Quality of life in Düsseldorf is the 6th best in the world, according to Mercer’s 2019 rankings. It’s no surprise that expats feel at home in this German city with its incredible array of culture, entertainment and facilities for its size.

But is living in Düsseldorf for you? Check out these 10 reasons!

1. You will save time on daily commuting

With a population of 643,753, Düsseldorf is the 7th most populous city in Germany. But in terms of territory, it only covers 217.4 km²! That’s about the same size as Amsterdam and 4 times smaller than Berlin! This makes the city very walkable and peaceful, compared to the hustle and bustle of larger cities. However, you’ll find everything you need and more in this small-scale metropolis.

Living in Düsseldorf, you never have to worry about travelling to meet a friend on the other side of town. In fact, thanks to the efficient public transport network, it probably won’t take you more than 20 minutes to get from A to B!

2. You may have a good chance at an English speaking job.

Despite the city’s small size, English-speaking job opportunities in Düsseldorf are as plentiful as in other major expat hubs. So you don’t have to sacrifice high rents in a big, busy city to develop your career in Germany! 

And while the level of competition in Düsseldorf is quite high, it is less fierce than in the most sought-after destinations such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt and Cologne.

Of course, learning German is still recommended to increase your chances. But you won’t face too much of a language barrier if you find a job at one of the international companies in Düsseldorf. And, luckily, there are plenty of them!

The city of Düsseldorf is a major international business hub, home to 1 Fortune Global 500, 2 DAX companies and a rapidly growing number of startups. Some of the main industries include Fintech, Marketing & Sales and E-commerce & Retail. And did you know that the city itself is the fashion capital of Germany?

3. You will live among 180 different nationalities

The growing number of foreign companies and startups in the City of Düsseldorf attracts a lot of international people every year. In fact, about 23% of the city’s population is foreign, coming from over 180 different countries. So be ready to learn new cultures because you will be surrounded by many international people just like you!

4. You will love this view

Combining historic buildings and the finest contemporary architecture, the skyline of Düsseldorf is one of a kind. Stealing the show is Frank O. Gehry’s famous ensemble – its curving facades make the buildings look alive!

The structure rises right above the Rhine River, dividing the city into two parts. On the right side, you will find the bustling old town and modern office buildings. And on the left, you will find high-end residential areas and majestic villas. Imagine taking in this view as you walk along the river during your lunch break!

The Rhine promenade is also a great place to watch the sunset. You can just sit on the stairs, sip a drink on one of the terraces or relax on the grass by the river. And if you want to go somewhere quieter on a sunny day, you can enjoy a barbecue on Paradiesstrand (Paradise Beach) or take a walk in one of Düsseldorf’s many parks.

5. You can visit more than 26 museums and over 100 galleries

Düsseldorf is famous for being an art city. And rightly so, it’s easy to get lost in the number of galleries. In your free time, you can appreciate famous classical works of art at the Kunst Palast or experience immersive installations at the Kunstsammlung. And if you’re an art lover, you should definitely check out the annual Düsseldorf City Art Fair.

But the heart and soul of Düsseldorf is the art academy (Kunstakademie). People like Joseph Beuys and Gerhard Richter studied and taught there!

If you plan to visit museums regularly, we recommend purchasing the Düsseldorf Art:Card .

6. You will eat the best sushi in Germany

Did you know that Düsseldorf has the third largest Japanese community in Europe? If you like raw fish or ramen, you’ll love the food there. The city of Düsseldorf even celebrates Japan Day (Japantag) every year, which takes place in May/June.

Every year, the festival attracts hundreds of thousands of Japanese and curious tourists to the city. The streets are filled with color and filled with cosplayers. The sounds of Japanese choirs, koto players, J-Pop and J-Rock bands echo from every corner and the smell of Japanese street food fills the air.

Throughout the day, you can take part in various traditional Japanese activities, watch martial arts and Bon-odori performances, dress in kimono, and end the day with a stunning fireworks display.

7. You’ll be hooked on Altbier

Düsseldorf is home to the “longest bar in the world”. Well, don’t take that too literally! The name was given to Düsseldorf’s old town (Altstadt) because it has over 300 bars and discos.

There you can enjoy the best Altbier, a famous Düsseldorf lager. You usually sip it on the terrace benches, while chatting with the people next to you. A great way to meet some locals!

