Cost of Living in Copenhagen
Summary: If you're moving to Copenhagen, understanding the the cost of living in Copenhagen helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Cost of Living | Copenhagen |
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Apartment Rentals | Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from around 8,000 DKK (1,100 USD) to 12,000 DKK (1,600 USD). Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from around 12,000 DKK (1,600 USD) to 18,000 DKK (2,400 USD). |
Apartment Purchases | The average price per square meter for an apartment in the city center is around 40,000 DKK (5,300 USD). The average price per square meter for an apartment outside of the city center is around 25,000 DKK (3,300 USD). |
Transportation | A monthly public transport ticket costs around 300 DKK (40 USD). A one-way ticket costs around 24 DKK (3.20 USD). A taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs around 250 DKK (33 USD). |
Groceries | A liter of milk costs around 10 DKK (1.30 USD). A loaf of bread costs around 20 DKK (2.60 USD). A dozen eggs costs around 20 DKK (2.60 USD). A kilogram of local cheese costs around 80 DKK (10.60 USD). A kilogram of apples costs around 20 DKK (2.60 USD). |
Restaurants | A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around 100 DKK (13 USD). A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around 500 DKK (66 USD). A combo meal at a fast food restaurant costs around 75 DKK (10 USD). |
Utilities | Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, water, and garbage, costs around 1,500 DKK (200 USD) per month. |
Private School Tuition | Preschool tuition costs around 5,000 DKK (660 USD) per month. Elementary school tuition costs around 10,000 DKK (1,300 USD) per month. Middle school tuition costs around 15,000 DKK (2,000 USD) per month. High school tuition costs around 20,000 DKK (2,600 USD) per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Copenhagen
"The cost of living in Copenhagen is generally considered to be high. Prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are all relatively expensive compared to other cities in Europe. However, the city offers a high quality of life and a wide range of cultural activities, making it an attractive destination for many," said one expat living in Copenhagen.
Can I live in Copenhagen on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Copenhagen for a while now, and I can tell you that living comfortably on $1,500 a month as an expat might be a bit challenging, but it's not impossible. You'll definitely have to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle, though. First and foremost, you'll need to find affordable housing. Copenhagen is known for its high cost of living, and rent can be quite expensive, especially in popular neighborhoods like Østerbro, Vesterbro, and Nørrebro. I'd recommend looking for a shared apartment or a small studio in more affordable neighborhoods like Amager, Valby, or Sydhavn. These areas are still well-connected to the city center by public transportation, but the rent is generally lower.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and other daily expenses. Eating out in Copenhagen can be quite pricey, so you'll want to cook most of your meals at home. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Netto, Fakta, and Lidl can help you save on groceries. Also, consider getting a bike for transportation, as it's a very bike-friendly city and can save you money on public transportation costs.When it comes to socializing and entertainment, you'll need to be selective about the activities you choose. Going out for drinks or attending events can add up quickly, so try to find free or low-cost activities like visiting parks, attending free cultural events, or joining local meet-up groups to make friends and explore the city.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Copenhagen will require some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle, but it's not impossible. By finding affordable housing, being mindful of your spending, and seeking out low-cost activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Copenhagen.
Can I live in Copenhagen on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Copenhagen for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Østerbro, Frederiksberg, and Vesterbro might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for apartments in areas like Amager, Nørrebro, or Valby. These neighborhoods are still close to the city center and have good public transportation options, but the rent is generally more affordable.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out in Copenhagen can be quite expensive, so you'll want to cook at home more often and take advantage of the cheaper grocery stores like Netto, Fakta, and Lidl. When you do go out, look for happy hour deals or discounts at restaurants and bars. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities to do in the city, like visiting parks, museums with free admission days, and attending local events.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Copenhagen has an excellent public transportation system, and you can save by purchasing a monthly pass or using a bike for your daily commute. Biking is very popular in Copenhagen, and the city has an extensive network of bike lanes, making it a safe and convenient way to get around.Lastly, be prepared to live in a smaller apartment than you might be used to. Space is at a premium in Copenhagen, and apartments tend to be smaller and more expensive than in other cities. You might have to sacrifice some living space to stay within your budget, but you'll still be able to find a comfortable and cozy place to call home.Overall, living in Copenhagen on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, using public transportation or biking, and living in a smaller apartment, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful city," said one expat living in Copenhagen.
Can I live in Copenhagen on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Copenhagen for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending habits and make some sacrifices. The cost of living in Copenhagen is quite high, especially when it comes to housing and dining out. To make it work, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in a more affordable neighborhood, like Amager or Nørrebro. These areas are still close to the city center and have a great atmosphere, but the rent is generally lower than in more upscale neighborhoods like Østerbro or Frederiksberg. You can expect to pay around $1,500 to $2,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in these areas, depending on the size and condition of the place.Another thing to consider is transportation. Copenhagen is a very bike-friendly city, so I'd recommend getting a bike to save on public transportation costs. If you do need to use public transportation, consider getting a monthly pass, which will save you money in the long run.When it comes to groceries, I've found that shopping at discount supermarkets like Netto, Fakta, and Lidl can save you a lot of money compared to shopping at more expensive stores like Irma or Meny. Cooking at home as much as possible will also help you save on dining out, which can be quite pricey in Copenhagen.As for entertainment and socializing, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in the city. Many museums offer free admission on certain days, and there are always events and festivals happening throughout the year. You can also enjoy the city's many parks and green spaces, which are great for picnics and outdoor activities.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to cut back on dining out, as I mentioned earlier, and you may need to be more selective about the events and activities you attend, opting for more budget-friendly options. Additionally, you might need to be more conscious of your energy usage at home, as utilities can be quite expensive in Denmark.Overall, it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Copenhagen on $5,000 a month, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being smart about transportation and groceries, and enjoying the many free or low-cost activities the city has to offer, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Copenhagen.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.