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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Aarhus 2024
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Cost of Living in Aarhus

By Betsy Burlingame

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: If you're moving to Aarhus, understanding the the cost of living in Aarhus 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 in Aarhus - Cost of Living in Aarhus

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Aarhus is around 8,000 DKK (1,100 USD) per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 12,000 DKK (1,600 USD) per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around 6,000 DKK (800 USD) per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is around 9,000 DKK (1,200 USD).
Apartment Purchases The average price per square meter for an apartment in the city center of Aarhus is around 40,000 DKK (5,300 USD). The average price per square meter for an apartment outside of the city center is around 30,000 DKK (4,000 USD).
Transportation A monthly public transport ticket in Aarhus costs around 300 DKK (40 USD). A one-way ticket costs around 24 DKK (3.20 USD). A taxi ride from the city center to the airport costs around 400 DKK (53 USD).
Groceries The average cost of groceries in Aarhus is around 1,000 DKK (133 USD) per month for a single person. This includes basic items such as bread, milk, eggs, and vegetables.
Restaurants The average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Aarhus is around 150 DKK (20 USD). The average cost of a meal at a fast food restaurant is around 50 DKK (7 USD).
Utilities The average cost of utilities in Aarhus is around 1,500 DKK (200 USD) per month for a single person. This includes electricity, water, heating, and garbage.
Private School Tuition The average cost of private school tuition for preschool in Aarhus is around 5,000 DKK (670 USD) per month. The average cost of private school tuition for elementary school is around 8,000 DKK (1,100 USD) per month. The average cost of private school tuition for middle school is around 10,000 DKK (1,300 USD) per month. The average cost of private school tuition for high school is around 12,000 DKK (1,600 USD) per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Aarhus

"The cost of living in Aarhus is generally considered to be quite high. Rent prices for apartments in the city center are particularly expensive, while rent prices for apartments in the suburbs are more affordable. Groceries and other everyday items are also quite expensive, although prices can vary depending on the store. Eating out can also be costly, although there are some more affordable options available. Transportation costs are relatively low, with public transportation being the most economical option," said one expat living in Aarhus.

Can I live in Aarhus on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Aarhus for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable. I'd recommend looking for a shared apartment or a small studio in neighborhoods like Viby, Hasle, or Tilst. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they're more affordable than neighborhoods like Frederiksbjerg, Aarhus C, or Trøjborg, which are more expensive and trendy.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and groceries. Eating out can be quite expensive in Aarhus, so I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible. Shop at discount supermarkets like Netto, Fakta, or Lidl, and try to buy seasonal produce to save money. You can also visit the local markets like Ingerslev Boulevard or Godsbanen for fresh and affordable produce.Transportation can also be a significant expense, so I'd recommend getting a bike if you don't already have one. Aarhus is a very bike-friendly city, and you can save a lot on transportation costs by cycling instead of using public transport or driving. If you do need to use public transport, consider getting a monthly pass to save on fares.As for entertainment and socializing, you'll need to be selective about how you spend your money. Going out for drinks or to the movies can be expensive, so try to find free or low-cost activities to do with friends. Aarhus has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, so you can enjoy picnics, walks, or bike rides without spending much money. There are also free events and festivals throughout the year, like the Aarhus Festuge or the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Aarhus is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, using a bike for transportation, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Aarhus.

Can I live in Aarhus on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Aarhus for a few years 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. I'd recommend looking into areas like Viby, Hasle, or Tilst. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options compared to the more expensive areas like Frederiksbjerg, Marselisborg, or Aarhus C.When it comes to transportation, you might want to consider using a bike or public transportation instead of owning a car. Aarhus is a very bike-friendly city, and it's quite common for people to cycle to work or school. Public transportation is also quite reliable and affordable, with monthly passes costing around $50.Eating out can be quite expensive in Aarhus, so you'll need to cook more at home to save money. Groceries can be found at more affordable prices if you shop at discount supermarkets like Netto, Fakta, or Lidl. You can still enjoy the occasional meal out, but you'll need to be mindful of your budget.When it comes to entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Aarhus. You can enjoy the many parks and green spaces, visit the ARoS Art Museum on a free admission day, or take advantage of the numerous free events and festivals throughout the year.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Aarhus is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation or biking, cooking at home, and enjoying free or low-cost activities, you can make it work," said one expat living in Aarhus.

Can I live in Aarhus on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Aarhus for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even with modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of location and housing size. Aarhus is a relatively expensive city, but there are still affordable neighborhoods where you can find a nice place to live.For example, I live in a two-bedroom apartment in the Viby area, which is a bit further from the city center but still well-connected by public transportation. My rent is around $1,200 a month, which leaves me with plenty of money for other expenses. If you're looking for something more central, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Trøjborg or Frederiksbjerg, where you can find smaller apartments for around $1,500 to $2,000 a month.I would recommend avoiding the more expensive neighborhoods like Marselisborg or Risskov, as rents there can easily go above $2,500 a month for a two-bedroom apartment. Also, keep in mind that utilities and internet can add another $200 to $300 to your monthly expenses.In terms of other living costs, groceries can be a bit pricey, but if you shop at discount supermarkets like Netto or Fakta, you can keep your food expenses relatively low. Eating out can also be expensive, but there are plenty of affordable options if you're willing to explore the city. I usually spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries and eating out.Transportation is quite affordable, especially if you use a bike or take advantage of the city's public transportation system. A monthly bus pass costs around $60, and biking is a great way to get around the city and save money.Overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Aarhus on $5,000 a month, as long as you're willing to make some sacrifices in terms of location and housing size. Just be mindful of your spending, and you should be able to enjoy all the modern amenities you're used to," commented an expat living in Aarhus.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.


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