Cost of Living in Copenhagen

Is Copenhagen expensive?

Copenhagen is the 11th most expensive city in Europe and the most expensive in Denmark. For a family of four, monthly expenses are around €4,141, and with rent, the total comes to about €7,063. For a single person, the cost is around €1,143, and it totals roughly €2,751 per month including rent.

When compared to other major cities, the cost of living in Copenhagen is cheaper than in London, where a single person’s monthly total is about €3,875, making Copenhagen €1,124 less expensive. However, it is more costly than Berlin, where the monthly total is around €2,277, making Copenhagen €474 higher (Source: Numbeo).

Rent per month

Here’s an indication of the average monthly rent in Copenhagen based on the size and location of the apartment (Source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city center: €1,608
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: €1,170
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the city center: €2,922
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: €2,015

For expats looking to rent in Copenhagen, the rental market has seen a steady increase in prices, with some reports indicating around a 4-6% rise annually due to low vacancy rates and limited new housing developments. Popular areas like the City Centre and Christianshavn remain pricey, while neighborhoods like Nørrebro and Amager are still more affordable, though they too are seeing price hikes. Starting your search early can help you secure a better deal as rental prices continue to climb and rent is generally a big chunk of your cost of living in Copenhagen (Source: Colliers).

Best areas to live in Copenhagen:

• City Centre (Indre By) – Pricey but very central, with historic charm and lots of attractions nearby.
• Christianshavn – A trendy area with cafes along the canal, though it's more expensive.
• Østerbro – Family-friendly with plenty of parks, shops, and a relaxed vibe.
• Holmen – A newer, upscale area with waterfront views and modern buildings.

Up-and-coming areas:

• Vesterbro – Popular with young people, it’s full of cafes, shops, and a great cultural scene. Prices are rising but still manageable.
• Nordhavn – A newer, sustainable neighborhood with lots of modern apartments and a growing community.
• Valby – Still a bit cheaper than other areas, but prices are going up. It has a nice local feel and is close to the city.
• Amager East and Vest – Developing fast, plus good green spaces and waterfront access.

Less desirable areas:

• Tingbjerg – Further out and known for being more affordable, but it’s quieter and less central.
• Brønshøj and Husum – Suburban feel, further from the city, but peaceful with green spaces.
• Bispebjerg – One of the cheaper areas with smaller apartments, still growing but less developed.

How to find an apartment in Copenhagen

Finding a rental in Copenhagen can be tough, but with the right approach and tools, it's doable. Start by using trusted platforms like BoligPortal and Lejebolig, where you’ll find listings for all types of rentals, from small rooms to larger family apartments. Most rentals are unfurnished, meaning you’ll need to budget for furniture in your Copenhagen cost of living. Areas like Sydhavn, Ørestad, and Valby tend to offer more affordable options, while neighborhoods like Østerbro and Indre are more expensive but are centrally located. Be ready to attend viewings — showing up in person is usually required to move forward with a rental. For expats, especially those unfamiliar with Danish, services like Bienvenido a Copenhague help navigate the market and avoid scams.

Expect to pay a deposit of up to three months' rent plus the first month upfront, so having a budget ready is key. The rental contract will be in Danish, so make sure you understand all the terms — especially section 11, which outlines special requirements like maintenance. It's also important to inspect the apartment thoroughly within the first 14 days to avoid being charged for pre-existing damage when you move out. If you're moving in from abroad, note that you’ll need an address to register for a CPR (Civil Registration Number) number and other essentials, so securing a rental quickly is important.

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

Property prices

The typical cost per square meter for purchasing an apartment in Copenhagen is approximately (Source: Numbeo):

• City center: €7,555/sqm
• Outside of the city center: €5,191/sqm

Buying property in Denmark as a foreigner involves a few specific rules. If you're from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and are living or working in Denmark, you can typically buy property without needing special permission, but you’ll need to provide proof of residency, such as a valid work contract or a residence permit. For non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, permission from the Department of Civil Affairs is required unless you’ve lived in Denmark for at least five years. You don’t need Danish citizenship to buy property, but residency and ties to Denmark are key factors. If you're purchasing a non-permanent dwelling, like a holiday home, you must have strong ties to Denmark, such as family connections or frequent holidays in the country. You can find more information about applying for permission on the Department of Civil Affairs website.

In terms of taxes, property owners in Denmark are subject to property taxes based on an official property assessment, and the tax rate is generally 0.92% for properties valued up to €407,700, and 3% for amounts above that. Additionally, there are land taxes and fees for services like notary work and real estate agents. Foreigners do not need a specific Danish visa to purchase property, but if you plan to live in the property, you'll need to meet the residency requirements. It’s also recommended to consult the Danish Land Registry through Tinglysning to ensure all documents are properly filed and that there are no legal issues with the property.

