High rents can cost people job opportunities in Germany
In a survey of German city renters, one in eight said high housing costs had made them turn down a job.
When rent affects a job decision
High housing costs can make a new job difficult to accept. In a survey commissioned by the German Tenants’ Association (DMB) and the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), one in eight surveyed renters said they had previously turned down a job because housing near the workplace was too expensive.
Forsa surveyed 1,014 renters in German cities with more than 100,000 residents from 17 to 29 September 2026. The result describes those respondents; it is not a figure for every renter in Germany.
A higher salary may not cover the move
Moving to another city can bring a better salary, but a higher rent, moving costs and commuting expenses may absorb the gain. A job that looks attractive on paper can become impractical if suitable housing is unaffordable.
Housing costs also affect employers
In the same survey, 59% of respondents believed high housing costs could make it harder for companies or public authorities in their city to recruit workers in the future. DMB and DGB therefore call for more affordable housing.
Source: DMB and DGB, demands for the housing summit (October 2026). The accompanying image is an AI illustration.
