Cost of Living in Aarhus

Is Aarhus expensive?

Aarhus ranks as the 14th most expensive city in Europe and the 2nd in Denmark (after Copenhagen), according to Numbeo. For a family of four, the estimated monthly costs are around €3,867, with an additional rent of €2,008, bringing the total to approximately €5,875. For a single person, monthly costs are around €1,071, plus rent at €1,214, totaling about €2,285.

When compared to other major cities, the cost of living in Aarhus is significantly lower than in London, where a single person’s monthly total is around €3,875, making Aarhus €1,590 cheaper. However, it is roughly the same as in Berlin, where the monthly total is around €2,277, putting Aarhus and Berlin at nearly identical cost levels (Source: Numbeo).

Rent per month

Here's a guide to the average monthly rent in Aarhus, depending on the size and location of the apartment (Source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city center: €1,214
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: €852
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the city center: €2,008
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: €1,477

The Aarhus rental market is seeing steady growth, with rents increasing by about 3-5% annually in recent years. This is largely due to limited new housing developments and a growing population. For expats, this means it's smart to secure housing sooner rather than later, as prices are expected to continue rising and rent is a big chunk of the cost of living in Aarhus (Source: Global Property Guide).

Best areas to live in Aarhus:

• Frederiksbjerg – Popular with a mix of residents, offering great cafes, restaurants, and markets.
• Latin Quarter – Historic charm with cobbled streets, trendy cafes, and Michelin-starred dining.
• Aarhus Ø – Modern waterfront living with housing, business, and recreational spaces.
• Marselisborgkvarteret – Quiet and green, near parks and the royal summer residence.
• Risskov – Leafy, upscale area near the beach and forest, great for families.

Up-and-coming neighborhoods:

• Aarhus K (Godsbane-kvarteret) – Creative hub with arts, events, and a lively atmosphere.
• Trøjborg – Vibrant, student-friendly with affordable cafes and boutiques.
• Skejby – Growing due to the hospital and tech sector, ideal for professionals.
• Hasle – Affordable and close to the city, gaining popularity with young families.

Mixed or less desirable areas:

• Brabrand – Diverse but with a mixed reputation, undergoing some renewal.
• Gellerup – Historically lower-income, improving but still less desirable.

How to find an apartment in Aarhus

Finding a rental in Aarhus as an expat can be competitive due to the large international student population, so it’s important to start your search early and use multiple platforms. Begin by registering on key housing sites like AarhusBolig for public housing and BoligPortal for private rentals. Keep in mind that waiting lists for public housing can take years, so it’s wise to also search for short-term sublets or shared apartments via Facebook groups like Lejebolig i Aarhus. Be prepared to act quickly, as affordable listings in popular areas like Aarhus C are usually rented within hours. Expats should also explore newer developments such as Havneholmen, although these tend to be more expensive.

To secure a rental, you’ll need to provide several key documents. Most landlords will request proof of employment, your residence permit, and a Danish CPR number (social security number). If you’re a student, a letter of enrollment from your university will be essential. Be prepared for high deposits, which can range from 2-3 months' rent plus prepaid rent. Additionally, most private rentals come unfurnished, so consider second-hand furniture options via DBA.dk or local Facebook Marketplace groups, and make sure you include this in your Aarhus cost of living estimates before moving. It’s also useful to check tenancy agreements carefully and consult resources like AU Housing if you need advice or help understanding your contract.

If you need support during your housing search in Aarhus, we're here to assist. We can provide a quote or connect you with our trusted partners who have helped many expats successfully find housing throughout the city.

Property prices

The average cost per square meter to purchase an apartment in Aarhus is approximately (Source: Numbeo):

• City center: €6,070/sqm
• Outside of the city center: €3,790/sqm

As an expat in Aarhus, there are a few extra steps to buying property. If you're not a Danish citizen and don’t have permanent residency or haven't lived in Denmark for at least five years, you'll need permission from theDepartment of Civil Affairs to proceed. EU/EEA or Swiss citizens can often skip this if they’re working in Denmark or exercising their right to free movement, but you’ll still need to submit a declaration to theDanish Court of Land Registration. Non-EU/EEA citizens with a visa or residency permit will need to apply for permission, which can take up to four weeks.

You'll also need to budget for extra costs. In addition to the property price, there’s a registration fee of 0.6% of the property’s value, plus a fixed fee of €250 for the land registration. Property taxes in Denmark range between 1.6% to 3.4%, depending on the value of the property. Make sure to have documents like proof of your visa or residency, a purchase agreement, and a declaration that it will be your permanent home. For more detailed information, check out Life in Denmark or consult a local real estate agent for guidance.