8. You can explore the rest of Europe

Düsseldorf’s proximity to the border makes it easy to travel abroad for the weekend. The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and France – all a short train ride away. In fact, with a car, you can drive to the Netherlands in less than 30 minutes!

9. You will feel safe day or night

Düsseldorf’s safety index is 65, making it a very safe city to live in. Whether you want to walk home after dark or are looking for a city to raise children, you can rest assured that Düsseldorf is a good place for that.

Even petty crime is fairly rare in Düsseldorf. However, as you might imagine, late-night action around bars can sometimes involve drunks looking for trouble and drug dealers.

Where to live in Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf’s rise in quality of life rankings can be partly attributed to its excellent international schools, but also to its excellent infrastructure, beautifully restored city centre and international attitude. The city is home to numerous banks, industrial offices, international headquarters and also has a thriving media district, home to some of the world’s largest advertising agencies.

The city covers an area of ​​217 km2 and has a population of 573,585. Düsseldorf stretches across both banks of the Rhine, with the largest part on the right. There are 49 ?stadtteile?, in the north Angermund is on the border with Duisburg and Ratingen, and in the south Hellerhof borders Kreis Mettmann.

Next site

Stadtmitte is a melting pot of cultures and a mix of rich and poor. It’s home to Düsseldorf’s banking district and its famous shopping street, the Kö. Apartments are expensive and houses are hard to find, but if you want to live where the action is, this is the place to be.

Pempel Fort is popular with singles. With the Altstadt and Stadtmitte on your doorstep, you have easy access to business and leisure opportunities. With a mix of architectural styles, the area also has a diverse cultural scene, home to museums and galleries as well as antique markets, unique shops and unique cafes and restaurants.

The Hafen is the boomtown of Düsseldorf – no other part of Düsseldorf has changed as much in the past few years. The new and exciting architecture and the area’s concentration of media companies, bars, restaurants and clubs attract a young population; the average age of Hafen residents is 34.

Bilk is the most densely populated part of Düsseldorf; here you will find many expats and students, as the university is nearby. There is a great underground scene, plus nightlife as well as lots of greenery. The go-to spot in Bilk is Die Karolinger, a tree-lined street with a small canal running through the centre.

Oberkassel is famous for its rich art nouveau architecture and is probably the most attractive area of ​​the city. On the left side of the river, it is very green, close to the river and has many beautiful old buildings. It is only 2km from the city centre and is connected by a few bridges, the bars and restaurants are plentiful and the prices are quite high.

Health and leisure in Düsseldorf

There is not much green space in the city centre, although the city feels quite green due to the many trees and water features. The city’s main green spaces are the Hofgarten in the city centre, Nordpark in the north of the city and the Grafenberg Forest in the southeast.

For runners, the best place to run is the Rheinufer; stretching 10 miles from Hafen to the Yacht Club and beyond, it’s a beautiful place to get your workout in. Across the river in Oberkassel, you’ll find more trails and great views of the city.

For a list of swimming pools around the city, visit www.baeder-duesseldorf.de ; here you’ll find pools with saunas and massage facilities, outdoor pools (freibäder) as well as pools with children’s entertainment, such as wave machines and water slides.

When moving to Düsseldorf, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is how to get from A to B. Luckily, Germany’s public transport network is efficient and easy to navigate. So once you know what the Stadtbahn is and where to buy your tram tickets, getting around Düsseldorf is a breeze!

Public transport in Düsseldorf

All public transport in Düsseldorf is operated by Rheinbahn, making it easy to transfer between the city railway (U-Bahn), suburban train (S-Bahn), tram and bus with the same ticket. ”

In general, public transport hours in Düsseldorf are from 9am to midnight . But this varies depending on the line and type of vehicle, so it’s best to check your connection in real time on www.vrr.de or moovitapp .

Light rail/subway

The Stadtbahn (city railway) is the fastest way to get around Düsseldorf as it allows you to completely avoid traffic jams. It is something between a tram and a subway, but only in the center do the lines go underground.

You can recognise the Stadtbahn stations by the large sign with a white U on a blue background and each of the 11 lines is identified by a number (U70 – U79, U83).

When traveling within the city center, you usually won’t wait more than a few minutes for a train. But as you move further out into the suburbs, wait times in the evenings or on weekends can increase to 20 to 30 minutes between trains.

Note that not all lines operate daily and on a scheduled basis. The U70 only operates during peak hours, while the U77 does not operate on Sundays and public holidays, and the U83 remains closed on weekends.

