Living in Ulm and Neu-Ulm, Germany: Cost of Living, Jobs and Pros & Cons

Are Ulm and Neu-Ulm good places to live?

Germany has many cities that attract people looking for work, education, family opportunities, and a better quality of life. While cities such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg often receive the most attention, smaller urban areas can also offer an interesting combination of opportunities and everyday convenience.

One example is Ulm and Neu-Ulm, two closely connected cities on opposite sides of the Danube River in southern Germany.

Ulm belongs to Baden-Württemberg, while Neu-Ulm is in Bavaria. Although they are separate municipalities in different federal states, residents can travel between them easily and share many aspects of everyday urban life.

But what is it actually like to live here? Is housing affordable? Are there jobs? Is the area suitable for families? And what are the disadvantages people should consider before moving?

In this guide, we look at the facts, the costs, the benefits, and the challenges of living in Ulm and Neu-Ulm.







1. Where are Ulm and Neu-Ulm located?

Ulm and Neu-Ulm are situated in southern Germany, along the Danube River.

Ulm is the larger city and is known for its historic architecture, university, economic activity, and famous Ulm Minster. Neu-Ulm, located across the river in Bavaria, has its own residential neighborhoods, public services, shopping areas, and green spaces.

The two cities form a connected urban area, making it possible to live on one side and work, study, or spend leisure time on the other.

However, they remain separate cities. Your local administration, school arrangements, municipal services, and certain rules depend on where you live.

This distinction matters when choosing a home, registering your address, or arranging services.

2. What is everyday life like?

One of the most attractive things about Ulm and Neu-Ulm is their combination of urban amenities and access to outdoor spaces.

Ulm's historic center includes the famous Minster, the central Münsterplatz, and the picturesque Fischerviertel, known for its old buildings, waterways, and narrow streets.

Across the river, Neu-Ulm offers its own attractions, including Glacis Park. Both sides of the Danube provide opportunities for walking, cycling, and relaxing outdoors.

There are also shops, restaurants, cultural activities, educational institutions, and healthcare services in the wider urban area.

For someone who prefers a smaller city to a major metropolitan center, this may be appealing.

However, a smaller city is not automatically better for everyone. Your experience will depend on your work, income, language skills, interests, neighborhood, and social connections.

3. Cost of living in Ulm and Neu-Ulm

Housing is one of the most important expenses to consider before moving to either city.

The joint official 2025 rent index for Ulm and Neu-Ulm reports an average comparison rent of €9.82 per square meter for existing rental arrangements covered by the index.

However, the price for a newly advertised apartment can be higher.

A spring 2026 IVD Süd market report gives the following average figures for properties in good locations or of good residential quality:

Property category | Ulm | Neu-Ulm
Older apartments | €13.80/m² | €12.40/m²
Existing apartments | €14.60/m² | €13.20/m²
New-build apartments | €16.70/m² | €14.10/m²

These figures are market averages, not guaranteed offers. The rent for a particular property may differ considerably.

Example: What could an apartment cost?

For a 70 m² existing apartment, using the reported averages:

- Ulm: approximately €1,022 per month.
- Neu-Ulm: approximately €924 per month.

These figures exclude additional housing costs. Electricity, internet, insurance, and other household expenses may need to be budgeted separately, depending on the rental agreement.

You may also need to save for a rental deposit, moving expenses, and furniture.

The best approach is to compare current listings and calculate the full monthly cost before committing to an apartment.

Can you save money on groceries?

Yes, planning your shopping can help reduce everyday expenses.

Depending on your neighborhood, discount supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl, Penny, and Norma can be useful for comparing prices and managing a household budget.

Meal planning, buying only what you need, and comparing unit prices can also help.

Nevertheless, savings on groceries cannot always compensate for expensive housing. Rent should be one of the first things you research when planning a move.

4. Jobs and career opportunities

Ulm and its surrounding region have employment opportunities across several sectors, including industry, engineering, healthcare, education, research, technology, and business services.

The University of Ulm and other educational institutions also contribute to the area's academic environment.

Official 2024 labor-market data for Ulm recorded an unemployment rate of 4.1% and a median gross monthly wage of €4,525 among employees covered by the relevant statistical measure.

This is historical regional data, not a promise of what a newcomer will earn. Your salary and employment prospects depend on your occupation, experience, qualifications, language skills, and the vacancies available when you apply.

German language proficiency can be particularly important for customer-facing positions, administration, and many roles involving local clients. Some employers recruit for positions where English is widely used, but requirements vary.

Before relocating, search for current vacancies in your field. Compare salary ranges, qualification requirements, working hours, and commuting options.

Having employers in the region does not guarantee that a suitable position will be available to you.

5. Public transport and commuting

Ulm has a local transport network that includes buses and trams. The city's official information lists 13 bus routes and two tram lines.

Ulm and Neu-Ulm share a local fare zone, while the wider DING transport network connects the cities with surrounding communities.

This can make public transport a practical option for many residents.

