The cost of living in Denmark is high, even by European standards, making the country an expensive expat destination. Eating out, utilities and petrol are especially pricey. Luckily, salaries are relatively lucrative and go some way to balance out the cost of goods and services in Denmark. Copenhagen, Denmark's capital, is one of the most expensive cities in the world and ranked ninthout of 227 cities in Mercer's 2023 Cost of Living Survey.Life outside Copenhagen is not quite as expensive, but is far from cheap. The good news for expats in Denmark is that they can expect a high quality of life, which tends tomake up for the high cost of living. Accommodation will account fora large percentage of expats' monthly expenses in Denmark. Expats should consider their housing location carefully, which can often affect the price. In particular, Copenhagen's small size, along with its popularity, means that accommodation is scarce and expensive. The cost of utilities is not usually included in the rental price, so it's essential to budget for this additional expense. Transport in Denmark can be affordableif commuters usetrains and buses, but it can also be costly if they use taxis regularly. Petrol is also notoriously pricey, as is the cost of buying a car. On the other hand, cycling and walking are popular, cost-effective and healthy ways of travelling. Groceries tend to be on the expensive side in Denmark, and expats may experience 'sticker shock' the first time they venture into a Danish grocery store. That said, with careful budgeting, it's possible to minimise costs. Buying locally produced, seasonal goods and avoiding imports as much as possible can reduce expenses. When it comes to unwinding, Denmark offers a plethora of entertainment options, though one's wallet might feel a tad lighter afterwards. Cinema tickets, theatre shows and other forms of entertainment are often pricier than what most Western expats might be used to in their home countries. Moreover, if one's idea of relaxation is a pint at a local pub, be prepared to shell out a pretty penny – the cost of alcoholic beverages in Denmark can make one reminisce about happy hours back home. Eating out can be a delightful experience in Denmark thanks to its rich culinary heritage, but this typically comes at a price. While one can find reasonably priced eateries and cafés, a meal at a mid-range restaurant can be pretty costly, especially in urban areas. An evening out for two might cost the same as a modest grocery haul. Expats hailing from countries with a robust dining-out culture, like the US or Australia, might find themselves cooking at home more regularly than they're used to. The cost of education in Denmark is very low, as tuition is entirely free. While it's all too easy to rule out public school as an option due to the language barrier, expat parents should consider the fact that there is a comprehensive support programme for non-Danish students. Some public schools offer the International Baccalaureatein Englishor teach the curriculum of France or Germanyin each country's language. For those who decide to opt for private education, schooling in Denmark can be pricey, with international school fees being particularly exorbitant. These schools offer a more comprehensive range of curricula than that found in public schools and may be the best fit for families planning to stay in Denmark for the short term. The healthcare system in Denmark is renowned for its efficiency and high standards. Thankfully for expats and locals alike, the state heavily subsidises it. Visits to the doctor or a stay at the hospital can seem relatively inexpensive due to the country's high tax rates, which offset these costs. Expats from countries with private healthcare systems, like the US, might find the Danish healthcare expenses refreshingly affordable, while those from countries with free healthcare might notice a slight increase. While public healthcare is generally of a high standard, some expats opt for private health insurance to cover services not fully covered by the state or to bypass waiting times. These private health plans can be an added expense, and it's wise to compare the benefits against the costs before deciding. Additionally, prescription medicines, though subsidised, often require a co-pay, so it's a good idea to budget for these potential out-of-pocket expenses. Prices may vary depending on the product and service provider. The list below shows average prices in Copenhagen for December 2023.Cost of accommodation in Denmark
Cost of transport in Denmark
Cost of groceries in Denmark
Cost of entertainment and eating out in Denmark
Cost of education in Denmark
Cost of healthcare in Denmark
Cost of living in Denmark chart
Accommodation (monthly rent) Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre DKK 20,300 Three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre DKK 15,000 One-bedroom apartment in the city centre DKK 12,200 One-bedroom apartment outside the city centre DKK 9,000 Food and drink Dozen eggs DKK 34 Milk (1 litre) DKK 14 Rice (1kg) DKK 18 Loaf of white bread DKK 24 Chicken breasts (1kg) DKK 77 Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) DKK 62 Eating out Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant DKK 800 Big Mac Meal DKK 100 Coca-Cola (330ml) DKK 27 Cappuccino DKK 44 Bottle of beer (local) DKK 55 Utilities/household Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and data DKK 114 Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) DKK 246 Basic utilities (average per month for a standard household) DKK 1,500 Transportation Taxi rate/km DKK 18 City-centre public transport fare DKK 24 Gasoline (per litre) DKK 14.33
FAQs
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Denmark? ›
While the average salary in Copenhagen is 52,000 Kr per month, a good salary in the city is considered to be around 40,000 Kr before tax. This works out to around 26,000 Kr after tax, and is considered by locals to be the minium one would need to live alone and have additional spending money.
