Where to Relocate Berlin or Amsterdam?

Member since 17 June 2020

RafaCGFMember17 June 2020 09:10:55

Hi Everybody

I'm sure I'm about to open a pandora box and maybe my question is like asking which Asian food is better Thai or Chinese - I know both are great . I'm also aware that the obvious answer will be... well depends...

However as much as possible I would like get a feeling of the pros/cons of both cities when moving with
a family.

I have 2 job offers, both very good in their own terms (ups/downs). One is in Berlin and the other one in Amsterdam. Salary wise Amsterdam offer is 10-15% higher. Both locations will be a massive change after living in Switzerland for 12 years, but we feel it is time for a change.

From a family perspective (2 kids 14/11 yo) which are the pros and cons of each ?

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phipiemar VIP Member

Member since 01 May 2013

phipiemarVIP Member17 June 2020 09:43:43

4733

Hello,

Both cities are interesting. But for my part, I would recommend Amsterdam. Because it is a city easier to understand / discover. And the local mentality is more pleasant.

Cynic UK/Netherlands Expert

Member since 15 September 2015

CynicUK/Netherlands Expert17 June 2020 10:09:36

8103

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

I've lived/worked in both; it's great you get the chance to choose. Berlin is certainly better now than when I lived there (simply because the wall has gone), but I agree with phipiemar that Amsterdam would be a better choice, but that's probably because my Dutch is better than my German.

You really need to research the potential impact on your kid's education; there has been a lot of discussion on the matter; this link will take you to a search in our Dutch Forum where a lot of these conversations are available; just type the word "education" in the search box when you get there.

You mention a higher salary; the Numbeo website offers you a cost of living comparison between the 2 cities; this link will take you straight there.

If you have any further specific questions, please ask them in the respective country Forum.

Hope this helps and best of luck in your journey.

Cynic
Expat Team

Priscilla ViP

Member since 30 May 2013

PriscillaViP17 June 2020 15:58:10

42358

Hi RafaCGF,

Welcome to Expat.com

I agree with Cynic, i would advise you to post your question in both Berlin and Amsterdam forums so as to boost up your chances in receiving answers .

Here are the links :

Berlin forum : https://www.expat.com/forum/viewforum.php?id=304
Amsterdam forum : https://www.expat.com/forum/viewforum.php?id=346

Cheers,

Priscilla
Expat.com Team