However, convenience depends on the exact journey. Someone living near a tram stop may have a very different experience from someone who needs to take several buses to reach work.

Before renting, check the route to your workplace, the return journey, and the availability of evening and weekend services.

Drivers should also check construction notices. As of October 2026, Ulm had announced traffic changes around Ehinger Tor, and roadworks in Neue Straße are expected to continue until the end of 2027.

Check the relevant official transport and construction updates before travelling.

6. Is Ulm and Neu-Ulm suitable for families?

Both cities offer residential neighborhoods, parks, educational institutions, and services that families may find useful.

Access to green spaces and the surrounding region can be a benefit for parents who enjoy outdoor activities.

However, families should investigate specific childcare and schooling arrangements rather than assuming that a place will be immediately available.

Before moving, consider:

- Kita availability and registration deadlines.
- School arrangements for your intended neighborhood.
- Childcare opening hours and fees.
- Distance between home, school, childcare, and work.
- Access to healthcare providers who are accepting new patients.
- The cost of a suitably sized family apartment.

These practical details can affect daily life just as much as the city itself.

7. Social life and settling in

Ulm and Neu-Ulm have cultural activities, shops, restaurants, parks, and opportunities to meet people.

The university environment and regional economy also bring together people with different backgrounds.

Nevertheless, finding friends and feeling at home can take time, especially when moving from another country.

Joining a club, attending community events, connecting with other parents, and learning German can help build relationships.

Some people will appreciate the quieter atmosphere compared with Germany's largest cities. Others may prefer a place with more nightlife, specialized shops, or a larger international social scene.

Neither preference is wrong. It depends on the kind of life you want to build.

It is also important not to make sweeping assumptions about how welcoming a city is. Experiences of integration and discrimination vary between individuals and situations.

8. Recent local incidents and developments

A realistic city guide should acknowledge significant local developments without exaggerating their implications.

Traffic changes in October 2026

Ulm's official construction updates announced traffic changes around Ehinger Tor from 19 October 2026. Sewer and drainage work in Neue Straße was expected to continue until the end of 2027.

These works may affect particular routes, so commuters should check the latest notices.

Police report on a protest camp.

On 19 October 2026, the Ulm police published a report about a protest camp held from 12 to 19 October.

Police reported that most activity at the camp passed without major incidents, while a procession on 17 October resulted in recorded offences and nine provisional arrests.

This report concerns a specific event. It should not be interpreted as proof that the whole city is unsafe.

School incident in Neu-Ulm

In July 2026, SWR reported that 18 pupils received medical attention after an irritant substance was sprayed at a middle school in Neu-Ulm. Five were initially reported as having been taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

The investigation was ongoing at the time of that report. Any subsequent developments should be verified through current reporting before publication.

Editorial note: News changes. Check the original reports for updates before publishing this article, and clearly distinguish confirmed information from allegations or unresolved investigations.

9. Advantages and disadvantages of living in Ulm and Neu-Ulm

Advantages

- Two connected cities with access to a wider range of amenities.
- Employment and educational opportunities in the region.
- Historic architecture, cultural attractions, and riverside scenery.
- Parks and outdoor recreation.
- Public transport options and regional connections.
- A smaller urban scale than Germany's largest metropolitan areas.

Disadvantages

- Housing can be expensive, particularly for larger apartments or desirable locations.
- Finding a suitable job is not guaranteed.
- German language skills can be important for many occupations and everyday tasks.
- Childcare and other services require advance planning.
- Construction work can affect particular routes.
- Some residents may find the entertainment or international shopping options more limited than in larger cities.

Whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages depends on your income, work, family needs, and lifestyle.

10. Who should consider moving to Ulm or Neu-Ulm?

These cities may suit people who want a connected urban area, access to regional employment and education, green spaces, and a combination of historic and modern surroundings.

They may also appeal to families who are prepared to research housing, childcare and commuting carefully.

However, if you depend on a very specialised job market, extensive nightlife or a particular international community, compare the area with larger German cities before making a decision.

For anyone moving from abroad, it is sensible to secure a realistic financial plan, research employment and housing, and understand the administrative steps required for their circumstances.

Do not relocate simply because a city looks attractive in a video. Research how everyday life would work for you.

Conclusion: Is living in Ulm and Neu-Ulm worth it?

Ulm and Neu-Ulm offer a combination of employment and education opportunities, attractive historic areas, public transport and access to nature.

But they also come with challenges, especially when it comes to housing costs, finding the right job and arranging family services.

The best decision depends on your personal circumstances. A city that works well for one person may not be the right choice for another.

At Hannahbeyondborders, I believe it is important to discuss both sides of life in Germany: the opportunities, the beautiful moments, the practical challenges and the things that require preparation.

Have you lived in Ulm or Neu-Ulm? Share your experience in the comments. What do you love about the area, and what should someone know before moving here?

Follow Hannahbeyondborders for more practical and honest guides to life in Germany, moving abroad, family life and everyday savings.