How much rent you can afford
Start from your take-home pay after 2026 tax and see a comfortable rent, a stretch and a ceiling, plus what you would pay to move in.
- 2026 tax rules
- Based on take-home pay
- Free, nothing stored
Rent at 30% of take-home pay
8,200 DKK
27,334Household take-home
6,833Comfortable (25%)
9,567Stretch (35%)
| Per month | |
|---|---|
| Your take-home pay | 27,334 |
| Partner's take-home pay | 0 |
| Rent at 30% | 8,200 |
| Left for everything else | 19,134 |
| Move-in cost at this rent, up to | 57,401 |
How it's calculated
- Take-home pay first. Your salary runs through the full 2026 Danish tax rules: AM-bidrag, ATP, municipal and state tax.
- Add a partner's pay. If you rent together, their monthly take-home pay is added to the household total.
- A share for rent. 25% is comfortable, around 30% is common in the big cities, and above 35% gets tight.
- Move-in cost. Budget for up to 7 months' rent before you move in: first month, deposit and prepaid rent.
Figures used
| Figure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tax rules | 2026, as the net salary calculator | Skatteministeriet |
| Maximum move-in cost | 7 months' rent | Lejeloven § 37 |
Questions
What share of income should go on rent?
There is no official rule. Around 30% of take-home pay is common in Copenhagen and Aarhus; 25% leaves comfortable room for saving.
Can I get help with rent?
You may qualify for boligstøtte (housing benefit) on a low income. Check the calculator on borger.dk.
Should I include utilities?
Yes. Think of the result as rent plus utilities, since heating and water on account are paid monthly too.
Related
Last checked October 2026. A guide, not a lending or affordability assessment.