Frankfurt is Germany's financial powerhouse — a skyline of glass towers rising above a historic old town, home to the European Central Bank and the country's busiest airport. Often called "Mainhattan" for its Manhattan-like silhouette along the Main River, Frankfurt punches well above its weight for a city of 778,000 residents. Its international character, central location, and high salaries make it a magnet for bankers, consultants, and globally mobile professionals. If you want career opportunities in finance or need seamless travel connections, Frankfurt is the obvious choice.
Frankfurt at a Glance
- Population
- 778,000 (metro area: ~5.8 million)
- Region
- Hesse
- Known For
- Finance hub, skyscrapers, international airport
- Average Rent (1BR)
- €1,100–€1,600
- Average Salary
- €50,000–€65,000/year gross
- Expat Community
- One of the most international in Germany — residents from 180+ countries
Why Move to Frankfurt
- Germany's finance capital: Home to the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and hundreds of financial institutions
- Among the highest average salaries in Germany: Driven by the finance and consulting sectors
- International airport: Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is Europe's third-busiest hub with direct flights worldwide
- Most international city in Germany: Over half the population has a migration background — English is widely spoken
- Central location: ICE connections to Cologne (1h), Berlin (4h), Munich (3h), and Paris (3h 45m)
- Compact and walkable: Despite the skyscrapers, the city centre is surprisingly small and easy to navigate
Moving Costs to Frankfurt
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft container | 2–4 weeks | €2,500–€3,500 |
| 40ft container | 2–4 weeks | €3,000–€4,200 |
| Air freight (1m³) | 6–10 days | €700–€950 |
| Customs Fees | — | €150–€400 |
Money-Saving Tips
- Frankfurt's central location means shipping from within Europe is relatively cheap
- Book during off-peak months (October–March)
- Declutter before moving — Frankfurt apartments are compact and storage is expensive
Real-life case: "I moved to Frankfurt in April 2025 with about 32 cubic meters of personal belongings using a 20ft container from London. Total cost including customs was around €2,900." — Thomas B.
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Finding Housing in Frankfurt
Average Rents
| Neighborhood | 1-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sachsenhausen | €1,100–€1,500 | €2,200–€3,000 | Historic, apple wine culture, museums |
| Bornheim | €1,000–€1,400 | €2,000–€2,700 | Lively, Berger Straße, young professionals |
| Nordend | €1,100–€1,550 | €2,200–€3,100 | Central, leafy, upscale |
| Westend | €1,200–€1,700 | €2,400–€3,400 | Premium, near banking district |
| Bockenheim | €900–€1,250 | €1,700–€2,400 | Student-friendly, diverse, affordable |
How to Find Housing
- Immobilienscout24: The primary platform for Frankfurt rentals
- WG-Gesucht: For shared flats and transitional options
- ImmoWelt and eBay Kleinanzeigen: Good supplementary sources
- Local tip: The market is competitive — have SCHUFA, income proof, and ID ready before viewing
Tips for Expats
- Budget 4–8 weeks for apartment searching
- Wunderflats and HousingAnywhere offer furnished temporary rentals
- Check Nebenkosten carefully — Frankfurt's utilities can be expensive
- Sachsenhausen and Bornheim offer the best expat value-to-lifestyle ratio
Neighborhoods Guide
- Sachsenhausen: South of the Main River, famous for its apple wine (Apfelwein) taverns, the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment), and cobblestone streets. A favorite of expats who want character and convenience.
- Bornheim: The lively Berger Straße runs through this neighborhood — packed with bars, restaurants, and independent shops. Popular with young professionals and creatives.
- Nordend: Green, central, and residential with beautiful Altbau architecture. Close to the university and city centre. Best for professionals and families who want a quieter setting.
- Westend: Frankfurt's most prestigious address — grand buildings near the banking district and Palmengarten botanical garden. Premium rents but excellent location.
- Bockenheim: Home to Goethe University, this diverse neighborhood is Frankfurt's most affordable central area. Students, artists, and budget-conscious expats mix here.