Utilities

Here’s what you can expect to spend on your monthly utility bills in Copenhagen (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment: €183
• Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ Data: €13
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €34

These costs can really add up over the year, but you can cut them down by following these simple tips:

• Compare providers: Use tools like Elpris.dk to compare electricity suppliers and find cheaper options in your area. For mobile and internet, check PriceRunner to get the best deals from providers like Lebara, CBB Mobil, and Oister.
• Bundle services: Some providers, like Telenor and Telia, offer discounts when bundling services such as mobile, internet, and TV, making it easier to save across the board.
• Use energy-efficient appliances: If your rented apartment allows for appliances, choose energy-efficient models with A-G energy ratings to cut down on long-term energy use. Check for efficiency guides on Spar Energi.
• Use a prepaid mobile plan: For light mobile users, prepaid SIM cards from Lebara or LycaMobile are cost-effective, with low monthly fees and no long-term contracts.
• Opt for variable electricity rates: Consider switching to a variable electricity rate, which can lower costs if you use energy during off-peak hours. Compare these rates on Elpris.dk.
• Monitor water and heating usage: Use tips from Life in Denmark to monitor and reduce water and heating usage in your rental, keeping monthly bills under control.

Public transport

Getting around Copenhagen is simple with plenty of public transport options like the metro, trains, buses, and harbor buses, all using a zone-based fare system. You can plan your trips using the Rejseplanen app and buy unlimited travel passes like the City Pass for flexible travel. Cycling is another popular option, with rentals available through Donkey Republic. The harbor buses offer a scenic ride through the city, and trains from DSB connect Copenhagen to other cities like Aarhus. You can also find cheaper off-peak tickets through.

Copenhagen travel ticket (Source: DSB):

• Single ticket (3-zone): €4.80– covers most central areas, including travel from the airport to the city center.
• City Pass (24 hours): €10.70 for unlimited travel in zones 1-4, including the airport.
• Copenhagen Card: From €54 for 24 hours, also includes free entry to over 80 attractions.
• DSB Orange tickets: Price depends on destination, discounted off-peak fares for trains across Denmark.

Taxi (Source: Numbeo):

• Taxi Start (normal tariff): €6.70
• Taxi 1 km: €2
• Taxi 1 hour waiting: €73.70
• From the Airport to the city center: €35-€47

Food

Discount supermarkets like Netto, Rema 1000, and Lidl are ideal for finding great deals on everyday essentials to help you with the cost of living in Copenhagen. You can also save by checking weekly offers on eTilbudsavis and using the Too Good to Go app to buy surplus food at reduced prices. Bring your own reusable bags to avoid paying for plastic bags, and look for yellow-stickered items close to their expiration date in stores like Netto and Føtex. For more premium options, head to Meny or Irma, which offer high-quality and organic products. You can also explore Torvehallerne for specialty and gourmet items, and Wefood for sustainable shopping, they sell surplus goods at discounted prices. If you prefer shopping from home, Nemlig.com delivers groceries straight to your door.

Depending on personal dietary and shopping habits, expect to spend the following amount per month in Copenhagen (Source: Reddit):

• For a single person: €250-€400
• For a couple: €550-€800
• For a family of four: €900-€1200

Here are a few common grocery items to give you a sense of pricing (Source: Numbeo):

• Milk (1 liter): €1.80
• Loaf of fresh white bread (500g): €3.40
• Rice (1kg): €2.50
• Eggs (12): €4.50
• Chicken fillets (1kg): €10.40
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): €8

Childcare

Childcare in Denmark is designed to support parents; you'll pay about 30% of the actual cost, while the government covers the rest. This makes childcare much more affordable compared to many other countries, and helps largely with the cost of living in Copenhagen. Additionally, if you have more than one child in care, there are discounts available.

Types of childcare and costs (Source: International.kk):

• Vuggestue (Day nursery): For children aged 6 months to 3 years. The cost is around €530/month, including lunch.
• Børnehave (Kindergarten): For children aged 3 to 6 years. The cost is around €340/month, including lunch.
• Dagpleje (Home-based care): A home-based care option with small groups of children, typically cared for by a childminder. The cost is around €450/month, including lunch.
• Preschool (or Kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: €510

It’s important to sign up early, usually before your child turns 4 months, as there’s often a waiting list. However, the childcare guarantee in Copenhagen ensures that your child will be offered a place within two months of signing up on the guaranteed list. For more details, visit Copenhagen Childcare Services.

Additionally, families receive financial support through a quarterly child allowance, børnepenge, which helps cover childcare costs until your child turns 18. If you’re new to Copenhagen, you can reach out to your local area office for help enrolling your child in public childcare and find the best option to keep your Copenhagen cost of living at a more reasonable amount.

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

• International Montessori School Copenhagen: €7,700
• Bjorn’s International School: €3,711
• Byens Steiner School: €5,000
• Viking International School: €4,700
• International School of Hellerup: €8,100
• Copenhagen International School: €19,000-€26,400
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: €11,750

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