Cost of Living in Denmark | exploringdenmark

Cost of Living in Denmark

Discover what it really costs to live, work, or study in Denmark—from rent and food to transport, insurance, and more. See real prices, tips for newcomers, and how to make your budget go further.

Overview: Danish Living Costs at a Glance

Denmark is one of Europe’s priciest countries, but high salaries, social benefits, and quality of life balance the bill. Copenhagen is most expensive, but smaller cities and smart shopping can save you plenty.

  • Rent: DKK 7,000–16,000/month in big cities, less in smaller towns.
  • Groceries: Around DKK 2,000–3,200/month per adult.
  • Transport: Public transport is safe, fast, but pricey—biking saves money!
  • Extras: Eating out, fitness, culture, insurance, and childcare can add up.

Below you’ll find price guides, practical breakdowns, and budget-friendly tips for expats, families, and students.

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Did you know? Copenhagen is Scandinavia’s second most expensive city after Oslo, but with careful planning, students and families can still thrive.

Housing Costs

🏢 Copenhagen DKK 9,500–14,000/month for a 1-bed; DKK 13,000–18,500/month for a 2-bed.
🏙️ Aarhus DKK 8,000–11,500/month (1-bed); DKK 11,500–15,000/month (2-bed).
🏠 Odense DKK 7,000–10,000/month (1-bed); DKK 9,000–13,000/month (2-bed).
🏡 Aalborg DKK 6,500–9,000/month (1-bed); DKK 8,500–12,000/month (2-bed).
👥 Shared Flat/Room DKK 2,500–6,000/month in cities; often includes utilities.
🌳 Small Towns Rent drops outside major cities—DKK 5,000–9,000 for most places.

Food & Groceries

🛒 Groceries (per person) DKK 2,000–3,200/month for a healthy, basic diet (2025 prices).
🥗 Lunch Out Typical cafe lunch: DKK 75–120; sandwich from supermarket: DKK 40–55.
🍝 Dinner Out Average meal: DKK 130–250. Cheap takeaway: DKK 60–95.
☕ Coffee DKK 25–48 at a cafe. Cheaper from convenience stores or supermarkets.
🍺 Drinks Beer: DKK 35–60 (bar), DKK 8–15 (supermarket). Wine: from DKK 45/bottle.
🥦 Supermarkets Budget at Netto, Rema 1000, Aldi; Irma & Meny are premium/expensive.

Public Transport & Getting Around

🚲 Biking Free after you buy a bike (DKK 800–3,000 used/new). Most Danes bike daily!
🚉 Monthly Pass DKK 420–750 for city travel (adult, one city/zone); youth/students get discounts.
🚌 Single Ticket DKK 15–36 (depends on distance, region).
🚗 Car Costs Car ownership is expensive: fuel (DKK 13–16/l), insurance, green tax, parking.
✈️ Airport Trains DKK 36–120 to/from major cities (Copenhagen–Aarhus: DKK 420+).
⛴️ Ferries DKK 30–150 (passenger, depending on route); bikes usually allowed for free/low fee.

Utilities & Internet

💡 Electricity & Heating DKK 600–1,500/month for an average apartment (varies by season, size).
💧 Water DKK 200–350/month (included in most rentals).
🌐 Internet DKK 180–350/month for fast broadband.
📱 Mobile Phone DKK 79–180/month (unlimited calls/data plans are common).
🧹 Waste Collection DKK 150–230/month (often included in rent or municipal tax).
🏦 Bank Fees DKK 0–40/month for basic accounts, more for credit cards.

Money-Saving Tips & Budget Advice

🛍️ Shop Smart Look for offers, shop at discount supermarkets, and try local food markets for deals.
🚴‍♂️ Bike Instead of Bus Biking is fast, free after buying a bike, and saves on monthly transport.
👥 Share Housing Shared flats cut rent, utilities, and create social circles—great for newcomers!
🍳 Cook at Home Eating out is costly—learn a few Danish recipes and cook with friends.
🎟️ Use Student & Youth Discounts Always ask for discounts—many museums, gyms, and transport offer savings.
💻 Compare Utilities Switch internet or phone providers for a better deal.

Useful Resources & External Links

🔎 Numbeo Cost Index Compare Danish cities & prices
🌍 Official Moving Guide Government cost & living info
💡 Student Budgeting Student cost guides
🏠 Find Housing in Denmark Full rental & housing guide
💼 Work Visa Types Visa & salary info
📚 Study in Denmark Student budgets & support
🇩🇰 Living in Denmark Life, tips, & daily costs

Frequently Asked Questions

💶 What is the average rent in Copenhagen? For a 1-bedroom apartment: DKK 9,500–14,000/month (2025). Sharing a flat is cheaper.
🍞 How much will I spend on groceries? About DKK 2,000–3,200/month per adult. Cooking at home saves a lot!
🚉 Is public transport expensive? Yes, but monthly passes and youth/student discounts help. Biking is much cheaper.
🧾 What about healthcare, insurance, and “hidden” costs? Healthcare is mostly free for residents. Don’t forget insurance, gym, childcare, and hobbies!
🛏️ Is it cheaper to live outside Copenhagen? Definitely! Odense, Aalborg, and small towns are more affordable for rent and living.
🎓 What’s a realistic student budget? Plan for DKK 6,000–9,000/month if you share a room and watch your spending.