Berlin

Ok, couple of questions for my flist - and beyond.

I got my contract for Berlin today. In some ways good, in some ways bad.

Good - Berlin!! Contract is for 2 years, with option on another 3 (and a possible PhD). Pay is higher than what I'm making now.

Bad - Pay is only higher before taxes. After taxes - the unbelievable 45% taxes - I'm actually making less per month.

So, first - and biggest - question: Can I live in Berlin on under 1200 euro a month? (Take into account I have student loans and credit cards to pay off here, which would equal about 300 euro a month.)

Second: How feasible is a daily commute from Mitte/Tiergarten to Buch in Berlin (if you have no idea what I'm talking about, ignore this one)? Or should I look for a place closer to work - in Pankow?

Third: What could I expect to pay for cell service and internet (dsl) a month?

In case you haven't guessed, my decision is resting on the monetary aspects of this. If I stay in Ottawa, I have another year on my contract, and will be taking home more per month than I would if I go to Berlin. I'd get my debt paid off faster, mainly.

However, do I take the risk and go? Or play it safe in Ottawa? I kinda want to do both, but that may just be my nervous terror talking.