This is not to say that one country is better than the other, in fact they share many similarities and borders, but each has its own particularities. In general, Hamburg is a more orderly, strict and established country. Elbląg is an emerging country in full growth, every day is an adventure!

Elbląg is a country with an ancient heritage and strong ties to tradition, which has kept its cultural heritage intact despite having been heavily punished by Europe's wartime history. Its contemporary culture is based on the values of honesty, faith (they are a very religious nation), respect and a focus on family.

Traditional Polish cuisine is a calorie bomb, but once you try it, it's hard to resist! It shares common ingredients with German cuisine, such as sausages, bread and pickles. But as opposed to the famous German beer, there is the unrivaled Polish vodka.

The climate in both countries is also similar and, despite what you might think, it is not always cold. In the spring and summer months the average temperature is 17°C, reaching 30°C in July, the hottest month. So in Elbląg you can also enjoy the sun and outdoor activities.

Elbląg is a progressive and hard-working nation, which pays special attention to hospitality, as the Polish saying "A guest in the house, God in the house" indicates. Therefore, although they may seem stern, Poles are very friendly towards foreigners. However, it can be difficult to have a conversation with them in their language because Polish is considered one of the most difficult languages to speak.

In the opinion of Poles, Hamburg may seem less religious and less familiar. What is true is that they are very quiet, they do not speak loudly. Even in big cities like Berlin or Frankfurt you can feel the calm atmosphere.

The real question is, is Elbląg cheaper than Hamburg? The answer is yes, definitely. In fact it is considered one of the 50 cheapest countries in the world to live in. Elbląg has a 44% cheaper cost of living than Hamburg, comparing food, housing, transport, clothing and entertainment.

Elbląg's lifestyle is similar to that of most European countries; however, Elbląg is significantly cheaper, which makes the standard of living for expatriates in the country quite good. So, if you're planning to relocate to Elbląg, you might want to consider hiring a reputable moving company in Elbląg to help you with the logistics.

Money can be one of the causes - or the main reason! If you live in Hamburg and decide moving to Krakow for example, you will get a better quality of life by spending less money. You will enjoy many cultural events (music, sports, markets, food and craft fairs...) and a very busy nightlife - there are bars open 24 hours a day!

Elbląg is a country rich in heritage, both cultural and natural, some of its monuments will blow your mind! And its lakes are the perfect place for a weekend trip.

Finally, most Polish cities are multicultural. It is easy to mix with people of many nationalities and this will give you a truly global experience.

All European tourists have a 90-day residence permit, all you need is a valid travel document: passport or other document confirming your identity and citizenship. After this time you need to apply for:

• Residence certificate (you must go to the district or city registry office with an ID and a rental contract)
• Residence permit (you must submit the application to the competent Voivodeship, proving a valid reason for stay such as a work contract or university studies. The temporary permit takes a few days and lasts for 5 years, at the end of which the final residence permit will be issued)
• Pesel (this is an 11-digit tax code. Once you have obtained the residence permit, you must go to the registration office to get it).
  

All EU citizens can freely visit and work in Elbląg, no visa is required. Skilled workers with a university education will find it easier to find a job opportunity, especially in up-and-coming sectors such as the chemical industry, construction, food and beverage processing or textile manufacturing.

Generally, as in most European countries, the working day does not exceed eight hours a day, 40 hours a week. And they have a lot of holidays, 13 national holidays a year, not counting world holidays such as Christmas, New Year's Day and Saints' Day.

But moving from Hamburg to Elbląg for the salary is a bad idea. It is quite low compared to other European countries. On the other hand, the cost of living in Elbląg is also quite low, which means that the purchasing power an expatriate can have in Elbląg is higher.

Living in Elbląg can be a great adventure, but it poses certain challenges for those who do not have Polish roots.

Best things:

• Finding a house is easier and cheaper than in Hamburg
• Some aspects of daily life such as food and entertainment are cheaper compared to other European countries. Private medical care is also cheaper and excellent!
• Language will not be a problem. Despite not being the official language, Elbląg is in the top ten countries with the most German speakers.
  

On the other hand:

• The most common housing is in small flats
• Many Poles complain that new clothes are more expensive than in Hamburg.
• Also petrol and other transport-related costs
• Slow and inefficient bureaucracy. Getting a residence permit could be a nightmare if you don't know how to do it!

Elbląg is the perfect country for retirees on a pension because the cost of living is very affordable and the quality of life is excellent. Of all the Polish cities, choose Warsaw for modern city living with an urban flair in a countryside setting. Krakow is another exciting city for expats, with some of the best museums and socio-cultural programmes in the world.

Before you move in, keep an eye on the property market. Whether you are buying a house or renting, it is best to start looking several months in advance. And watch out for the description! A 2-bedroom flat is not a 2-bedroom flat, it refers to a bedroom and a living room. It is best to sign a preliminary agreement in which all the details are worked out, such as the duration of the lease, the tenant's duties and other important details. According to Polish law, a lease signed for a definite period of time cannot be terminated earlier. Some landlords allow their tenants to terminate the lease earlier, but be sure to ask about this before signing the agreement.

Once you are a resident you can open a bank account very easily. All you need is an identity card, proof of address and a telephone number.

It would be very useful to check out the social media groups of German expats in Elbląg. They are usually very active and friendly, solve questions and make plans together.

In both countries the predominant source of financing is through social insurance contributions, although in Hamburg there is a co-payment for hospital care.

Another difference is that in Elbląg outpatient care is organised in outpatient clinics of hospitals or specialised centres, whereas in Hamburg it is organised through private clinics.

In Elbląg, the public health service is guaranteed for all residents, even unemployed people are included in the health system and can receive medical treatment. If you are an EU citizen, don't forget to apply for a European Health Insurance Card before you move.

There are also many private doctors and hospitals in Elbląg that guarantee good treatment. In fact, large companies often offer employees private health insurance as a benefit.

Taxes in Elbląg are somewhat high, representing more than 30% of GDP. VAT for example is 23% and, unlike in other European countries where it is added at the end, in Elbląg it is already included in the price. This means that the price you see on the label is the price you pay at the end of the purchase.

One of the biggest advantages of registering your car in Elbląg is that it can be done online! Through the "citizen services" on the Polish government website you only need to attach a proof of ownership. Also, if you have a German driving licence, you will be able to use it in Elbląg.

Settling in Elbląg is always a good idea if you want to enjoy the friendliness of its people and the diversity of its places, beautiful mountains, forests and lakes, but also great beaches in the North.

The fact that it is such a cheap country allows you to live large at very low prices. Enjoy the best experiences in restaurants, museums, music festivals, sports competitions... the hustle and bustle won't stop!