Cost of Living in Denmark
Discover what it really costs to live, work, or study in Denmark—from rent and food to transport, utilities, and smart budgeting tips.
Overview: Danish Living Costs at a Glance
📊 Typical monthly spend
Rent is the biggest item. Groceries, transport, and utilities follow. Eating out and gym/culture can add up fast.
📍 City vs. town
Copenhagen is priciest. Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg are cheaper; small towns cheaper still.
🧾 Ballpark figures
Rent: DKK 7–16k • Groceries: DKK 2–3.2k per adult • Pass: DKK 420–750.
💼 Quality of life
High salaries and services (healthcare, education) offset costs for residents.
Housing Costs
Copenhagen
1-bed: DKK 9,500–14,000 • 2-bed: DKK 13,000–18,500.
Aarhus
1-bed: DKK 8,000–11,500 • 2-bed: DKK 11,500–15,000.
Odense
1-bed: DKK 7,000–10,000 • 2-bed: DKK 9,000–13,000.
Aalborg
1-bed: DKK 6,500–9,000 • 2-bed: DKK 8,500–12,000.
Shared room
DKK 2,500–6,000/month; utilities often included.
Smaller towns
Many places DKK 5,000–9,000 for 1–2 rooms.
Food & Groceries
Groceries
DKK 2,000–3,200/month per adult (2025).
Lunch out
Cafe DKK 75–120 • Supermarket sandwich DKK 40–55.
Dinner out
Meal DKK 130–250 • Cheap takeaway DKK 60–95.
Coffee
DKK 25–48 (cafe). Cheaper at convenience/supermarkets.
Drinks
Beer DKK 35–60 (bar) / 8–15 (shop); wine from DKK 45.
Where to shop
Budget: Netto, Rema 1000 • Premium: Meny, Irma.
Public Transport & Getting Around
Biking
Used bike DKK 800–3,000. Most Danes bike daily—big savings.
Monthly pass
DKK 420–750 (zone & city). Youth/student discounts available.
Single ticket
DKK 15–36 depending on distance/region.
Car costs
Fuel DKK 13–16/l + insurance, green tax, parking.
Airport links
Local: DKK 36–120 • Intercity (e.g., CPH–Aarhus): DKK 420+.
Ferries
DKK 30–150 passenger; bikes usually low/free fee.
Utilities & Internet
Electricity & heat
DKK 600–1,500/month (size & season vary).
Water
DKK 200–350/month (often included).
Internet
DKK 180–350/month for fast broadband.
Mobile
DKK 79–180/month; unlimited plans common.
Waste
DKK 150–230/month (often in rent/tax).
Bank fees
DKK 0–40/month basic; more with credit cards.
Money-Saving Tips & Budget Advice
Shop smart
Use weekly offers, buy seasonal, try markets and discount chains.
Bike more
Swap short bus rides for a bike—healthier and cheaper.
Share housing
Split rent/utilities and make friends faster.
Cook at home
Eating out stings—batch cook and host potlucks.
Use discounts
Student/youth rates for museums, gyms, and transport.
Compare providers
Switch internet/phone for better deals.
Useful Resources & External Links
Numbeo Index
Life in Denmark
Student budgets
Related on exploringdenmark
Find housing
Work visas
Study in Denmark
Living in Denmark
Frequently Asked Questions
💶 Average Copenhagen rent?
1-bed: DKK 9,500–14,000/month. Sharing is cheaper.
🍞 Grocery budget?
About DKK 2,000–3,200/month per adult if you cook.
🚉 Is transport expensive?
Yes—passes help, and biking cuts costs dramatically.
🧾 Hidden costs?
Insurance, gym, childcare, hobbies; healthcare mostly free for residents.
🛏️ Cheaper outside CPH?
Definitely—Odense, Aalborg, and smaller towns are more affordable.
🎓 Student budget?
DKK 6,000–9,000/month if sharing and spending carefully.