Cost of Living in Frankfurt
Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Category | Budget Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, center) | €1,100–€1,600 |
| Utilities | €250–€340 |
| Internet | €30–€45 |
| Groceries | €250–€350 |
| Transport (Deutschlandticket) | €49 |
| Dining out (4x/month) | €140–€240 |
| Leisure/Gym | €30–€65 |
| Total | €1,849–€2,689 |
Day-to-Day Costs
- Coffee: €4–€5.50
- Lunch (casual): €12–€16
- Monthly transport pass: €49 (Deutschlandticket)
- Beer (bar): €4.50–€6
- Cinema ticket: €11–€14
Getting Around Frankfurt
- Public transport: RMV operates U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses. The Deutschlandticket (€49/month) covers all local and regional transport across Germany
- Cycling: Flat within the city; expanding bike lane network
- Driving: Congestion is moderate; parking is expensive in the city centre
- Airport: Frankfurt Airport (FRA) — Germany's largest, with direct flights to virtually every continent
- Intercity: ICE to Cologne (1h), Berlin (4h), Munich (3h), Paris (3h 45m), Amsterdam (4h)
Healthcare in Frankfurt
- Hospitals/Clinics: Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, numerous private clinics, and specialist medical centres
- English-speaking doctors: Very widely available — the most international healthcare scene in Germany
- Pharmacies (Apotheken): Abundant; rotating night pharmacies
- Emergency number: 112
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Visa and Residency
Non-EU/EEA citizens need a visa before relocating. Common routes include:
- EU Blue Card: For highly skilled workers earning at least €45,300/year (€41,041.80 for shortage occupations such as IT, healthcare, STEM)
- Work Visa: For qualified professionals with a job offer
- Job Seeker Visa: Up to 6 months to find employment
- Freelance Visa: Available for self-employed individuals
Register your address at the Bürgeramt within 14 days of moving in.
Culture & Lifestyle
- Museumsufer: A row of 13 museums along the south bank of the Main River — one of Europe's most impressive museum clusters
- Römerberg: Frankfurt's reconstructed medieval old town square
- Apple wine culture: Sachsenhausen's traditional Apfelwein taverns serve Frankfurt's signature drink
- Green spaces: Palmengarten, the Main riverbanks, and Frankfurt City Forest (one of Germany's largest urban forests)
Food & Dining
- Grüne Soße with Schnitzel: Frankfurt's signature dish — green herb sauce served with schnitzel and potatoes
- Best areas for dining: Sachsenhausen for traditional Apfelwein taverns, Bornheim for international cuisine on Berger Straße, Nordend for upscale restaurants
- Budget options: Kleinmarkthalle (indoor market), university canteens, and bakeries offer meals from €5–€9
Expat Community
- InterNations Frankfurt: One of the largest InterNations communities globally — regular events
- Frankfurt International Friends (Facebook): Active English-speaking social group
- Frankfurt Expats: Networking and housing advice group
- Professional networks: Strong finance, consulting, and legal expat communities
Job Market in Frankfurt
- Main industries: Banking and finance, consulting, legal services, logistics, technology
- Major employers: European Central Bank, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, DAX companies, Deloitte, PwC, Fraport
- Average salaries by sector:
| Sector | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Finance/Banking | €60,000–€95,000 |
| Consulting | €55,000–€85,000 |
| Software Development | €55,000–€78,000 |
| Legal | €55,000–€90,000 |
| Hospitality | €28,000–€38,000 |
- Job search resources: StepStone, LinkedIn, Xing, eFinancialCareers, Indeed Germany
Education in Frankfurt
- International schools: Frankfurt International School, Metropolitan School Frankfurt, Strothoff International School
- Universities: Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
- Language schools: Goethe-Institut (nearby in Wiesbaden), VHS Frankfurt
Customs and Pet Relocation
Customs for Belongings
Used personal goods can be imported duty-free under Transfer of Residence relief if owned for at least 6 months. Required documents include Form 0350, residence registration, and an inventory list. New or commercial goods are subject to 19% VAT.
Bringing Pets
Dogs, cats, and ferrets require a microchip (ISO 11784/11785), rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and either an EU pet passport or official health certificate. Restricted breeds include Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Bull Terrier. Start preparations 3–4 months ahead.
Driver's Licence and Car Import
- EU licences: Valid without exchange
- Non-EU licences: Valid for 6 months after registering residence; exchange requirements vary by country
- Car import: Declare at customs within 10 days; TÜV inspection required; property transfer tax is 6% in Hesse
Bank Account and Tax ID
You need a valid passport, proof of address (Anmeldung), and often a residence permit. Popular banks for expats include N26, ING, Deutsche Bank, and Commerzbank (both headquartered in Frankfurt).
Your Tax Identification Number (Steuer-ID) arrives by post within 2–3 weeks after Anmeldung. It is essential for employment and tax purposes.
Moving Checklist for Frankfurt
Before Arriving
- Secure visa or confirm EU freedom of movement
- Book temporary accommodation for at least 4–6 weeks
- Gather all required documents (passport, certificates, references)
- Get documents translated into German if needed
First Week
- Complete Anmeldung within 14 days
- Open a bank account
- Register for health insurance
- Get a German SIM card
First Month
- Start apartment search with full document folder
- Apply for residence permit if applicable
- Enrol in a German language course
- Register with a local doctor
Where to Find Tools and Resources
- ReloAdvisor: Volume calculator, video survey, and moving cost estimator at reloadvisor.org
- Make it in Germany: Official portal at make-it-in-germany.com
- InterNations Frankfurt: internations.org
Frequently asked
Related Guides
- [Moving to Germany] — comprehensive country guide
- [Moving to Munich] — Bavaria's economic powerhouse
- [Moving to Cologne] — Rhineland city guide