Life in Denmark is all about blossoming in a country with a reputation for being one of the happiest in the world. With its colorful facades and numerous islands, Denmark appeals to expatriates not only for its picturesque landscapes. The country offers its inhabitants an exceptional quality of life Denmark, with an emphasis on citizen well-being, social connections, and sustainable mobility. But what about the Denmark budget required to settle here? Foyer Global Health shares a comprehensive guide to the cost living Denmark!
Currency and Exchange Rates in Denmark
The official currency in Denmark is the Danish krone, abbreviated “DKK” (danske kroner). Although part of the European Union, Denmark does not use the euro. However, the country is a member of ERM II, the European Exchange Rate Mechanism. This stabilizes the exchange rates of European currencies and controls their fluctuations. In concrete terms, the Danish krone and the euro are linked so that the variation in their exchange rates does not exceed 2.25%. Currently, 1 DKK = 0.13€ and 1€ = 7.46 DKK.
Accommodation in Denmark
The cost living Denmark is considered one of the highest in Western Europe. Unsurprisingly, renting and buying property in Denmark requires a substantial budget, especially in Copenhagen. To rent a two bedroom apartment city in Copenhagen, expect to pay an average of DKK 11,000/month, or 1,472.42€. Of course, housing prices are cheaper in the suburbs and other Danish cities. As for buying an apartment, the average budget in Denmark, outside the city center, is DKK 26,958/m2, or 3,608.51€.
Note: For expatriates wishing to live in Denmark, buying an apartment is simplified if you have a permanent employment contract. When buying a home, the Danish government offers credit facilities and tax relief on interest payments.
Average Shopping Budget
When it comes to shopping in Denmark, a number of establishments are popular, including Danish supermarket chains Føtex, Superbrugsen, and Irma, and hypermarkets such as Bilka and Inco. International brands such as Aldi, Lidl, and Netto have also made a place for themselves in this country. As far as prices are concerned, the average budget Denmark is one of the most expensive in Europe.
Here’s a price list of staple foods in Denmark:
- Water (1.5L): approx. 1.29€
- Milk (1L): 1.81€
- Rice (1kg): 2.15€
- Dozen eggs: 4.20€
- Apples (1kg): 2.83€
- Potatoes (1kg): 1.88€
- Salad (1 pcs): 1.78€
- Red meat (1kg): 15.14€
- Chicken fillet (1kg): 9.93€
Transportation
Getting around Denmark is easy, thanks to the country’s extensive, interconnected public transport network. While the country is renowned for its incredible cycling network—which reflects the Danes’ love of this way of getting around—it also boasts many different means of transport.
First of all, you can take the metro, which serves Copenhagen as well as the towns of Frederiksberg and Tarnby. On the budget side, ticket prices vary on average between 3.20€ and 4.80€, as do bus fares. In Denmark, there is also the Havnebus, or boat-bus. This vehicle links the Danish islands and provides a connection between all the country’s cities. Of course, you can also get around by car. Petrol costs DKK 14.24 (1.91€) a liter, and the highways are free.
However, parking spaces are very expensive, in Copenhagen and elsewhere. Expect to pay 35 DKK (4.68€) per hour for parking in downtown Copenhagen.
Health Care in Denmark
In Denmark, all legal residents benefit from the famous “Sygesikring,” i.e., public healthcare system. Funded by taxes, it generally covers the medical expenses of every resident. On average, here are the prices charged in Denmark for basic medical appointments:En moyenne, voici les prix pratiqués au Danemark pour les rendez-vous médicaux de base :
- Consultation with a general practitioner: DKK 200 (26.78€)
- Consultation with a specialist: between 200 and 400 DKK (26.78€ and 54.56€)
- Preliminary dental examination by a dentist: 290 DKK (38.83€)
Despite the quality of the Danish healthcare system, this universal insurance is not infallible. It does not cover all treatments, nor does it allow you to choose your own doctors and medical facilities. If you are planning to move to Denmark, you may want to consider taking out private health insurance. This offers several advantages:
- More extensive than Danish public healthcare system, it includes a wide range of additional care.
- Significantly shorter waiting times
- Multilingual assistance
- Protects you in any country
The Danish Education System
Denmark is a country that devotes a significant proportion of its budget every year to children’s education and welfare. The Danish education system is divided as follows:
- Kindergarten (Børnehave) from age 3 to 5
- Primary school and lower secondary school (Grundskole/Folkeskole) from ages 6 to 16
- Gymnasium, i.e., high school (Ungdomsuddannelser) from age 16 to 19
- Higher education (Videregående uddannelser) or initial vocational training (FPI) +19 years
Tuition fees are paid by the Danish government. Of course, there are private schools that charge tuition fees for both secondary and higher education. On average, you should expect to pay between 6,000 and 16,000€ / year for higher education.
Telecommunications Services
The development of telecommunication services in Denmark is a government priority for the coming years.
- For a monthly mobile package, with 10 GB+ of data, budget DKK 128.94 (17.28€).
- For a 60Mbps monthly internet subscription, the average price is 254 DKK (34.04€).
Leisure in Denmark
Denmark is full of natural parks with breathtaking scenery. Thy National Park (free entrance) is a perfect example, as is the Wadden Sea National Park (entrance fee 112 DKK, or 15€/ adult and 40 DKK, or 5.36€ / child). Residents can also visit the country’s 444 or so islands, or visit the museums and historic sites of Danish cities, especially Copenhagen.
- Admission to the capital’s museums is free for under-18s, and the price in Denmark is around 120 DKK (16.10€) for adults.
- Cinema tickets also cost an average of 120 DKK (16€).
- For dinner in a mid-range restaurant for 2 people, the average price is DKK 748.56 (100.26€).