Cost of Living in Denmark: What Every Student Should Know

Planning to study or settle in Denmark? Understanding the cost of living in Denmark is essential to manage your finances wisely. From housing and food to transportation and entertainment, this guide will help you estimate your monthly expenses and budget efficiently for life in this beautiful country.

Average Cost of Living in Denmark for International Students

The cost of living in Denmark for international students mainly includes accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment. Understanding these costs can help students plan their budget effectively while studying in Denmark.

Accommodation Costs

European students typically spend about 36% of their total monthly expenses on housing. In Copenhagen, rent and utilities usually range between 300 to 500 EUR per month, with prices going as high as 800 EUR in some cases. If you start looking early, you might find places outside the city for around 200 EUR monthly.

Here are some typical monthly housing costs for students:

• Living alone: 436 EUR
  
• Living with partner or children: 458 EUR
  
• Kollegier (student dormitories): 342 EUR
  

University-provided student housing is limited, with only about 11% of students in Denmark securing spots. Most students rent privately. Despite this, around 68% of students are highly satisfied with dormitory living conditions, which is above the European average. 

Food and Grocery Expenses

Cooking your own meals is more affordable than eating out. Monthly food expenses typically range from 200 to 270 EUR. Shopping at budget supermarkets like Bilka, Lidl, Netto, Fakta, or Aldi can help save money.

Dining out costs about 25 EUR per person on average, and drinks at pubs or cafes are roughly 5 EUR each.

Transportation Costs

Denmark is famously a “cycling country,” with about one bicycle per resident. Over half the students bike to school, while around a third use public transport.

• Monthly public transport passes start at about 50 EUR.
  
• Second-hand bikes range between 30 to 135 EUR, depending on condition.
  Cities like Copenhagen have excellent public transportation networks, including buses, metros, and trains. 

Cost of Education 

Denmark provides quality education for both domestic and international students, with tuition fees depending on citizenship:

• EU and Swiss citizens: Study for free at Danish universities.
  
• International students (non-EU): Pay tuition fees ranging from €7,000 to €20,000 per year.
  
• Ph.D. programs: Free for all students, regardless of nationality.

One of Denmark’s oldest and most respected universities, the University of Copenhagen, offers various degrees in fields like humanities, law, sciences, social sciences, theology, and medicine. The annual tuition fee for non-EU students here is around €10,000.

Medical and Dental Costs in Denmark

Denmark has a strong healthcare system with both public and private options.

• If you work in Denmark, you get public health insurance, which covers free visits to doctors and hospitals.
  
• For dental care, you pay part of the cost.
  
• You are also responsible for the cost of prescriptions.

Private healthcare and private insurance are available if you prefer more options or faster service.

Learn More: Denmark University Offers Scholarship For Master’s Degree for International Students

Average Income and Cost of Living in Denmark

Income in Denmark varies depending on age, profession, and personal circumstances. In 2025, the average income in Denmark is about 47,153 DKK per month. Here’s a quick look at what different groups typically need to live comfortably:

• Students: International students usually need around 4,500 to 5,500 DKK monthly to cover major living expenses and enjoy a decent lifestyle.
  
• Single Individuals: A single person generally requires about 7,500 DKK per month, excluding rent, to cover living costs.
  
• Couples: Married couples need a combined budget of approximately 18,000 to 21,000 DKK monthly to live well.
  
• Families: A family of four typically needs between 39,000 and 43,000 DKK monthly to meet their expenses comfortably.

Top Paying Jobs in Denmark

Here are some of the highest-paying professions and their average gross monthly salaries:

Read More: Embracing Denmark education: Nurturing wholesome student growth

Cost of Living in Denmark’s Major Cities

Here’s a quick look at the cost of living in Denmark across its top five cities for singles, couples, and families.

Copenhagen (Capital)

Aarhus

Odense

Esbjerg

Overall, the cost of living in Denmark varies by city and lifestyle, so planning your budget carefully is key to enjoying a comfortable life anywhere in the country.

Read More: Denmark top 5 universities

Key Factors Influencing the Denmark Cost of Living Index

Several key elements influence the cost of living in Denmark:

• Housing: Rent is higher in cities like Copenhagen, while smaller towns like Esbjerg or Horsens are more affordable.
  
  
• Transportation: Public transport is reliable and cheaper than owning a vehicle.
  
  
• Food & Groceries: Dining out and groceries are expensive, especially in big cities.
  
  
• Utilities: Monthly bills like electricity and water typically range from 1,000 to 1,500 DKK.
  
  
• Healthcare: Most public healthcare services are free or subsidised.
  
  
• Entertainment: Travel, dining, and leisure activities can increase your expenses.
  
  
• Lifestyle: Personal habits and spending choices have a big impact on your overall cost of living.
  
  

Learn More: How to Get Permanent Residency in Denmark, Steps, Benefits, Documents Required

Key Takeaways

• The cost of living in Denmark for Indian students can be managed with proper planning, especially in areas like accommodation, food, and transportation.
  
  
• Denmark is beautiful but not cheap, so planning ahead and saving money is advisable when moving there.
• Indian students can access discounts on public transport, meals, and events, helping lower the cost of living in Denmark during their studies.

Liked this blog? Read Scholarships in Denmark – 5 things you must know

FAQs

Question 1. What is the cost of living in Denmark for Indian students?
Answer. The cost of living in Denmark for Indian students typically ranges between DKK 4,500 to 7,000 per month, depending on lifestyle, city, and accommodation choices.

Question 2. How much does it cost to live as a student in Denmark?
Answer. On average, a student needs around DKK 6,000 per month to cover food, transport, rent (shared or student housing), and personal expenses. Major cities like Copenhagen may be more expensive.

Question 3. What is the Denmark cost of living per month for students?
Answer.  The cost of living per month for students can vary by city:

• Copenhagen: DKK 7,000 – 10,000
• Aarhus/Odense: DKK 5,500 – 8,000
• Smaller cities: DKK 4,500 – 6,500

Question 4. How does the cost of living in Denmark compare to India?

Answer. The cost of living in Denmark is much higher than in India—about 276% more for everyday expenses excluding rent. Including rent, it’s around 312% higher, with rent prices nearly 491% more expensive than in India. 

Question 5. What is the cost of living in Denmark for international students?
Answer. The cost of living in Denmark for international students is about DKK 6,000 per month, covering rent, food, and transport. 

WRITTEN BY

Aastha

Sr. Content Writer

Aastha Arya is a Senior Content Writer at iSchoolConnect who writes about topics covering study abroad trends, exclusive news updates and prolific college courses. She has a 4-year of experience in this field and also likes to keep tabs on recent events, visa policy changes, and many other concerns that affect international students.

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