Cost of Living in Denmark

Denmark is an expensive expat destination and the cost of living is high, even by European standards. Eating out, utilities and petrol are especially pricey. Luckily, salaries are relatively high and go some way to balance out the high 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 227 cities in Mercer’s 2022 Cost of Living Survey. Life outside of 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 to make up for the high cost of living.

Cost of accommodation in Denmark

Accommodation will account for a large percentage of expats’ monthly expenses in Denmark. Expats should consider the location of their housing carefully, as this 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 important to budget for this additional expense. When searching for somewhere to live, the cost of the initial deposit will be up to the equivalent of three months' rent, and some landlords will ask for an additional three months of rent to be paid upfront and in advance.

Cost of transport in Denmark

Transport in Denmark can be affordable if commuters use trains and buses, but can also be very expensive if they make use of taxis on a regular basis. Petrol is also notoriously pricey, as is the cost of buying a car. On the other hand, cycling and walking are popular and cost-effective ways of travelling.

Cost of food in Denmark

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 bring down expenses.

Cost of schooling in Denmark

The cost of education in Denmark is very low, as tuition is completely 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 robust support programme for non-Danish students. There are even some public schools that offer the International Baccalaureate in English or teach the curricula of France or Germany in each country's language.

For those who decide to opt for private education, schooling in Denmark can be very expensive, with international schools fees being particularly exorbitant. These schools offer a wider 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 only.