Places · Germany

Living in Bielefeld

Germany · temperate

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Bielefeld is a mid-sized city of roughly 335,000 people inland in Germany. The climate is temperate. It keeps a balanced mix of locals and visitors and is considered very safe. A typical month of living costs around $2,050. Healthcare is strong, and the internet is fast enough for full-time remote work. People come here for cycling, art and culture, quiet days.

The public health service (5/5) is stronger than the private one: insurance here is an extra, not a necessity.

Bielefeld at a glance: cost, climate, safety

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People
~335,000
💵
Cost / mo
~$2,100
🌡️
Climate
temperate
🛡️
Safety
4/5
🏥
Healthcare
4/5
📶
Internet
5/5
🚶
Walkable
3/5
🍽️
Food
4/5
🌫️
Air
3/5Moderate
🚰
Water
4/5Tap water drinkable

Who tends to love living in Bielefeld

All parameters

🛡️ Safety4/5
🏥 Healthcare4/5
🏛️ Public healthcare5/5
💳 Private healthcare3/5
📶 Internet5/5
🚶 Walkable3/5
🚌 Transit3/5
🍽️ Food4/5
📚 LibraryA proper library system
🥗 Veg options4/5
🌫️ Air3/5 · 11 µg/m³
🚰 Water4/5 · Tap water drinkable
➖ PopularitySteady
🏠 Rent, 5 yrs+18%
👶 For kids4/5
🛂 Immigration3/5
🏛️ Stability5/5
💸 Tax friendly2/5
🧑‍💻 Business3/5
🕵️ Privacy4/5
🏦 State digital currencyIn development
🗣️ Free expressionReasonable
₿ Bitcoin3/5
🌈 LGBTQ+5/5
🦂 Dangerous animals1/5
🌱 Fertile soil4/5
🔌 Living off-grid3/5
📸 Tourism3/5
👥 Crowding3/5
✈️ Airport4/5
🛰️ StarlinkYes
⚕️ AbortionLegal

💉 Childhood vaccines: Required to enrol at schoolVaccines: 1

The 2020 measles law made one vaccine a condition for childcare and school. Everything else stays a recommendation.

If you skip them: No place in a creche or a school, and fines up to 2.500 euros.

Exemptions: Medical only, with a doctor’s certificate.

Source: Vaccines 2024;12:1296, European survey

➖ Popularity & prices: Steady

Accommodation prices have moved about +18% in the last 5 years.

Estimates, for orientation only.

🔭 Where this place is heading

Today’s data. Tap a year to see where it is heading.

⚠️ The downsides of living in Bielefeld

Health, air (WHO PM2.5), water & crime figures are rough country-level estimates, verify for your case.

Where is Bielefeld?

₿ Spend Bitcoin around Bielefeld

Open the Bitcoin merchant maps for this area, cafés, shops and ATMs that accept Bitcoin.

₿ …

Merchants: BTC Map, from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Events and meetups: Club Orange.

Questions, answered

How much does it cost to live in Bielefeld, Germany?

A typical month in Bielefeld costs around $2,050, covering rent and everyday expenses for one person. It is an estimate meant for comparing places, not for budgeting exactly.

Is Bielefeld, Germany safe?

Arcadia rates personal safety in Bielefeld at 4 out of 5, which is good.

What is the internet like in Bielefeld?

Internet in Bielefeld is rated 5 out of 5 for remote work, which is excellent. Starlink is available in this country.

What is the weather like in Bielefeld?

Bielefeld has a temperate climate.

Is healthcare good in Bielefeld?

Healthcare in Bielefeld is rated 4 out of 5 overall, which is good. Public healthcare is 5/5 and private healthcare 3/5.

How easy is it to move to Germany?

Arcadia rates the ease of getting residency in Germany at 3 out of 5, which is reasonable. The place page lists the visa routes that apply and which depend on your passport.

Is Bielefeld actually right for you?

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