Cost of Living: These Cities Are Especially Worthwhile for Freelancers

New analysis shows: Freelancers can afford up to twice as much in German cities outside Berlin/Munich, e.g., in Leipzig or Dresden. The study analyzes cost of living vs. income and offers important insights for self-employed individuals and MBA graduates.

Cost of Living: These Cities are Particularly Worthwhile for Freelancers

Many freelancers are traditionally drawn to metropolises like Berlin or Munich, expecting to find the best job opportunities and networks there. However, a new evaluation published on October 14, 2026, shows that freelancers in other German cities could sometimes afford twice as much. The study analyzes purchasing power and average expenses in relation to typical freelance incomes and reveals that supposedly attractive urban centers can often represent a financial dead end, while smaller major cities offer significant advantages. These findings are relevant not only for the self-employed but also for prospective MBA graduates aiming for a freelance career or reconsidering their post-MBA strategy regarding their living environment.

The study takes into account a variety of factors, including rental prices, costs for food, transport, and leisure, compared to average hourly rates and the order situation in various sectors. It turns out that cities like Leipzig, Dresden, or even some regions in the Ruhr area enable a significantly higher quality of life for freelancers. While in Munich a significant portion of income must be spent on rent and basic needs, a much larger part of the earnings remains at free disposal in the aforementioned cities. This can increase financial security, expand the scope for investment in further training or retirement planning, and reduce the pressure to permanently achieve high hourly rates.

Economic Attractiveness Beyond the Metropolises

This development is also of interest to graduates of MBA programs. While an MBA often opens the door to well-paid positions in large corporations, many graduates also aspire to leadership positions in medium-sized companies or consider the step into self-employment – whether as consultants, interim managers, or founders. The choice of where to live has a direct influence here on the startup and operating costs of a company or on personal financial flexibility. An MBA qualifies for complex tasks and strategic decisions; choosing the right location can be one of these strategic decisions to derive maximum benefit from the investment in education. The network built during studies remains relevant across regions and is not necessarily tied to a specific location.

The results of the analysis underscore a trend toward the decentralization of economic opportunities, which is further reinforced by increasing digitalization and the acceptance of remote work. Companies are increasingly willing to rely on qualified freelancers or employees who do not live at the company headquarters. This opens up the possibility for freelancers and highly qualified professionals, including MBA graduates, to choose their place of residence based on criteria of quality of life and economic efficiency, instead of orienting themselves exclusively toward traditional economic centers. The cost savings in living expenses can thus be reinvested directly into one's own career development or used for a better work-life balance.