Tram

Trams ( Straßenbahn or tram) will be your reliable companion in the center of Düsseldorf. Each of the 7 lines is identified by numbers from 701 and 704 to 709. These lines stop frequently along the route, making them perfect for short trips.

Although not all tram stops are easy to spot, you can usually spot them by the yellow sign with a green ?H? for Haltestelle . Tram stops are often combined with bus stops.

Bus

Buses are useful for moving between tram and U-Bahn lines or going to the suburbs. The bus network in Düsseldorf is quite extensive but less so in the city centre, where it gives way to tram lines.

Bus frequency is also much lower than that of trams, trains or subways. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour between buses. Buses are also less reliable in a rush as they are traffic sensitive and their service can be sporadic on weekends.

Night trip: NachtExpress

When most public transport is shut down, the NachtExpress night bus service can come to the rescue. Most NE lines only operate on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday nights between 1am and 4am, or only run a single route the rest of the day. But night owls and partygoers can rely on the NE3, which runs between Düsseldorf Hbf and D-Oberrath daily from 1:06am to 3:36am.

Train

The S-Bahn, also known as the suburban train, travels at a faster speed and makes fewer stops than the U-Bahn. It is generally less convenient for very short trips within the city limits but can prove useful if you need a faster way to travel between widely separated neighbourhoods of Düsseldorf.

And if you need to travel to other cities in the Ruhr area and along the Rhine, the S-Bahn is your best option. You can easily get to Dortmund on the S1 and Cologne on the S11 without spending extra money on the ICE high-speed train.

Regional Trains (RE, RB)

You can also travel to nearby suburbs and cities like Cologne, Neuss or Essen on Regional Express (RE) and Regional Rapid (RB) trains. Operated by the national rail service Deutsche Bahn, these fast trains require a different type of ticket than local transport. Be sure to buy these in advance as they are not sold on board.

Long distance travel by ICE

Do you want to explore the rest of Germany? It’s easy and fast with the intercity high-speed trains (ICE). They take you anywhere in the country or abroad in a flash. Traveling at 300 km/h, you’ll be in Berlin in 4.5 hours!

As with regional trains, you must purchase a DB ticket in advance to travel on ICE trains.

Buy public transport tickets in Düsseldorf

Since Rheinbahn operates all public transport in the City of Düsseldorf, you can buy bus, tram, metro or train tickets at any station via a vending machine. Or, while on the bus, directly from the driver.

Although vending machines often have an English language option, you may encounter a language barrier when communicating with the driver. We recommend saving yourself the hassle and purchasing your tickets online via the VRR app.

If you have a printed ticket, don’t forget to validate it in the yellow or red validator ( enwerter ) on the platform before boarding. Digital tickets can be activated in the app. For long-distance trips within ICE, your ticket does not need to be validated.

Rheinbahn price

In the City of Düsseldorf, public transport tickets are priced based on the travel zone. So, for example, when buying a ticket to travel within the city limits of the City of Düsseldorf, you must choose the A3 fare.

Rheinbahn offers different types of tickets. Let’s look at some of them:

• Short distance tickets ( Kurzstrecke ) are valid for a maximum of 3 journeys within 20 minutes .
• A single ticket ( EinzelTicket ) is valid for 2 hours of travel in the same direction. So you cannot use it for a return trip. 
• Happy Hour tickets allow you to freely move around the entire area A from 6pm to 6am the next morning.
• Tickets are valid for 24 hours from the time you purchase until local public transport stops operating.
• 30 Day Ticket Ticket 1000 can be used unlimited times throughout the month.
• 30 Day Ticket Ticket 1000 after 09:00 am is the same as Ticket 1000 but you can only use it after 09:00 am
• The 30-day Ticket 2000 is the same as the Ticket 1000, but it allows you to take your bike on board and you can lend it to others. You can also bring 1 passenger for free.

Rheinbahn fares for each ticket type:

Type	Average costs
Short distance (Kurzstrecke)	€1,70
Single Ticket	€3
happy hour tickets	€3,30
4erTicket for 4 trips	€11
10erTicket for 10 trips	€23,40
30 Day Ticket1000 Card	€80,50
30 Day Pass Ticket 1000 after 09:00 AM	€59,70

Student Travel Card

Are you planning to study in Germany? Here’s some great news; you may be eligible for a so-called semester ticket. This ticket gives you unlimited free travel on all local public transport. Most German universities offer semester tickets as part of paying the university contribution fee.

