Moving from
to

Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.

The verdict

Cost of living is similar. Tax rate goes from 29.8% to 34.4%. Quality of life improves by 1 points.

Germany (64/100) and Italy (63/100) present a highly competitive Quality of Life matchup, with only a single point separating them. Italy’s warmer climate stands out, scoring 63 (14°C) against Germany’s 46 (10°C), marking the largest gap at 17 points. Germany's healthcare system is demonstrably stronger, rated 73 compared to Italy's 62, and its internet infrastructure is more robust (82 vs 73). In terms of safety, Germany holds a slight advantage (89 vs 85). Italy offers a slightly lower price level (85 vs Germany's 94), making it marginally more affordable, while both countries share almost identical taxation scores (Germany 27, Italy 26).

This comparison is exceptionally close; neither country emerges as a definitive winner, with trade-offs in climate and public services balancing out.

Moving to Germany? NLV varies by city.

Berlin48 Munich46

Tax Comparison

At $37,769 USD equivalent gross salary

🇮🇹 Italy

Gross€34,650

Income Tax-€6,813

Social-€3,531

Net€24,307

Effective Rate29.8%

🇩🇪 Germany

Gross€34,650

Income Tax-€4,578

Social-€7,354

Net€22,717

Effective Rate34.4%

Net difference: $1,732/year in Germany.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: Italy = 89, Germany = 93 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$5.20→$5.50

+6%

☕

Starbucks Tall Latte

$4.20→$4.70

+12%

🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$6.00→$5.00

-17%

📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$900.00→$900.00

🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$12.99→$13.49

+4%

⛽

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.90→$1.80

-5%

🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$2.00→$3.00

+50%

🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$85.00→$90.00

+6%

See all 30 products →

What Salary to Ask For

If you earn €34,650 gross in Italy ($37,769USD), here's what you need in Germany depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

€37,564

You keep the same $26,494/yr net in both countries. But Germany taxes 5.4% more.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

€39,252

Accounts for the fact that prices are similar in both countries. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $38K

🇮🇹 Italy

-4

🇩🇪 Germany

NLV combines net income, cost of living, and quality of life into one score. Similar overall quality of life in both countries.

Calculate with your exact salary →

Quality of Life

Italy: 63/100 vs Germany: 64/100

Cost of Living

-3

Climate

-17

Safety

Healthcare

+11

Internet

Taxation

Moving to Germany: Practicalities

Visa Openness

60/100

English Level

64/100

Expat Community

18.8%

Digital Nomad Visa

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Italy to Germany?▾

The effective tax rate changes from 29.8% in Italy to 34.4% in Germany. You keep about $1,732.44 less per year in Germany.

Is Germany cheaper to live in than Italy?▾

Cost of living is similar between the two countries (within 5% across 30 products).

What salary do I need in Germany to match my lifestyle in Italy?▾

Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between Italy and Germany. As a rule of thumb: a similar gross salary should maintain your lifestyle.

Is it worth moving from Italy to Germany?▾

It depends on your priorities. The financial difference is small. Consider quality of life, climate, healthcare, and personal factors.

Also Consider

🇮🇹 → 🇺🇸 United States 🇮🇹 → 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇮🇹 → 🇫🇷 France 🇮🇹 → 🇪🇸 Spain 🇮🇹 → 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇮🇹 → 🇳🇱 Netherlands

Moving from 🇮🇹 Italy to 🇩🇪 Germany