Berlin - Post Report Question and Answers
How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries and produce plentiful and, as compared to other major European cities, cheap. Germans don't like chemicals so some household supplies will be hard to come by. You won't have a garbage disposal. This may make you a little crazy, but of course Germans think we're crazy to have them. Separating recyclables is its own recreational activity here. - Aug 2023
You can find most anything you want here at very good prices. Our groceries cost less here than in the U.S. It's hard to find household supplies that contain harsh chemicals (and thus work well), but you can get them at the CSA store if you really need them. - May 2018
You can find everything here, with usually equal to or better selection than most US stores. CSA carries some items like peanut butter. - Feb 2018
Living in the middle of Berlin, we are surrounded by readily accessible shops (think malls) and a variety of goods. Pricing of groceries and goods will tend to be a bit higher in our area and selection at grocery stores isn't always plentiful as shops meet more commuter needs than city dwellers. That said, Berlin is one of the less expensive capitals in Europe.
But don't expect shops to be accommodating to your schedule. They close early M-F (usually by 7 or 8pm), have very limited hours on Saturdays and are closed on all except a few Sundays. - Jan 2018
Food is relatively cheap. If you shop at Lidl, Aldi and Rewe for most of your groceries, you should be fine. For a wider range of grocery options, get an account with Metro. Contrary to what you will be told (that it is only a bulk market like Costco or BJ's) you do not have to buy bulk there, they sell turkeys, you can find hot peppers on a regular basis (along with other fruits and vegetables that would be considered 'specialty') and they have american-style bacon. - Jul 2015
As with nearly everything in Europe: more expensive (at least compared to the American experience.) If you are with an embassy, you may be able to gain access to bigger more costco like stores. Remember to shop during the week. Few places are open on Sundays, so the big shopping rush is on Saturday. - Aug 2013
Everything is available here, but it is more expensive than in the U.S. - Dec 2011
