Cost of Living in Denmark: Your Essential Expat Guide

TL;DR: Denmark offers a high quality of life but comes with significant expenses. The cost of living in Denmark, particularly in cities like Copenhagen, is among the highest globally. A single person in Copenhagen can expect living expenses of about DKK 7,751 per month without rent, while in Aarhus, it’s around DKK 7,167. Rent for a medium-sized apartment in Copenhagen averages DKK 12,155 monthly. For those splitting their lives between countries, understanding these living expenses Denmark is key to budgeting and managing your money effectively, ensuring you can stay connected and keep your home phone number active even when abroad.

Imagine moving to Denmark, a country consistently ranked among the happiest in the world, only to realize your budget is tighter than you expected. Many people dream of Denmark’s excellent work-life balance, beautiful natural settings, and lively cities, but often underestimate the daily expenses. For those splitting their time between countries, knowing the true cost of living in Denmark and how to manage your finances—and even keep your familiar phone number working—is crucial to avoiding unexpected financial stress. This guide will help you understand what to expect.

Denmark is well-known for its excellent quality of life, offering a mix of peaceful nature and busy city environments. People also value the great balance between work and personal life. In fact, the World Happiness Report has ranked Denmark in its top 10 every year since 2013. It’s no surprise that many people from other countries want to move to Denmark to live, work, or study. Whether you are retiring, moving for a short time, or planning a permanent stay, you will need to understand the moving to Denmark costs so you can plan your money.

What is the official money in Denmark?

The official money used in Denmark is the Danish krone, often written as DKK. The value of different currencies changes all the time. You should always check a current exchange rate tool or search online to find the exact, up-to-the-minute rates for your currency.

Here is a look at what the krone was worth against some major world currencies at the time of research (November 2022):

• 1,000 US Dollars ($) was worth about DKK 7,163
• 1,000 British Pounds (£) was worth about DKK 8,166
• 1,000 Euros (€) was worth about DKK 7,436
• 1,000 Australian Dollars (A$) was worth about DKK 4,827

These values are based on the mid-market exchange rate. This is the real rate that banks and currency companies use when they buy foreign money themselves. However, it’s important to know that this is often not the rate they offer to their customers. Instead, banks and other services typically add a small extra amount, called a markup or margin, to the exchange rates they provide. This extra charge increases the price you pay for currency exchange. This markup is like a hidden fee because it is not always clear, making it hard to see the real Danish kroner value and the true cost of your money exchange. To see this in action, compare the exchange rate offered by any provider you choose with the mid-market rate, which you can find using a reliable currency converter. The difference between these rates shows the extra charge added by the provider.

How does the cost of living in Denmark compare to the UK?

Life in Denmark can be expensive. However, just like in many places, costs can change a lot depending on your lifestyle and exactly where you choose to live. Copenhagen is the only Danish city that appeared in the top 100 of Mercer’s Cost of Living index in 2022, ranking as the 11th most expensive place to live on the planet.

Here is a quick comparison of living expenses Denmark next to some big cities in the UK. This table helps to show the main differences in prices.

City (UK/Denmark)	1-Bed Flat (Monthly Rent)	Meal for 2 (Mid-range, 3 courses)	Monthly Transport Pass
London, UK	DKK 16,693	DKK 579	DKK 1,296
Manchester, UK	DKK 7,985	DKK 518	DKK 604
Edinburgh, UK	DKK 7,839	DKK 507	DKK 507
Copenhagen, Denmark	DKK 12,058	DKK 793
Aarhus, Denmark	DKK 7,442	DKK 644	DKK 396
Aalborg, Denmark	DKK 5,452	DKK 644	DKK 396

(Data from Numbeo, November 2022)

As you can see, a one-bedroom flat in Copenhagen costs around DKK 12,058 per month, which is more expensive than Manchester or Edinburgh, but less than London. A meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant is most expensive in Copenhagen at DKK 793. Transportation passes are generally cheaper in Danish cities like Aarhus and Aalborg at DKK 396, compared to UK cities where they can go up to DKK 1,296 in London. This table gives a clear picture of how various everyday costs stack up when you consider the cost of living Copenhagen versus other cities.

What are the main cities to consider in Denmark?

As the capital and by far the largest city, Copenhagen naturally attracts many people from other countries looking to move to Denmark. However, there are other exciting places to think about, where the cost of living in Denmark might be somewhat lower.

For example, Aarhus (sometimes written as Arhus) is Denmark’s second-largest city by population. It offers great cultural attractions on the eastern coast of the Jutland peninsula. Other important cities to consider include Odense and Aalborg. Looking beyond the biggest hubs can help you find more affordable housing costs Denmark.

What are general living expenses like in Denmark?

Here’s a detailed look at the costs for different family sizes, including essential household utilities, in Denmark’s two largest cities. These numbers do not include rent.

Total living expenses in Copenhagen

Item	Average cost (per month)
1 person (without rent)	DKK 7,751
4 person family (without rent)	DKK 27,961
Basic utilities for 85m² apartment	DKK 1,408

(Data from Numbeo, November 2022)

In Copenhagen, a single person can expect to spend about DKK 7,751 each month on general living expenses Denmark, not including their rent. A family of four would need about DKK 27,961 for similar expenses. Basic utilities for an 85 square meter apartment typically add another DKK 1,408 to these costs.

Total living expenses in Aarhus

Item	Average cost (per month)
1 person (without rent)	DKK 7,167
4 person family (without rent)	DKK 25,877
Basic utilities for 85m² apartment	DKK 1,280

(Data from Numbeo, November 2022)

In Aarhus, general monthly living expenses Denmark for one person without rent are slightly lower at around DKK 7,167. For a family of four, these expenses come to about DKK 25,877 per month. Utilities for a similar 85 square meter apartment cost about DKK 1,280 monthly. These figures highlight the difference in cost of living Copenhagen versus Aarhus, making Aarhus a slightly more affordable option for daily expenses.

