Economic situation
Berlin’s economy on the road to success
In 2018, Berlin’s gross domestic product grew by 3.1 percent in real terms compared with the previous year and was over 3 percent for the fourth time in a row. In a nationwide comparison, Berlin came in first place and was well above the average growth of 1.4 percent in Germany.
Thus, the German capital continues its successful course: the GDP and the employment rate have grown faster than the national average for years. The service industry in particular had a positive impact on Berlin’s economic growth. Around 147.1 billion euros were generated in the capital.
More information about employment here
Income and purchasing power of the population
Full-time, part-time and minor employees in Berlin earned 3,409 euros gross per month in 2018 on average. Thus, the average gross monthly earnings has increased by 3.4% compared to the previous year. Full-time employees received 3.3% more pay, thus reaching an average of 4,228 euros gross monthly earnings. At the same time, however, the consumer price in Berlin increased by 2 percent, so that in real terms the increase was 1.6 percent.
| Labor market situation 2018 (yearly average) | ||
| Unemployment rate (in %) | 8.1 | |
| Employees with full benefits (in millions.) | 1.48 | |
| Prices 2018 | ||
| Consumer price index (2010 ≙ 100) | 112.2 | |
Construction price index (2010 ≙ 100) | 112.8 | |
| Economic national accounts 2018 | ||
| Gross domestic product for respective prices (in billions of EUR) | 147.1 | |
| Change compared with previous year (in %) | 3.1 | |
Consumer prices
In 2018, consumer prices in Berlin increased by an average of 2.0 percent over the previous year. That was the highest increase in the last six years.
| Consumer prices 2018 | Index rate 2010≙100 | Change compared to the same month last year (in %) |
| Total price index | 112.2 | 2.2 |
| Food, non-alcoholic beverages | 118.1 | 2.6 |
| Alcoholic beverages and tobacco goods | 122.4 | 3.4 |
| Clothing and shoes | 104.8 | 0.1 |
| Living space, water, electricity, gas and other fuel | 115.8 | 3.1 |
| Furnishings, appliances and fittings for the household plus maintenance thereof | 106.7 | 0.7 |
| Healthcare costs | 108.6 | 1.5 |
| Transport | 108.6 | 2.6 |
| Communications | 89.1 | -0.6 |
| Leisure, entertainment and culture | 110.9 | 2.1 |
| Educational system | 84.6 | 1.1 |
| Hotels and restaurants | 117.4 | 2.3 |
| Other goods and services | 111.8 | 0.5 |
| (Source: Berlin-Brandenburg Statistics Office, 2019) |
