Cost of Living in Denmark for International Students & Family

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Denmark, with its picturesque landscapes, luxurious standard of living, top-notch education, and stable economy, offers a unique blend of attractions that draw people from all over the world. 

People worldwide move to Denmark for a better quality of life and work-life balance. The country is welcoming and fosters an environment where people from different cultures can quickly adapt to Danish culture, making them feel welcomed and at home. 

The cost of living in Denmark differs across people of different age groups and cities. If you are also looking to move to the Country of Winds, here is a detailed guide on Denmark's average cost of living in 2024. 

Disclaimer: This article is based on information from various online sources as of September 25th, 2024, with sources listed below.

All the expenses are shown in Denmark's official currency, Krone (DKK).

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Average Cost of Living in Denmark for International Students

Denmark attracts several students from across the globe because of its reputed universities, exciting opportunities, and affordable education. For international students flying to Denmark, here is a breakdown of significant expenses.

Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost (DKK)
Accommodation 1,500 - 7,500 DKK
Food and Groceries 1500 - 2000 DKK
Transportation 15 - 800 DKK
Utilities 150 - 700 DKK
Entertainment 500 - 1000 DKK

Average Cost of Living in Denmark for Singles, Couples & Families

The cost of living in Denmark differs significantly across different age groups, statuses, lifestyle preferences, etc. Look below at the bifurcation of monthly expenses of single, couples, and families:

Expense Category Singles Couples Families
Accommodation 4,000 - 6,000 DKK 8,000 - 15,000 DKK 13,000 DKK onwards
Food 1500 - 2000 DKK 3200 - 4500 DKK 10,000 DKK onwards
Transportation 200 - 800 DKK 600 - 300,000 DKK 800 - 300,000 DKK
Utilities 1,000 - 1,500 DKK 1,500 - 2,000 DKK 2,000 - 4,000 DKK
Entertainment 130 - 140 DKK 260 - 280 DKK 520 - 560 DKK

Average Cost of Living in Top Cities in Denmark

Apart from the different age groups and living preferences, the cost also depends on the Danish city you live in. The following sections detail the cost of living in the top 5 cities in Denmark.

 

Cost of Living in Copenhagen (the capital)

The average cost of living in Copenhagen is as follows:

Expense Category Singles Couples Families
Accommodation 7,500 - 11,000 DKK 10,000 - 22,000 DKK 18,000 - 32,000 DKK
Food 3,000 - 4,500 DKK 5,000 - 8,000 DKK 10,000 - 16,000 DKK
Transportation 400 - 800 DKK 800 - 1,600 DKK 1,600 - 3,200 DKK
Utilities 950 - 1,200 DKK 1,100 - 2,400 DKK 1,456 - 4,800 DKK
Entertainment 130 - 140 DKK 260 - 280 DKK 520 - 560 DKK

Cost of Living in Aarhus

The average cost of living in Aarhus is as follows:

Expense Category Singles Couples Families
Accommodation 2,461 - 8,795 DKK 6,415 - 12,000 DKK 8,000 - 20,000 DKK
Food 2,200 - 2,500 DKK 4,500 - 6,000 DKK 8,800 - 15,000 DKK
Transportation 223 - 500 DKK 500 - 1,200 DKK 900 - 2,000 DKK
Utilities 621 - 900 DKK 786 - 1,000 DKK 2,400 - 3,500 DKK
Entertainment 105 - 115 DKK 210 - 230 DKK 420 - 460 DKK

Cost of Living in Odense

The average cost of living in Odense is as follows:

Expense Category Singles Couples Families
Accommodation 2,000 - 8,500 DKK 5,000 - 11,000 DKK 6,000 - 20,000 DKK
Food 1,000 - 3,000 DKK 2,000 - 7,000 DKK 4,000 - 15,000 DKK
Transportation 200 - 1,500 DKK 400 - 3,000 DKK 800 - 6,000 DKK
Utilities 600 - 1,200 DKK 700 - 2,400 DKK 2,000 - 3,000 DKK
Entertainment 100 - 105 DKK 200 - 210 DKK 400 - 420 DKK

Cost of Living in Aalborg

The average cost of living in Aalborg is as follows:

Expense Category Singles Couples Families
Accommodation 4,000 - 7,000 DKK 7,000 - 11,000 DKK 7,000 - 22,000 DKK
Food 1,100 - 3,000 DKK 2,200 - 6,000 DKK 4,500 - 12,000 DKK
Transportation 350 - 2,000 DKK 700 - 4,000 DKK 1,400 - 8,000 DKK
Utilities 650 - 900 DKK 1,300 - 1,800 DKK 2,600 - 3,600 DKK
Entertainment 110 - 115 DKK 220 - 230 DKK 440 - 460 DKK

Cost of Living in Esbjerg

The average cost of living in Esbjerg is as follows:

Expense Category Singles Couples Families
Accommodation 4,500 - 7,800 DKK 7000 - 11,000 DKK 7,800 - 20,000 DKK
Food 1,000 - 4,000 DKK 2,000 - 7,500 DKK 4,000 - 10,000 DKK
Transportation (approx.) 510 DKK 1,020 DKK 1,380 DKK
Utilities (approx.) 771 DKK 1,298 DKK 2,600 DKK
Entertainment 120 - 150 DKK 240 - 300 DKK 480 - 600 DKK

Top Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in Denmark

Several factors govern the cost of living in a well-positioned developed country like Denmark. The following points highlight some of the most crucial factors impacting the cost of living in Denmark.

