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.
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 |
