Budget
Budget
Posted on Sep 17, 2015
Can you help me find information about Wiesbaden and Germany in general?
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Hey guys.
So, I'm in the process of applying to a few federal positions at Wiesbaden. Here's the thing, the job only starts at like $15/hour (the equivalent in salary). Having never left CONUS, I have to ask whether or not that's a living wage in Germany. I've done some research into the cost of living there and whatnot but I figured it'd be nice just to ask people who have actually been there or may even be there now.
How expensive (rent, food, gas, utilities) is it to live in the Wiesbaden area?
Also, and I guess I feel obligated to ask this question since I'd rather know ahead of time what I'm getting into here, is Germany and the Wiesbaden area more or less accepting of LGBT people than the U.S.? I'm transgender, and I'd hate to move there just to find out I went to the most hostile place in Europe or something. Just looking for honest answers from people who have been there, whether or not you approve of my lifestyle.
Thanks for the help guys.
So, I'm in the process of applying to a few federal positions at Wiesbaden. Here's the thing, the job only starts at like $15/hour (the equivalent in salary). Having never left CONUS, I have to ask whether or not that's a living wage in Germany. I've done some research into the cost of living there and whatnot but I figured it'd be nice just to ask people who have actually been there or may even be there now.
How expensive (rent, food, gas, utilities) is it to live in the Wiesbaden area?
Also, and I guess I feel obligated to ask this question since I'd rather know ahead of time what I'm getting into here, is Germany and the Wiesbaden area more or less accepting of LGBT people than the U.S.? I'm transgender, and I'd hate to move there just to find out I went to the most hostile place in Europe or something. Just looking for honest answers from people who have been there, whether or not you approve of my lifestyle.
Thanks for the help guys.
Wiesbaden
Budget
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 14
4
4
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Compared to the states it is expensive. As a civilian employee OCONUS you should qualify (don't quote me on this and be sure to ask during the interview) for housing, PX and Commissary privileges so that can help make it doable. Is it a GS-05?
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SPC Christopher Perrien
$15/hr would only cut it , if given free housing and basically all the benefits you have while active duty. Medical would be a major issue.
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MSG Floyd Williams
SPC Angela Burnham - The cost of living is a little high, but if you can manage your finances in an affordable area that would be fine. Your lifestyle is your lifestyle Europe is more acceptable, just do the right thing for the military and respect the customs in Germany.
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SPC Angela Burnham
SPC Christopher Perrien -
I have healthcare through the VA. I should be able to use any nearby .mil hospitals, and I get a couple hundred a month from my disability pension too, though I'd still have to pay rent.
I have healthcare through the VA. I should be able to use any nearby .mil hospitals, and I get a couple hundred a month from my disability pension too, though I'd still have to pay rent.
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SFC (Join to see)
For a GS position you'll end up living on the economy. Housing will help you find a place when you get here. You should qualify for overseas housing allowance. You will also qualify for commissary and px privledges. With those you should do alright financially. Germany is pretty accepting. As long as you respect them they'll respect you.
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I left there just over a year ago. The COL in Wiesbaden is much higher than other areas throughout Germany. Gas is much higher (even on base). Food cost is about the same - just a LOT fresher than what you are tasting now and well worth the difference in price. If you can acquire on-base housing you will do alright, but if you have to live off base, you will be upside down for most of your time there (seen apartments go for $1200/mo). Utilities are very different from what you are used to. There is a sliding scale where one month your water is ~$20, the next it may be over $150. Electricity is the same way. It all depends on your landlord. Parking is crazy and will cost you much more than you expect. Insurance on your car will be about double what you are paying now. You will likely not have air conditioning in your residence, but you will not need it. make sure you have rouladen on your windows (exterior window blinds), unless you are a very heavy sleeper as it is light in the summer from 0400 - 2230 or later.
Aside from that, Wiesbaden is one of the most beautiful places I have ever lived, and I grew up in Colorado. I would love the opportunity to return to live and work there. The fests are out of this world, the community is so welcoming and inviting. German medical care is much better than in the US. Beer is cheaper than water, sodas are the most expensive thing to drink (aside from hard liquor). Life is much simpler and more enjoyable over there. Everything is closed on Sundays (except churches and bakeries in the mornings).
Aside from that, Wiesbaden is one of the most beautiful places I have ever lived, and I grew up in Colorado. I would love the opportunity to return to live and work there. The fests are out of this world, the community is so welcoming and inviting. German medical care is much better than in the US. Beer is cheaper than water, sodas are the most expensive thing to drink (aside from hard liquor). Life is much simpler and more enjoyable over there. Everything is closed on Sundays (except churches and bakeries in the mornings).
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CW3 Eric W. S.
SPC Angela Burnham - The sliding scale for the utilities is all based on how often your stadt (City/local government) reads your consumption meters and decides to bill you. Additionally you will find the periodicity of the billing less predictable than you experience in America. One site I found that helped was http://www.internations.org/germany-expats/guide/16031-housing-accommodation/german-utilities-16024. Also, you have to remember, you are paying everything in Euro and you are earning in Dollars. The exchange rate will have to be factored into everything. Also, you will have to pay foreign transaction fees through your American bank for every time you use your debit card, ATM card, credit card... You will have to open a bank account in Germany (usually on base) because banking and financial regulations differ greatly. Customer service is nothing like you are accustomed to. You will also have to wait much longer than you currently do to have services connected (such as phone, internet, etc.)
Are you wondering about German utilities and the difference between Kaltmiete and Warmmiete? Visit InterNations for information on German utilities.
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CW3 Eric W. S.
but do not let anything sway you from the opportunity of a lifetime. I would move back tomorrow if I had the opportunity. Germany was one of the best assignments in my 23+ year career.
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CW3 Eric W. S.
here is the garrison home page, many helpful links. I still read it periodically. http://www.wiesbaden.army.mil/sites/local/default.asp
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SPC Angela Burnham
CW3 Schaub, thank you so much for all the help, and I'd love to send my resume your way.
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SPC Angela Burnham
Weisbaden is a wonderful city. The cost of living is higher than some of the more rural areas of Bavaria for instance. I spent much time there between 1980 and 1984 and had close friends who lived there until the 1990's.
Weisbaden should be accepting of transgender people since they were generally accepting of homosexuals and lesbians in the 1980's.
Weisbaden is a wonderful city. The cost of living is higher than some of the more rural areas of Bavaria for instance. I spent much time there between 1980 and 1984 and had close friends who lived there until the 1990's.
Weisbaden should be accepting of transgender people since they were generally accepting of homosexuals and lesbians in the 1980's.
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