If your university in Düsseldorf does not offer a semester ticket or you intend to do an internship or traineeship in Germany, you can buy a Young Ticket PLUS instead. You just need to fill in an application form, have it stamped by your educational institution and hand it in to Rheinbahn.

Type	Average costs
YoungTicketPLUS Monthly Pass	€73,70
YoungTicketPLUS for one year	€62,95

Knowing your way around the city will take you one step closer to feeling like a local. Now that you know the ins and outs of public transport in Düsseldorf, what are your options?

Cost of Living in Düsseldorf: Expat Guide (2023)

With one exclusive boutique lining up next to another on the Kö, newcomers to Dusseldorf soon begin to wonder what affordable living is like here. Wondering how much it costs to live in Dusseldorf?

We’ll break it down for you: the cost of living is higher than in some other German cities, although you’ll also find higher salaries in Düsseldorf. It’s all about balance. Let us show you just how expensive this glamorous city is and break down the cost of living in Düsseldorf for you. Ready?

Is Düsseldorf a good place to live?

The city of Düsseldorf seems to hold the title of the world’s smallest international village: with a population of just 620,000, it’s the capital of the federal state (beating its million-strong rival Cologne!), has direct international flights to LA, Abu Dhabi and more via Germany’s 3rd largest airport, and opens up opportunities for international schools.

To take a closer look: according to Mercer’s Quality of Living survey (2012), Düsseldorf is the 6th most livable city in the world. It’s no wonder that international players feel at home in Düsseldorf. It’s no wonder that even with English, you’ll quickly integrate as an international without a language barrier.

How much does it cost to live in Düsseldorf?

Fun fact: did you know that the cost of living in Düsseldorf is 30% lower than the cost of living in New York?

It goes without saying that this fact does not make the city any more affordable than other German cities; after all, Düsseldorf ranks 6th in the list of most expensive cities in Germany, right behind Hamburg, Stuttgart, Munich and Frankfurt.

Cost of living in Düsseldorf: overview

Here is an overview of the cost of living in Düsseldorf:

grocery	Price
Milk (1l)	€1,15
Bread	€2,32
Eggs (pack of 12)	€2,80
Rice (1kg)	€2,18
Chicken Fillet (1kg)	€8,61
Potatoes (1kg)	€2,11
Wine (mid-range)	€6,00
German Beer ( Altbier! )	€0,57
Water (1.5l)	€0,70

Outside activities	Price
Lunch at restaurant (1 person)	€14,00
Three course meal (for two)	€60
Menu at McDonald?s	€9,00
German Beer (0.5l)	€4,50
Cappuccino (regular)	€3,23
Water (0.33l)	€2,43
Coca Cola	€2,71
Gym (monthly)	€34
Movie tickets for two	€25
Theater tickets for two (best seats)	€126
Cocktails in the bar	€10

Carriage	Price
Single ticket	€3,00
Day pass for public transport	€7,60
Monthly ticket	€85,90
Basic taxi fare	€4,50

Good to know: Düsseldorf is actually the most expensive city to get from one place to another by taxi. So it’s better to switch to public transport!

Rent	Price
Fully furnished apartment in the city center (85m2)	€1,390
Furnished apartment in the suburbs (85m2)	€1,306
Furnished Studio in City Center (45m2)	€942
Furnished Studio Outside City Center (45m2)	€755
Private room in shared apartment	€550

What is a good salary in Düsseldorf?

To understand how expensive the cost of living in Düsseldorf is, you should put it into the context of salaries. As an expat in Düsseldorf, you can expect an average monthly salary of €3,061.

In other words: expats in Dusseldorf can expect high living costs, and in return they will be on the middle of the average German salary.

For comparison: the average monthly salary in Berlin is around €3,001, in Frankfurt it is €3,352 and in Hamburg it is €3,189.

With an average salary of €3,061, you need to budget around 42% of your salary for living expenses; giving you a little extra space to do more than window shopping on Kö!

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is it more expensive to live in Düsseldorf than in Berlin?

Living in Düsseldorf proves to be less expensive. Someone living in Berlin on a salary of €4,666 would have to earn around €4,300 for the same standard of living in Düsseldorf. In short: that’s 8.5% less than in Berlin. However, keep in mind that on average you also earn more in Düsseldorf, almost 2% more than in Berlin.