France Vs. Germany
So you are trying to choose between moving to France or Germany. Imagine enduring the bureaucratic torment of obtaining a residence permit, working permit, or worse— citizenship and then realizing you should have gone with the other country.
We understand that both France and Germany offer beautiful cities and towns, interesting people, and lots of opportunities for economic success. They are similar in many ways since they even border each other.
In this article, we at SDC International Movers will deal with what it could be like living in France and Germany as a foreigner. We’ll go over their differences and similarities, so you can choose what works for you.
Life in France Vs. Germany
Cost of Living
Compared to other nations throughout the world, Germany’s average cost of living is likewise rather typical. Although costs are progressively rising, it remains one of the cheapest European nations to live in. Of course, this will depend on where you want to go — Germany’s most expensive cities are Munich, Frankfurt, and Cologne.
In Germany, the average monthly living expenses for a household is €850 (£738), with housing and utilities accounting for 36% of the total. The costs are way higher in France, where a household needs roughly €3,000 per month, whereas a single individual requires around €800 per month.
If you want to live in a typical urban apartment in France, you may expect to pay a lot of money. Prices soar even higher when you go from a one-bedroom apartment to one with numerous bedrooms. Rent is slightly cheaper in Germany but buying homes is out-of-reach for most residents in both countries.
Transport system
One of the significant similarities between France and Germany is their transport system. You’ll find trains, buses, trams, taxis, and cycling services.
The majority of German cities and towns have well-functioning public transportation networks. They are frequently administered by a transport association that integrates various types of public transportation into a comprehensive network in bigger cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich.
In France, public transit is astounding. You can use the train, metro, or bus to move about the nation. While Paris boasts the best public transportation system in the country, you may easily travel between places via countrywide transportation.
Work Weeks
Germany work weeks usually last 40 hours, while in France it is 35 hours long. French employees often begin work at 9 a.m. to 9.30 a.m., while their German companions usually begin as early as 7 a.m. or 8 a.m.
The French working day closes at 5 or 6 p.m., with extended lunch breaks, but in Germany, the working day ends considerably earlier, around 3 or 4 p.m., with only a 30-minute lunch break.
Eco-Friendly Attitudes
Another difference between France and Germany is their collective attitudes towards environmental protection. Germany has a developed deposit system that makes recycling plastic, glass, and metal waste easier. Separation of garbage before disposal is also taken extremely seriously, and every family is urged to do so.
Climate
The weather differences between Germany and France are significant, but the climate variances within each country are even more remarkable. Comparing the climates of these two nations is like comparing the atmospheres of the North Sea area (North Germany, Northern France) to the Mediterranean climate. As a result, we feel there is no good way to discuss this subject broadly.
If you’re considering a location that comprises a high mountain range (the Alps) in Germany and France, then you’ll get similar climates. But France also has mild weather by the Mediterranean coast in the Bordeaux region, which Germany doesn’t have.
Food
Breakfast in Germany is often substantial with cold cuts, sausage, cheese, veggies, eggs, brown bread, etc. Because school and work start early, it is eaten between 6.30 and 7.30 a.m. French people typically enjoy sweeter breakfasts and frequently enjoy a croissant with some coffee or a butter-and-jam-filled baguette.
In contrast to breakfast, an essential element of the German daily routine, supper is very light. It may consist of whole meal bread with cheese, meats, and pickles. Supper is generally served between 6 and 7 p.m., and it doesn’t last as long as we see in France. In France, dinner is an occasion for the whole family to gather together and share a great home-cooked meal.
Vegan goods are also produced in large quantities in Germany. There are many vegetarian and vegan options in the grocery, which is not the case in France.
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So are You Moving to France or Germany?
At the end of the day, internet articles can only give you so much information. It cannot replicate the experience of living in these countries, just surface insights. However, if you do make a decision, we are here to help you on your way. SDC International Movers offer quick, reliable shipping services that will make you move so much easier.
Contact us for your shipping needs.
