The standard of living in Denmark is much higher than in most countries of Southern Europe. Find out more about the cost of renting a house, utilities, food and entertainment in the country

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The standard of living in Denmark is one of the highest in the world, but its cost is also very high, even by European standards. Copenhagen, the capital and largest city of Denmark, is ranked 11th out of 226 cities in the global cost of living ranking compiled by Mercer in 2024. Aarhus is also usually among the top 15 most expensive cities in the world. Life outside of Copenhagen or Aarhus is not that expensive, but it is not cheap either.

High salaries compensate for the high cost of living in the country, along with free healthcare and education.

The official currency in Denmark is the Danish krone, but for a more convenient comparison, prices in this article are given in euros. Exchange rate as of 18 October 2024: 1 euro = 7.46 DKK.

Read more about the cost of living in Denmark in 2024 in this article.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Denmark has continued to provide refugees with shelter on its territory. How to obtain temporary protection in Denmark, as well as the rules of entry, job and housing search in 2024, can be found here.

The cost of housing in Denmark

You will spend a large percentage of your monthly budget on renting a house. Before looking for an apartment, carefully consider its location. Denmark is a small country, it is much cheaper to live outside the big cities, and it will not take long to get to the central part of Copenhagen.

In small towns in Denmark, the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment ranges from €1,000 per month. Two-bedroom apartments in such cities can be rented at a price of 1,150 euros. These prices are typical for cities with a population of up to 100,000 inhabitants, such as Odense, Aalborg or Aarhus.

Housing in Copenhagen, on the other hand, is expensive and scarce, given the city's size and popularity. A one-bedroom apartment on the outskirts of the capital will cost from €1,300 per month, and about €2,000 in the central part.

When renting an apartment, you should expect to pay an initial deposit when signing the contract. The amount is the equivalent of three months' rent. Some landlords may also ask for an additional three months' rent in advance.

As for utilities, their cost in Denmark in 2024 depends on the size of the dwelling and individual consumption. On average, for an apartment of 50-70 square metres, utility costs range from 200 to 350 euros per month. This amount includes heating, electricity, water and internet. It is important to note that in some cases, some utilities may be included in the rental price, especially water and heating.

The rental market in Denmark remains competitive, especially in the major cities. Prospective tenants are advised to plan their housing search in advance and be prepared to make quick decisions, as attractive offers often find their tenants quickly. It is also worth considering that prices may vary depending on the season and the economic situation in the country.

How to rent an apartment in Denmark?

There are several popular websites for finding accommodation for rent in Denmark:

- Boligportal.dk;

- DBA.dk;

- Lejebolig.dk;

- Findbolig.nu;

- Housing Denmark.

For a successful move and avoidance of troubles, it is worth contacting specialists. The lawyers of Visit Ukraine provide full support and advice on visa and migration issues to successfully resolve any nuances.

How much does it cost to live in Denmark: food prices

Food in Denmark is generally expensive. However, with careful budget planning, you can minimise your expenses. Try to buy local seasonal products and avoid imports. You can also save a lot of money by shopping at budget supermarkets such as Bilka, Lidl, Netto, Fakta or Aldi.

There are food markets in Denmark where you can buy natural farm products. There are also shoe and clothing markets, flea markets, and various fairs and exhibitions.

For a family of three, the monthly food costs in Denmark in 2024 are approximately 600 to 800 euros. This amount can vary depending on eating habits, food choices and where you shop. Families who prefer organic food or frequently buy delicacies may spend more. On the other hand, those who plan their purchases carefully and take advantage of promotional offers can reduce this amount somewhat.

Meat, wine, and cigarettes are the most expensive in the country. A litre of milk costs about 2 euros, a loaf of bread 3.5 euros, and a dozen eggs 5 euros. A kilogram of chicken will cost about 11 euros, and a kilogram of beef will cost 16-17 euros. Vegetables and fruits are also relatively expensive: a kilo of bananas costs about 3.5 euros, a kilo of tomatoes - 4 euros, and a kilo of apples - 2.5 - 3 euros.

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Cafes and restaurants: prices in Denmark

In an average restaurant, a dinner for two, including main course and drinks, will cost about 100 euros. In more sophisticated restaurants, this amount can easily exceed 150 euros. It is worth noting that in Denmark it is customary to include a tip in the bill, so additional service charges are usually not required.

It is important to note that prices may vary from region to region. In Copenhagen and other large cities, they are usually higher than in smaller towns.

Every year, tens of thousands of foreigners apply for employment in Denmark, as the country offers competitive salaries, a variety of vacancies and a high standard of living.

Read more about the peculiarities of the Danish labour market, the most popular vacancies and the average salary for foreigners in 2024 here.

We told you how to apply for a work visa to Denmark in our previous article.

Public transport prices in Denmark

Public transport fares depend on the area and type of ticket. In Copenhagen, for example, a single ticket for travel within two zones costs about 3.2 euros. A monthly pass for all types of public transport in the capital region will cost around EUR 135 - 161, depending on the number of zones.

In other major Danish cities, such as Aarhus or Aalborg, public transport prices are slightly lower. A single ticket there costs about 2.6 euros, and a monthly pass costs from 55 to 80 euros.

It's worth noting that the country is actively developing its cycling system. Many cities have bicycle rental programmes that are much cheaper than public transport. For example, a daily bike rental costs approximately 13 to 20 euros.

The price of petrol is around €2 per litre, and diesel costs around €1.7 per litre. It is worth noting that prices may vary depending on the region and the specific petrol station.

The Danish government is actively promoting the transition to electric vehicles, so the cost of electricity for charging electric cars remains relatively stable. The average cost of a full charge of an electric vehicle at public charging stations is around €30, making the use of electric transport economically attractive for many Danes.

Keep in mind that a Green Card is a prerequisite for legal driving in Denmark. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can apply for a Green Card online from a licensed insurer. Packages are available for different periods from 15 days to 1 year for cars and trucks, trailers and semi-trailers for trucks, as well as motorcycles and scooters.

Life in Denmark: medical services

Denmark has a comprehensive healthcare system that includes both public and private clinics.

If you work in Denmark, you will be entitled to public health insurance, which means free visits to doctors and inpatient treatment.

However, dental care is charged. There is also a co-payment of 25% to 50% of the cost of prescription drugs.

Take care of your health when travelling to Europe with health insurance from Visit Ukraine, which guarantees reliable protection. Ensure your peace of mind while travelling.

Cost of living in Denmark in 2024: budget for a month

In 2024, the cost of living in Denmark remains one of the highest in Europe, which is reflected in the family budget. For a family of three seeking a comfortable stay with all basic expenses, including rent, food, entertainment and healthcare, the required amount is around €5,500 per month.

Just to remind you. The Digital Nomad visa provides a legal residence permit for remote workers working for foreign companies. You can find out what rights to live and work it provides and how it differs from regular visas here.

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