Housing Costs

Housing costs are one of the most crucial components of the cost of living. These costs can significantly be high if you look for a private room or apartment in busy cities or streets of Copenhagen. As soon as you head towards Esbjerg or Horsens, you can witness a drop in real estate prices.

Transportation Expenses

The next big decision for you is to either select public transport or go with a private taxi or own vehicle. Denmark offers excellent, safe, and convenient public transportation facilities at cheap rates. You can get monthly public transit passes and experience considerable cost-saving in your overall living expenses.

Food and Grocery Rates

The most significant determinant in your cost of living in Denmark is food and grocery usage, as their rates fall on the expensive side. These expenses will rise if you prefer eating more in fancy restaurants or cafes.

Utilities and Bills

Electricity charges, water, and other essential utility bills also play a critical role in your cost of living. These charges are high in big cities like Copenhagen and fall between 1,000 to 1,500 DKK.

Healthcare Costs

You can enjoy many benefits from the government regarding healthcare. Many services are free or subsidised, saving you huge costs.

Entertainment

Entertainment, travel, and leisure activities are costly in most parts of Denmark. If you are more into exploring new places, cafes, and watching movies in cinemas, your cost of living might shoot up tremendously.

Lifestyle Preferences

Your lifestyle choices determine how much you save and invest monthly. Keeping an eye on your expenses regularly can create a big difference in your standard of living.

What is the Average Income in Denmark?

The income of people in Denmark differs based on individual circumstances and age. The average income of people in Denmark in 2024 is 47,153 DKK. The following point highlights the income needed for different groups to live a decent life in the country. 

  • Student: An international student in Denmark needs approximately 4,500 to 5,500 DKK to cover his major living expenses and live a comfortable life. 
  • Single Individual: A bachelor in Denmark typically requires around 7,500 DKK monthly to cover his expenses, excluding rent.
  • Couple: A combined monthly budget of 18,000 to 21,000 DKK will work for a married couple to live a decent life.
  • Family: It will need 39,000 to 43,000 DKK to fulfil the needs of a family (consisting of 4 members).

Some of the most common and highest-paying jobs in Denmark are listed hereunder:

Job Title Average Monthly Gross Salary
IT and Software 77,661 DKK
Engineering 59,000 DKK
Accounting and Finance 98,447 DKK
Human Resource Management 32,421 DKK
Hospitality 28,000 DKK
Sales and Marketing 45,800 DKK
STEM 76,307 DKK

How Expensive is Denmark Compared to Other Countries?

Many lively attractions and interesting things about Denmark push people to visit the country. However, when it comes to the overall living expenses in Denmark, the country is expensive in terms of food and accommodation. 

The cost of dining out in major Danish cities is exceptionally high, ranking 3rd costliest country for dining out. While compared with major countries like India and the US, Denmark looks more expensive. 

 

While rent in Denmark is around 435% higher than that in India, its cost of living is 10.7% higher than that in the United States. 

However, you get an exceptional standard of living and certain benefits such as free healthcare, high salaries, beautiful scenic attractions, etc. Have a quick glance at the comparison of the average cost of living in Denmark with other big cities of the world. 

City Accommodation (1BHK) (Monthly) Transportation (Monthly) Meal for 2 People (3 course) Others (Miscellaneous Expenses)
Copenhagen Starting 10,000 DKK Starting 684 DKK Starting 793 DKK 1,000 - 3,000 DKK
Sydney Starting AUD 2,255.23 Starting AUD 160 AUD 120 AUD 50 - AUD 100 (per month)
New York Starting $2,960 Starting $132 $130 Starting $200 (per month)
London Starting £1,100 Starting £177 £80 £200 - £300 (per month)
Singapore S$2,000 - S$4,000 S$1,000 - S$1,500 S$92.50 S$200 - S$400 (per month)
Dubai Starting AED 4,904 Starting AED 300 AED 300 AED 600 (per month)
Tokyo ¥150,000 - ¥200,000 ¥10,000 to ¥15,000 ¥7,125 ¥10,000 - ¥15,000 (per month)
Berlin €800 - €1,200 €80 to €90 €70 €100 - €200 (per month)
Shanghai Starting CNY 3,785 Starting CNY 250 CNY 200 CNY440 (per
month)

Helpful Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in Denmark

As mentioned, the cost of living in Denmark is slightly higher than that in other countries. However, you can try many hacks to save money in Denmark. The following points highlight these quick cost-saving tips.

  • The Danish government is strict when it comes to traffic rules. The fines and penalties for misconduct are expensive for both drivers and pedestrians. So, beware of these fines and avoid any monetary damage. 

  • Whenever you use public transport, ensure you have a valid ticket. If you are found travelling without a ticket, you will end up paying 600 to 750 DKK. 

  • Various shopping centres and grocery shops continuously introduce massive offers and discounts through newspapers and leaflets. Make sure you do not ignore these advertisements and miss out on great deals. 

  • When you are choosing a room or apartment for lease, ensure you do not select one where the owner specifies the word 'nyistandsat' in his contract. The term signifies that you must hand over the property to the owner in a brand new condition whenever you leave the property. The renovation costs are generally high. 

  • Try to have homemade food as much as possible to cut your dining-out costs. 

Living in a dreamy country like Denmark requires a well-laid plan. Significant costs like grocery, food, accommodation, etc., require special attention. Outlining these costs will help you move to this country smoothly and swiftly. 

The above rough estimates regarding the average cost of living in Denmark provide a base for your future plans to shift to Denmark.

FAQs about Cost of Living in Denmark