quality education. At the same time, Germany is known for its tuition-free programs, academic excellence, and cultural diversity. If you're wondering, which UK or Germany is better for international students? You are at the right place.
Luxembourg is the wealthiest country in the European Union, per capita, and its citizens enjoy a high. It is a major center for large private banking, and its finance sector is the biggest contributor to its economy.
The monthly average for both countries differs due to the difference in wages, rents, and groceries. While everyday life is more expensive in the UK, wages are higher in Germany. These financial dynamics often influence how expats send money back home to support their families.
The reality is that the UK is just flat out behind the leading economies of the G7. Its productivity has been stuck at a lower level than the US, France, and Germany for years.
Finland is a cheery place – we get it. The country was just named the happiest in the world for the eighth consecutive year by the World Happiness Report, and you can read all about its wellness and happiness methods that we've tried out ourselves here.
Three countries – Australia, Canada and New Zealand – stand out at the top of the list of friendly nations. Just over seven in ten Britons (71-73%) view our three Commonwealth partners as friends and allies specifically, with nearly nine in ten (85-87%) seeing the relationships as positive overall.