Utilities

When it comes to paying for utilities in Aarhus, the monthly cost is estimated to be €231 (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment: €180
• Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ Data: €17
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €34

These costs can accumulate significantly over the year. However, you can lower them by following these tips:

• Bundle services: Providers like Telenor and Telia offer discounts when you combine mobile, internet, and TV services, helping you save on multiple utilities and lowering your cost of living in Aarhus.
• Opt for variable electricity rates: Consider switching to a variable rate to save money by using energy during off-peak hours. Compare rates on Elpris.dk.
• Compare providers: Use tools like PriceRunner to compare mobile and internet providers such as Lebara, CBB Mobil, and Oister for the best deals.
• Use a prepaid mobile plan: For light mobile users, prepaid SIM cards from Lebara or LycaMobile offer cost-effective plans with low fees and no long-term contracts.
• Use energy-efficient appliances: If your rental allows for appliances, choose models with A-G energy ratings to save on electricity in the long run. Check guides on Spar Energi.
• Monitor water and heating usage: Follow tips from Life in Denmark to reduce water and heating consumption.

Public transport

Public transport, including buses and the Letbanen light rail, is easy to use, but be sure to buy your ticket in advance via the Rejseplanen Journey Planner. If you prefer cycling, Aarhus is very bike-friendly with short distances between key areas, and you can rent bikes for city tours. For real-time updates on buses, use the Midttrafik Live app. Renting a car is also an option if you want to explore beyond the city. Find car rentals and parking information here.

Aarhus travel ticket (Source: Visit Aarhus):

• Single ticket: €2.70-€16 depending on distance
• 24-hour ticket: €21.50

• AarhusCard: Unlimited bus travel

  24-hour: €17.30

• Midttrafik Tickets (Central Jutland): Covers buses and Letbanen across the region: 

  24-hour: €22

Taxi (Source: Numbeo):

• Taxi Start (Normal tariff): €6.70
• Taxi 1 km: €1.60
• Taxi 1 hour waiting: €53
• From the Airport to the city center: €90

Food

Grocery shopping in Aarhus is straightforward, with plenty of options to suit different budgets and needs. Discount stores like Rema 1000, Lidl, Netto, and Aldi offer affordable essentials, while mid-range supermarkets such as Føtex, Bilka, and Kvickly also sell groceries, household items, and clothing. For international products or exotic ingredients, speciality stores like Bazaar Vest in Brabrand are great options. Many stores also offer online shopping with delivery or pickup through services like Nemlig.com. To save money, use the Minetilbud app to find the latest deals, helping you with the cost of living in Aarhus. Most stores accept card or MobilePay, and stores are generally open from 7:00 to 22:00.

Depending on personal dietary and shopping habits, expect to spend the following amount per month in Aarhus (Source: Staff.au.dk):

• For a single person: €200-€270
• For a couple: €400-€540
• For a family of four: €675-€800

Here are some typical grocery items to give you an idea of price (Source: Numbeo):

• Milk (1 liter): €1.80
• Loaf of fresh white bread (500g): €2.70
• Rice (1kg): €2
• Eggs (12): €4.25
• Chicken fillets (1kg): €10.20
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): €7

Childcare

Childcare in Aarhus is affordable, with parents typically paying around 30% of the actual cost, while the government covers the rest. There are also discounts if you have more than one child in care, and subsidies available for low-income households. This makes childcare in Aarhus much more manageable for families.

Types of childcare and costs (Source: International Aarhus):

• Vuggestue (Day nursery): For children aged 0-3 years, costing between €445 and €635 per month depending on hours and whether meals are included.
• Børnehave (Kindergarten): For children aged 3-6 years, with prices ranging from €200 to €390 per month, again depending on hours and meal options.
• Dagpleje (Home-based care): A home-based childcare option, costing around €445 per month for full-time care.
• Private options: There are also private nurseries and kindergartens that might offer extended hours or different services for a higher fee.
• Preschool (or Kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: €640

You can sign up for childcare via the official Aarhus childcare portal, but it's important to do so early, as waiting lists are common. The city guarantees that your child will be offered a place within a certain period once they’re on the guaranteed list. For financial support, families in Denmark receive quarterly child allowances (børnepenge), which can help cover some of the childcare costs and lower your cost of living in Aarhus if you have a family. If you're new to Aarhus and need guidance, contact the Placement Service.

International yearly school fees (Source: International Schools Database):

• Kochs International: €5,360-€6,000
• Aarhus International School: €5,000-€7,300

Explore Other Cities

Copenhagen