Price shock in Neubrandenburg: living costs exceed Berlin!

Price shock in Neubrandenburg: living costs exceed Berlin!

A move from Berlin to Neubrandenburg can definitely come with a few surprises. A family who took this step talks about their “price shock”. After a long stay in the capital, she is back in the small northern German town and is amazed at the high cost of living in the region. In particular, prices for basic foods and services appear to be significantly higher than expected. Loud Northern Courier Gasoline prices in Neubrandenburg are even 6 to 8 cents per liter more expensive than in Berlin. A real shocker for drivers in the region!

Rent prices are particularly hard on your wallet. The family reports that they had to pay between 1,600 and 2,200 euros for a four-room apartment. This is a significant amount when you consider that rental prices are often lower in many German cities such as Ravensburg. From another source, Real estate scout24, we learn that rental prices depend not only regionally, but also on various factors such as supply and demand. However, demand in Neubrandenburg is lower than in many large cities, which makes the question mark behind the high prices even larger.

Food prices & leisure activities

Food and restaurant prices also add to the general confusion. An Indian meal for two people costs around 30 euros in Neubrandenburg, while in Berlin you only have to spend around 20 euros. Meat dishes are also more expensive: in Neubrandenburg some dishes cost over 20 euros, while in Ravensburg you can often get them for 16-17 euros. Even small luxuries like an ice cream sundae require deeper pockets; Here the ice cream costs from 2 euros, but in Balingen it only costs 1.80 euros. And the beer prices? They start at 5 euros in Neubrandenburg, while the same drink is available in Berlin for 4.20 euros.

The daycare costs are also criticized. While parents in Berlin only pay 70 euros for two children, here in Neubrandenburg it costs almost 300 euros. This not only causes incredulous looks, but also discussions about the social inequalities in the region. The moving company was even chosen from Berlin because the prices for moving services were higher in the family's hometown. Hairdressers also charge more in Neubrandenburg, which further increases the general unease about the cost of living.

Economic framework conditions

The economic context complicates the view of the cost of living in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Despite an average annual salary of 35,646 euros in the region, the national average income is almost 50,000 euros. The hourly wage also speaks volumes: While a good 20 euros are paid here, in Hesse and Hamburg it is more than 30 euros. This discrepancy causes resentment and the feeling that life in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is more expensive, despite the lower wages.

How is it possible that prices are higher but income is lower? This raises questions that go deep into the social and economic structures of the region. The rising cost of living is not easy to explain and is strongly linked to market supply and economic growth. Political frameworks and measures such as rent controls could help to improve the situation, but so far there are few signs of a turnaround. The problem is therefore clearly on the table and will not get any easier.