Cities: Hamburg vs. Frankfurt
Quick Verdict
Hamburg offers more green spaces and better air quality, but Frankfurt has superior healthcare and a strong job market.
- Frankfurt has a significantly higher reported crime rate than Hamburg.
- Hamburg boasts a much larger number of parks and green spaces.
- Frankfurt's healthcare quality is rated very high, while this data is unavailable for Hamburg.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Hamburg | Frankfurt |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | Ranges from €1,200 to €2,000 per month for one person | Single person: $1,270.4/month (excluding rent) |
| Average Monthly Rent (Apartment) | Average rent is €1,250 per month | One-bedroom in city center: ~€1,300 |
| Public Transportation Quality (Scale 1-10) | Extensive public transport network, user-friendly and affordable | Not available |
| Crime Rate (per 100,000 residents) | 293.65 (in 2018, Hamburg PA crime rate) | 14,363 |
| Number of Parks and Green Spaces | Over 1,460 parks | Over 40 parks and 50 lakes/ponds |
| Air Quality Index | 37 (Good) | 61-65 (Moderate) |
| Healthcare Quality (Scale 1-10) | Not available | 86.27 (Very High) |
Overall Comparison
Crime: Hamburg wins; Green Spaces: Hamburg wins; Healthcare: Frankfurt wins
Pros and Cons
Hamburg
Pros:
- Extensive and affordable public transportation
- Numerous parks and green spaces
- Good air quality
- Diverse cultural scene
- Strong economy with prominent sectors like finance, media, logistics, and technology
- Family-friendly neighborhoods like Eimsbüttel, Winterhude, and Bahrenfeld
Cons:
- Mid-to-high range cost of living compared to other German cities
- Property crimes are common
- Some areas may have higher crime rates, particularly related to nightlife
- Specific data on job market growth rate, commute time, cultural venues, healthcare quality, and education system ranking is not available
Frankfurt
Pros:
- Excellent healthcare with international standards
- Numerous parks and green spaces
- Strong labor market, especially in economics
- Good job availability in sectors such as plumbing, healthcare, energy engineering, tax consultancy, automation, landscape management, and rehabilitation technology
- Convenient public transportation with options for discounted tickets
- Rich in cultural attractions and events
- Local government committed to environmental sustainability
Cons:
- Higher crime rates in certain neighborhoods (Bahnhofsviertel)
- Moderate safety walking alone at night (48.44%)
- Unemployment rate in Hessen higher than national average
User Experiences and Feedback
Hamburg
What Users Love
- User-friendly and affordable public transportation
- Extensive public transport network including U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, and ferries
- Accessibility is commendable with elevators, ramps, and designated seating
- Options like the Hamburg Card and Deutschlandticket offer cost savings
- Locals generally feel safe in Altona
Common Complaints
- Caution is advised in parts of St. Georg near Hauptbahnhof and certain Altona districts
- Some areas, like parts of St. Georg and Altona, may have higher crime rates, particularly related to nightlife
- Areas like Billstedt, Steilshoop and Osdorfer Born have higher crime rates
Value Perception
- Affordable housing can be found in districts like Harburg, Wandsbek, and Langenhorn
User Recommendations
- Hamburg's public transportation is user-friendly and affordable
- Locals generally feel safe in Altona
- Hamburg offers unique cultural attractions and events
Frankfurt
What Users Love
- Convenient public transportation
- Excellent healthcare services
- Good schools and safe environment in Nordend and Westend
- Affordable housing options in Fechenheim
- English commonly spoken in hospitals
- Short waiting lists for healthcare
Common Complaints
- Higher crime rates related to drug use and petty theft in Bahnhofsviertel
- Safety rate drops at night
Value Perception
- Deutschlandticket allows travel throughout Germany for €58 monthly
- Monthly or annual public transport subscriptions range between €85-€106 per month
- Quick bite: ~€18, Three-course meal for 2: ~€70
User Recommendations
- Public transport is a convenient way to travel in Frankfurt.
- Healthcare in Frankfurt is excellent, with both public and private hospitals meeting international standards.
- Nordend is quiet and safe, with a wide array of different schools.
- Fechenheim's position on the outer edges of the City makes this district shine because of its affordability.