Is Denmark expensive to live in? ›Is Denmark expensive to live in? Denmark is quite expensive to live in compared to other countries around the world when it comes to the prices of food and accommodation. However, free education and healthcare financed through taxes as well as proportionately higher salaries makes it more affordable to live here.
What is the cost of living in Denmark compared to the US? ›The median cost of living in the second- and third-most expensive states in the U.S. is $3,155 and $3,126, respectively. That's only slightly less than the $3,176 that's needed to get by in Denmark.
How do people afford to live in Denmark? ›Such a high cost of living in the country is compensated by high salaries, as well as free medicine and the education system. The official currency in the country is the Danish krone, but for a more convenient comparison, the prices in this article are shown in euros.
How much is a house in Denmark? ›The median sale price of a home in Denmark was $240K last. 0% since last year. The median sale price per square foot in Denmark is $164, up 5.1% since last year.…
What is the cheapest city to live in Denmark? ›You can expect the most popular cities to be the most expensive, like Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg. You will find other cities more affordable, like Esbjerg, Horsens, Randers, or Vejle. The cheapest areas in Denmark are Southern Zealand, Langeland, and the southern islands, Lolland and Falster.
Can I live in Denmark as an American? ›U.S. citizens who plan to visit Denmark for purposes other than tourism, or who wish to remain in Denmark for more than three months, must obtain a work and/or residence permit prior to their arrival in Denmark. Applications for these permits must be submitted through a Danish Embassy or Consulate.
Is moving to Denmark worth it? ›If you're thinking about moving to Denmark, then you'll be in for a treat – it's by far one of the most welcoming countries in the world. There are plenty of reasons to make the move, including a world-class healthcare system, free (and excellent) education options, and a staggeringly beautiful natural environment.
What is the average income in Denmark in U.S. dollars? ›In recent years, the average gross salary in Denmark has been consistently high, with monthly averages hovering around 40,000 to 45,000 Danish kroner (DKK) before taxes, which equates to roughly 5,400 to 6,100 euros, or 6,500 to 7,300 US dollars, depending on the exchange rates.
Does Denmark have free healthcare? ›The Danish health care system is based on a principle of free and equal access for all citizens. Thus, the vast majority of health services in Denmark are free of charge for the users.
Are taxes in Denmark High? ›
In Denmark, the average single worker faced a net average tax rate of 36.0% in 2023, compared with the OECD average of 24.9%. In other words, in Denmark the take-home pay of an average single worker, after tax and benefits, was 64.0% of their gross wage, compared with the OECD average of 75.1%.
How much salary is enough to live in Denmark? ›City | Monthly living Cost Range (INR) |
---|---|
Copenhagen | ₹ 136,500 – ₹ 209,100 |
Frederiksberg | ₹ 128,800 – ₹ 190,800 |
Odense | ₹ 120,150 – ₹ 184,500 |
Naestved | ₹ 120,150 – ₹ 184,500 |
The estimates are for Copenhagen/Aarhus and you can expect to pay less in most other cities. Coffee at a café: $4-$7 / 25-45 kr.
What is the average rent in Denmark? ›As of 2022, the average rent in Denmark was approximately 874 Danish kroner per square meter. This was an increase from the previous year when the average rental cost was 857 Danish kroner. Compared with other countries in the Europe, Denmark had one of the lowest home ownership rates in 2021.
Is 40000 a good salary in Denmark? ›The average salary in Denmark is between DKK 20,000 and 40,000 per month, or approximately PLN 12,000 to 25,000.
Is 60000 a good salary in Denmark? ›Yes, it's above average…after taxes this would probably be about 30.000 DKK still pretty much because most people make about 30–40.000 dkk before taxes are paid.
How much is rent in Denmark in US dollars? ›Food | ||
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Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | kr9,811 | ($1,414) |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | kr8,329 | ($1,200) |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | kr859 | ($124) |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | kr218 | ($31) |