Berlin or Dresden? More and more Berliners are choosing to move to the Saxon capital. Dresden attracts with affordable rents, high quality of life and a strong economyBut what do you need to consider when moving from Berlin to Dresden? Here's the most important information!
1. Why are more and more people moving from Berlin to Dresden?
✅ Lower rents – In Dresden you can live for half the price of Berlin.
✅ High quality of life – Lots of greenery, few traffic jams, historical flair & short distances.
✅ Good job opportunities – Especially in the high-tech, automotive and healthcare sectors.
✅ Low cost of living – Restaurants, leisure activities and shopping are cheaper than in Berlin.
✅ Fast connection to Berlin - With the ICE in only about 2 hours reachable.
💡 Tip: If you want to work in Berlin but live in Dresden, check the Commuting options by ICE or long-distance bus.
2. Rent prices: How much cheaper is Dresden compared to Berlin?
📍 Average rental prices (as of 2024):
🔹 Berlin: approx. 16–22 €/m²
🔹 Dresden: approx. 9–13 €/m²
🏡 Example for a 2-room apartment (60 m²):
✔ Berlin: approx. 1,000–1,400 € including heating
✔ Dresden: approx. 650–900 € including heating
✅ Best residential areas in Dresden:
- New Town – Trendy district, alternative culture, bars & young people
- Blasewitz – Family-friendly & green near the Elbe
- Striesen – Quiet, upscale & ideal for professionals
- Pieschen – Affordable apartments, up-and-coming district
- Old Town – Central location with historic flair
💡 Tip: The demand for apartments in Dresden is increasing – act quickly & apply early!
3. Job opportunities in Dresden: What does the job market look like?
🚀 Important industries in Dresden:
✅ High-tech & microelectronics – “Silicon Saxony”, Europe’s largest microelectronics center
✅ Automotive industry – Volkswagen & suppliers produce here
✅ Health sector – Dresden University Hospital & many research institutions
✅ Tourism & Culture – Historic Old Town, Museums & Events
💡 Tip: If you don’t have a new job, it’s worth Job search via online portals or local networks How Silicon Saxony for IT careers.
4. Costs for moving from Berlin to Dresden
📦 Average moving costs (Berlin → Dresden, approx. 190 km)
🔹 Small apartment (up to 50 m²) → 600 – 1,200 €
🔹 Medium-sized apartment (50–80 m²) → 1,200 – 2,000 €
🔹 Large apartment (from 100 m²) → 2,000 – 3,500 €
✅ How to save money:
✔ Multiple Compare moving offers & take advantage of early bird discounts
✔ Rent a van yourself (e.g. from SIXT or Europcar)
✔ Sell or give away unnecessary furniture (less transport costs)
✔ Apply for a no-parking zone for the moving van early
💡 Tip: If you move for professional reasons, you can Deduct moving costs from your taxes!
5. Administrative procedures after moving to Dresden
📍 Important changes of address in Dresden:
✅ Residents’ Registration Office: Registration within 14 days after the move
✅ Vehicle re-registration: If you own a car, you must register it in Dresden
✅ GEZ (broadcasting fee) re-registration
✅ Update your address with banks, insurance companies & authorities
💡 Tip: Book an appointment at the Dresden Citizens' Office online early, as waiting times are often long!
6. Commuting between Dresden and Berlin: Is it worth it?
🚆 Public transport & ICE:
✅ ICE Berlin-Dresden – approx. 2 hours drive time
✅ Long-distance buses (Flixbus) – Cheap alternative, approx. 2.5–3 hours
🚗 By car:
✅ About the A13 in approx. 2 hours to Berlin
✅ Traffic jams on the route are rare, but plan for construction sites
💡 Tip: If you commute regularly, it is worth BahnCard 50 or 100to save money.
7. Leisure & quality of life: What does Dresden offer?
🏞 Nature & Relaxation:
✔ Elbe river banks & numerous cycle paths for outdoor activities
✔ Saxon Switzerland – Perfect for hiking trips
🎭 Culture & Entertainment:
✔ Semperoper, Zwinger & Frauenkirche – Historical Highlights
✔ Trendy Neustadt district with bars & clubs
🏫 Education & Family Friendliness:
✔ Good schools & universities (TU Dresden, HTW Dresden)
✔ Many family-friendly districts & green spaces
💡 Tip: If you are looking for a mix of city life and nature, Dresden is the perfect choice!
8. Checklist for a stress-free move to Dresden
📌 4–6 weeks before the move:
✅ Search for an apartment & moving company
✅ Terminate your old apartment & look for a new tenant
✅ Organize moving helpers
📌 2 weeks before the move:
✅ Pack moving boxes & dismantle furniture
✅ Apply for a no-parking zone (if necessary)
✅ Set up a forwarding order with the post office
📌 On moving day:
✅ Pack the last things & get the furniture ready for transport
✅ Note meter readings in the old and new apartment
✅ Systematically bring boxes to the new home
💡 Tip: If you have children, organize school or daycare in Dresden early!
Conclusion: Is it worth moving to Dresden?
✔ Cheaper rents & high quality of life
✔ Attractive job market, especially in high-tech and industry
✔ Short distances, lots of nature & less stress than in Berlin
✔ Perfect mix of culture, history & modern urban development
🚚 Conclusion: Dresden is an excellent alternative to Berlin for anyone seeking peace, affordable rents and a high quality of life.
👉 Are you planning to move to Dresden? Praktik Transport offers you a professional & stress-free moving service from Berlin to Dresden! Get a non-binding offer now! 🏠✨
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