I assume you want a career as a software engineer. This is my list: - Berlin: cheap (getting expensive quick, but still cheap for a large city), multicultural

I assume you want a career as a software engineer. This is my list: - Berlin: cheap (getting expensive quick, but still cheap for a large city), multicultural (many, many people from all around the world, lots of people speak English, those who don't usually understand you), Germans themselves are very open and interesting as a nation. Berlin has a vibrant startup scene, which is nice for getting your first job as a young person with little experience. The downside is that there is not many serious software companies nor industry. Salaries are VERY low compared with the US. German is not required for normal life, but highly recommended. Some companies still prefer people with German. - London: Has many, many companies and is usually on the bleeding edge technology-wise. Payroll is nice, although prices and rent are high. You won't have to learn a new language and will be able to compete for all the job offers as long as your profile fits in. The downside is the imminent Brexit, which might be good or bad, nobody knows right now. - Zurich: once you are +30 and look for a more quiet, stable lifestyle, Switzerland is the place to be. Salaries are US-level, health care, security, public transportation and stability are the best in Europe (Norway might be better though, but very close). It's VERY expensive, although if you come from NY or from the Bay Area, rents are more or less in the same ballpark. The language barrier is comparable as in Germany, although Swiss people usually prefer when people speak English rather than standard German with foreign accent. Swiss people might be a bit tough to crack, but are not that bad once you know how to treat them. In the Zurich area there is tons and tons of companies, lots of innovation going on as well. Finance is very strong. Biotech is growing pretty strong. I have 2 recommendations for you: a) Go to Berlin, and then start looking around. It's a really cool place to be for 26-year-old. b) Go to London, you will have a much easier start and there is enough companies for an adventurous career.