What are the average salaries in Denmark?

While the cost of living in Denmark is on the higher side, this is balanced by very good average salaries Denmark. For example, if you work as a receptionist in Aarhus and earn a typical salary, you could be among the highest-paid people in the world for that job. Similarly, the typical salaries for architects, fashion designers, and financial analysts in Aarhus are also ranked within the top 3 globally. This shows that higher living costs are often matched by higher earning potential.

You can check the average salaries for various jobs using information from Teleport:

Salary averages for Copenhagen

Job Title	Average Annual Salary
Mobile developer	DKK 747,449
Accountant	DKK 594,697
Project Manager	DKK 584,844
Office Manager	DKK 558,695
Administrative Assistant	DKK 510,838
Attorney	DKK 493,792

(Data from Teleport, November 2022)

In Copenhagen, a mobile developer can expect to earn an average of DKK 747,449 per year, while an accountant’s average salary is about DKK 594,697. These average salaries Denmark show strong earning potential in the capital.

Salary averages for Aarhus

Job Title	Average Annual Salary
Mobile developer	DKK 669,146
Accountant	DKK 527,377
Project Manager	DKK 460,293
Office Manager	DKK 495,451
Administrative Assistant	DKK 448,774
Attorney	DKK 455,059

(Data from Teleport, November 2022)

In Aarhus, average salaries are also strong, though slightly lower than Copenhagen. A mobile developer earns around DKK 669,146 annually, and an accountant makes about DKK 527,377. These figures help to paint a picture of the overall financial landscape for those considering moving to Denmark costs and career opportunities.

How expensive is housing and accommodation in Denmark?

Living in a large city will usually cost much more than choosing a home in the countryside, and Denmark is no different. Below, you’ll find some average rent in Denmark for apartments in the biggest cities. You will find that your money goes further if you can live a little outside the city center or if you choose a smaller town as your base. Finding the right place to live is a major part of understanding housing costs Denmark.

If you’re planning your move, consider checking out this guide to renting in Denmark for more detailed information.

Rental cost in Copenhagen

Apartment Size	Average Monthly Cost
Large apartment	DKK 16,445
Medium apartment	DKK 12,155
Small apartment	DKK 8,580

(Data from Teleport, November 2022)

In Copenhagen, you can expect to pay around DKK 16,445 per month for a large apartment. A medium-sized apartment costs about DKK 12,155 monthly, while a small apartment is roughly DKK 8,580. These figures show that rent in Denmark, especially the cost of living Copenhagen regarding housing, is quite high.

Rental cost in Aarhus

Apartment Size	Average Monthly Cost
Large apartment	DKK 12,155
Medium apartment	DKK 9,295
Small apartment	DKK 6,006

(Data from Teleport, November 2022)

Aarhus offers slightly more affordable housing costs Denmark. A large apartment there averages DKK 12,155 per month, the same as a medium apartment in Copenhagen. A medium apartment in Aarhus costs about DKK 9,295, and a small one is around DKK 6,006. These numbers demonstrate that while still significant, rent in Denmark can be more manageable outside of the capital.

What about healthcare and dental costs in Denmark?

Denmark has a full healthcare system that includes both public and private services. If you are working in Denmark, you will be eligible for public health cover. This means you get free care at doctors’ clinics and in hospitals. However, you will need to pay for dental care yourself. You will also pay between 25% and 50% of the cost of prescription medications. It is also possible to use private healthcare facilities or buy private insurance if you prefer. Understanding these healthcare costs Denmark is important for your overall budget.

How much are travel and transportation costs in Denmark?

The Danish government calls Denmark a ‘country of cyclists.’ There are about 4.5 million bikes in Denmark, which is almost one bike for every person living there. This means there are excellent facilities for people who want to cycle, walk, or use public transport to get around.

In big cities like Copenhagen, you can use local trains, the metro, or buses. There are also good connections to even the most remote areas. Most of the road network is free to use if you prefer to drive, although there are some toll roads, and traffic in cities can be heavy during busy times. These transportation costs Denmark are generally reasonable, especially if you embrace cycling. For more tips on managing your move, you might find this moving abroad checklist helpful.

How easy is it to move across the country?

Denmark is a relatively small country, and it has good connections across the land with trains, buses, ferries, and even internal flights. Getting around for work or fun should not be a problem. This ease of movement can also influence your overall moving to Denmark costs if you plan to explore different regions.

What are the study costs in Denmark?

Denmark provides high-quality education at all levels, including some excellent universities for higher education. The University of Copenhagen was ranked 39th in the world university rankings for 2022.

Studying at a university in Denmark is free for students from the EU, those who have a permanent residence permit, a temporary permit that can become permanent, or those from outside the EU who have a parent already working in Denmark.

If you do not meet the requirements for free university education, the fees will vary based on the course and the institution you choose. To give you an idea, the estimated cost for a full-time degree is between DKK 57,202 and DKK 150,156. These study costs Denmark are important to factor into your budget if you are considering moving there for education. When planning your finances for international study, remember to also think about how to manage your connection and phone number abroad, as porting rules can differ — for example, see the UK guide or consider eSIMs for digital nomads to stay connected.

Life in Denmark is appealing, but it is certainly not cheap. If you are planning on moving to Denmark costs need to be considered carefully. It makes good sense to plan your budget well in advance and look for ways to save money where you can. Understanding your finances is crucial, particularly if you are trying to navigate life in multiple countries and want to avoid what happens when your number moves abroad.

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