Cost of Living in Denmark

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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 help 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 11th out of 226 cities in Mercer’s 2024 Cost of Living Survey. Life outside Copenhagen is not quite as expensive, but it's far from cheap.

The good news for you in Denmark is that you can expect a high quality of life, which tends to make up for the high cost of living.

Cost of accommodation in Denmark

Accommodation will account for a large percentage of your monthly expenses in Denmark. Carefully consider your housing location, which can often affect the price. In particular, Copenhagen’s small size, along with its popularity, means that accommodation is scarce and expensive. Rental prices in Copenhagen can be up to 60 percent higher than in smaller cities like Aarhus or Odense.

The cost of utilities is not usually included in the rental price, so it’s essential to budget for this additional expense.

Cost of transport in Denmark

Transport in Denmark can be affordable if you use trains and buses, but it can also be costly if you 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. In Copenhagen, a monthly public transport pass is an economical way to access buses, trains, and metro services.

Cost of groceries in Denmark

Groceries tend to be pricier in Denmark, and you may experience ‘sticker shock’ the first time you venture into a Danish grocery shop. 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.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Denmark

When it comes to unwinding, Denmark offers a plethora of entertainment options, though your wallet might feel a tad lighter afterwards. If your 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 you reminisce about happy hours back home.

Thanks to Denmark's rich culinary heritage, eating out can be a delightful experience, but this typically comes at a price. While you 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. If you hail from a country with a robust dining-out culture, like the US or Australia, you might find yourself cooking at home more regularly than you’re used to.

Cost of education in Denmark

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, consider the fact that there is a comprehensive support programme for non-Danish students. Some public schools offer the International Baccalaureate in English or teach the curriculum of France or Germany in each country’s language.

For those who 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.

Cost of healthcare in Denmark

The healthcare system in Denmark is renowned for its efficiency and high standards. Thankfully, 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. If you come from a country with private healthcare systems, like the US, you 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 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.