I'm Much Happier Living In Berlin Than In The U.S. — Here's How Much It Costs

American Vanessa Wachtmeister, 34, dropped her law school dreams for a life abroad. She now lives in Berlin on a six-figure salary with her German husband Marcus. They pay about $2,000/month for an 1,100-square-foot apartment with a balcony. Vanessa feels happier and less stressed, paid off her student loans and is investing $1,000/month. She's also a German dual citizen. Here's how she did it. Produced & Edited by: Tasia Jensen Senior Director of Video: Jessica Leibowitz Camera: Jan Rödger Animator: Christina Locopo Contributors Editor: Nina Zipkin Additional Footage: Vanessa Wachtmeister, Getty Images Subscribe to CNBC Make It.: http://cnb.cx/2kxl2rf Watch CNBC on the go with CNBC+: https://www.cnbc.com/WatchCNBCPlus Want to stand out, grow your network, and get more job opportunities? Sign up for Smarter by CNBC Make It's new online course, How to Build a Standout Personal Brand: Online, In Person, and At Work. Sign up today with coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off the regular course price of $67 (plus tax). Offer valid through September 2, 2025: https://cnb.cx/4nZtNrX About CNBC Make It.: CNBC Make It. is a new section of CNBC dedicated to making you smarter about managing your business, career, and money. Connect with CNBC Make It Online Get the latest updates: https://www.cnbc.com/make-it Find CNBC Make It on Instagram: https://bit.ly/InstagramCNBCMakeIt Find CNBC Make It on Facebook: https://cnb.cx/LikeCNBCMakeIt Find CNBC Make It on threads: https://cnb.cx/threadsCNBCMakeIt Find CNBC Make It on X: https://cnb.cx/FollowCNBCMakeIt #CNBC #CNBCMakeIt #relocated I Left The U.S. For Berlin — Now I Bring In Six Figures Working Remotely