Get a job in Essen
Living in Essen means being part of a city that has transformed itself from an industrial centre into a modern, green place to live. Once known for coal and steel, Essen is now a hub for energy, services and culture. The city combines world-class museums with plenty of parks and lakes, offering professional
opportunities and a high quality of life.
Life in Essen
Essen offers a high quality of life with excellent infrastructure, a well-regarded university and a diverse economy including energy companies, logistics, design, and cultural institutions.
Explore the impressive Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its striking Bauhaus architecture, museums, and cultural events. Visit the Museum Folkwang for outstanding art collections, or enjoy an opera or ballet performance at the modern Aalto Theatre. Music lovers can also experience the Essen Philharmonic at the Saalbau.
Spend time in the green Grugapark, stroll through historic neighbourhoods like Margarethenhöhe, or relax at the Baldeneysee reservoir, one of the most popular recreational spots in the city.
Work in Essen
- Average working hours per week: 36 to 40 hours
- Typical working day: usually Monday to Friday, 8 am or 9 am to 5 pm or 6 pm
- Number of Vacation days: Around 20 days or 4 weeks
- Commute: Efficient by bus, tram, metro, and S-Bahn, with Essen Hauptbahnhof as a major hub for regional and long-distance trains
- Work culture: Generally structured with moderate hierarchy, similar to other German cities
FAQ
You can move to Essen alone, with a friend, or as a couple. Shared living has benefits such as emotional support, splitting rent and bills, and sharing daily life. However, it might also reduce your chances of meeting new people. Whether this is positive or negative depends on your goals and personality. Good communication is key if you decide to move abroad with someone else.
Essen has a reliable and comprehensive public transport system, including buses, trams, S-Bahn, and U-Bahn, all operated by Ruhrbahn. The network makes commuting and exploring the city convenient and affordable, with options such as single tickets, day passes, and monthly subscriptions.
Rental prices in Essen are generally lower compared to larger German cities. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre usually costs between €600 and €900 per month, while outside the centre prices can be between €500 and €750. Utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and internet typically add around €150 to €250 monthly.
For more budget-friendly living, areas like Margarethenhöhe offer a charming garden-city layout, while districts on the outskirts provide a calmer atmosphere and good access to public transport. These neighbourhoods balance affordability and quality of life.
Essen has a temperate climate with mild summers and cool winters. Average temperatures in January are around 2 °C, while July and August reach about 18 °C. Summers are comfortable, although occasional heatwaves can push temperatures higher. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year.
Still not sure about moving to Essen?
Essen offers a lively and affordable food and drink scene. Local breweries and cosy cafes serve reasonably priced options, while the city’s cultural life is shaped by its industrial heritage and creative modern venues. From art and music to outdoor recreation, Essen provides many opportunities to enjoy life outside of work.
