Rents are ~30% lower (my estimate based on my experience), salaries are ~10-20% lower (varies over industries, not really relevant for large companies). Sounds

Rents are ~30% lower (my estimate based on my experience), salaries are ~10-20% lower (varies over industries, not really relevant for large companies). Sounds like you're still getting a good deal if you live in Berlin. Many other things are cheaper as well. Power is -10% in Berlin for example, compared to Hamburg. Local taxes are also lower, e.g. business tax rate in Berlin is 410% while it's 470% in Hamburg. I get the impression that it's mostly the citizens of Berlin not knowing what things cost elsewhere.