Living in Copenhagen as an expat: cost, life, housing

Living in Copenhagen as an expat is both joyful and challenging. Prepare for it in advance – read this article and learn everything about the prices, housing and pros and cons of living in Copenhagen.

Living costs in Copenhagen

‘Is it expensive?’ is often the first question people ask about expat life in Copenhagen. The answer depends on your perception and budget, of course. We can’t say for everyone, but we’ll show you the average living costs in Copenhagen so you can decide for yourself.

Note: The data was retrieved from Numbeo, a trusted statistical source, and can change over time.

The average cost of living in Copenhagen in 2025

If you live alone, you need approximately 1,173.9 EUR per month to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, including eating well, paying bills, using transportation, and occasionally shopping. Unfortunately, the rent isn't included here, which makes things much worse for your wallet.

If you bring a family, expenses may rise up to 4,364.2 EUR (4 persons). Again, excluding rent.

It may seem unbearable to expats from countries with lower prices, but when you save well and find a job in Denmark, you’re going to be fine.

The rent prices in Copenhagen

We all heard about the housing crisis in Europe. So don’t be too surprised when we say it, but yes, rent prices in Copenhagen are very, very high.

The rent prices in Copenhagen

In most cases, utilities aren’t included in rent and are paid separately.

Living costs in Copenhagen: Utilities

So, if you don't own a flat, be prepared to spend 3,000-6,000 EUR monthly on basic living costs in Copenhagen, as well as some occasional treats like coffee or shopping.

Explore: Where to exchange currency in Denmark, banks vs kiosks.

Costs of public transport in Copenhagen

You can ride the metro, trains, buses, and harbour buses – they are clean and comfortable. The price depends on the Zones of your route, your age and the ticket type.

These are some of the most common types, but the choice is wider: youth cards, pensioner cards, and Rejsekort. Explore all the options on the official website.

Healthcare in Denmark

Public healthcare in Denmark is mostly free for citizens and expats with a residency status and a yellow health card. If you don't have any of this, you must purchase insurance and pay for the medical treatment.

What’s included in the free public care:

• GP visits.
• Routine treatments, examinations, consultations.
• Special care approved by your GP.
• Emergency care.
• Some surgeries and recoveries.
• Nursing home visits.

What’s excluded:

• Dental care.
• Medicines.
• Cosmetic surgery.
• Fertility treatment.
• Physiotherapy and other treatments.

Healthcare in Denmark is of high quality and recognised globally; the only issues are the prices and long waiting times for non-urgent care.

Extra readings: Scandinavia’s cheapest cities for expats (2025 ranking).

Pros and cons of living in Copenhagen

Users on Reddit shared their honest opinions on living in Copenhagen as an expat. We made a summary:

Pros

• Walkable and not boring

Many believe that there’s nothing fun to do in Scandinavia. In reality, an expat's life in Copenhagen is full of activity. For example, you can do the Havneringen walk, go for a boat tour, visit Dyrehaven and play with deers, chill in a sauna or simply eat out at fancy bars and restaurants.

• Cycling-friendly

The city is famous for being a cyclist's dream. Roads are safe and infrastructure is modern, so many locals enjoy cycling and choose a bike over a bus or car. Living in Copenhagen as an expat will change your habits and daily routine, so why not try taking a ride around the city?

• Safe

Denmark is one of the top 10 safest countries in Europe. The crime rate isn't high, and many locals don't mind going out at night. Of course, you always have to be cautious, but overall, living in Copenhagen as an expat is secure.

Cons

• Expensive

We’ve already mentioned how high the living costs are in Copenhagen. Real people confirm that even cheap products aren’t cheap.

Seems like budget management will become your key priority in Denmark. We have a couple of tips for you on that matter:

1. Creating an emergency fund, strategies for expats in Europe.
2. Boost your budget planning with these AI prompts.

• Danish is a must

You may survive on English only, but most jobs require a decent knowledge of Danish. So, if you want to earn more and blend in as a genuine local, you must learn the language. Luckily, it's relatively easy for an English speaker to master. And once you become fluent, you'll also understand some Norwegian and Swedish!

• Limited access to nature

Copenhagen is mostly flat and urban. To see the real wild beauty, you need to drive away from the city. There are some parks and water areas, but the feeling of closeness to nature is lacking.

In Copenhagen, expat life can be anything, and that’s why this city is a real gem. You can hop between bars with your friends or lock in and spend some time alone in a park or cosy cafe. Copenhagen will make you fall in love with itself.

Tips for living in Copenhagen

You’ve almost reached the end of this article and deserve some tips for living in Copenhagen.

Prepare for the weather

There’s no bad weather, there are bad clothes. Buy warm socks, jackets, gloves and don’t forget about the vitamins. The winters are dark and long, so buying a vitamin D/sun lamp could be a good idea.

Learn how to ride a bicycle

Danes are crazy about cycling, so the city is basically built for it. Obtaining this skill will do you a favour once you move. In Copenhagen, public transport is packed during the rush hour, so bicycles become a convenient and healthy alternative.

Download Profee

Living in Copenhagen as an expat doesn’t mean cutting ties with your homeland. Many continue supporting their families through money transfers. If you plan to send funds back home, join Profee – the service for online money transfers from Denmark to over 90 destinations. It’s fully secure, fast and beneficial.

Search for free events

The living costs in Copenhagen are high, but you can save up by visiting free events. Head to kulturogfritidn.kk.dk for a list of exhibitions, concerts and other cultural activities.

We believe that expats can have a fulfilling life even when limited in finances during the adaptation period. Such no-fee/cheap events are just another proof of it. And, well, outdoor activities are free – so brew coffee at home and have a long walk around the city.

FAQ – Living in Copenhagen as an expat

What is the cost of living in Copenhagen in 2025?

The average monthly living costs in Copenhagen are:

• 1,173.9 EUR for a single person.
• 4,364.2 EUR for a family of four.

If we add rent, the numbers can grow up to 3,000-6,000 EUR.

Is Copenhagen a good place to live?

Yes, Copenhagen is generally considered a safe, clean, and pleasant place to settle down. However, long dark winters and high prices stop some people from moving there.

Is it okay to speak English in Copenhagen?

Yes, the Danes speak decent English. But if your future plans include living in Copenhagen as an expat for an extended period, we recommend learning the local language.

What is a good salary to live in Copenhagen?

At least 5,000 EUR per month to cover basic expenses.

How much is a bottle of water in Copenhagen?

In November 2025, the 1.5L bottle of water costs around 1.46 EUR in Copenhagen.

Where can I read more tips for living in Copenhagen?

You can visit Reddit and explore the opinions of others. They share many valuable insights, some of which may be particularly useful in your personal situation.