Cost of Living in Copenhagen 2026

The cost of living in Copenhagen is high, especially for housing, food and daily expenses. A single person may need around DKK 9,000–10,000 (₹1.32–₹1.47 lakh) per month, excluding rent, while a family of four may spend around DKK 35,000–40,000 (₹5.14–₹5.87 lakh) per month, excluding rent. The actual amount depends on the area you live in and your lifestyle.

Here is a quick look at the main expenses in Copenhagen:

• Accommodation: A one-bedroom apartment can cost around DKK 8,981–12,762 (₹1.32–₹1.87 lakh) per month, depending on the location.
• Food and groceries: Students may spend around DKK 2,000–3,500 (₹29,400–₹51,450) per month on food and groceries.
• Transport: A monthly public transport pass costs around DKK 700 (₹10,277).
• Utilities and internet: Basic utilities can cost around DKK 1,159 (₹17,017) per month, with phone and internet charged separately.
• Personal expenses: Shopping, entertainment, fitness and other daily needs will add to the monthly budget.

This article covers the cost of living in Copenhagen denmark in detail, including accommodation, food, transport, utilities, healthcare and study costs. It also explains the expenses Indian students should plan for before moving to Denmark.

Cost of Living in Copenhagen by Profile

The cost of living in Copenhagen can change a lot depending on how many people are living together. A single person mainly spends on rent, food, transport and personal needs, while a family of four usually has higher housing, food and daily expenses. The figures below give a simple idea of the budget you may need in Copenhagen. 

Cost of Living in Copenhagen for a Single Person

A single person may spend around DKK 8,500–9,000 (₹1.25–₹1.32 lakh) per month, excluding rent. Housing is usually the biggest extra expense. The amount can change based on the location, type of home and lifestyle.

Here is a quick look at the main expenses for one person:

Expense	Monthly Cost in DKK	Approximate Cost in INR
Living expenses excluding rent	DKK 8,500–9,000	₹1.25–₹1.32 lakh
1-bedroom rent in city centre	DKK 12,500–13,000	₹1.84–₹1.91 lakh
1-bedroom rent outside city centre	DKK 8,500–9,500	₹1.25–₹1.39 lakh
Basic utilities	DKK 1,100–1,200	₹16,100–₹17,600
Internet	DKK 250–275	₹3,670–₹4,040
Monthly transport pass	DKK 650–750	₹9,540–₹11,010

Cost of Living in Copenhagen for a Family of Four

A family of four will need more money mainly because of larger accommodation, groceries and other household expenses. The monthly budget can change a lot depending on the size and location of the home. A three-bedroom apartment alone can cost around DKK 15,000–22,500 (₹2.20–₹3.30 lakh) per month, depending on the location.

The following table shows some major expenses a family may need to plan for:

Expense	Monthly Cost in DKK	Approximate Cost in INR
3-bedroom rent outside city centre	DKK 15,000–15,500	₹2.20–₹2.28 lakh
3-bedroom rent in city centre	DKK 22,000–22,500	₹3.23–₹3.30 lakh
Basic utilities	DKK 1,100–1,200	₹16,100–₹17,600
Internet	DKK 250–275	₹3,670–₹4,040
Monthly transport pass per person	DKK 650–750	₹9,540–₹11,010

Source: Numbeo.
INR conversions are approximate and based on 1 DKK = ₹14.68.

Cost of Living in Different Areas of Copenhagen

The cost of living in Copenhagen can change depending on where you choose to live. The city centre is one of the most expensive areas, while places farther from the centre can be easier on the budget. Nørrebro, for example, has some smaller and more affordable housing options, while Vanløse is often cheaper than many other parts of Copenhagen. Areas such as Østerbro and Vesterbro are popular but can be more expensive. 

The table below gives an idea of the monthly rent ranges students and other residents may find across Copenhagen.

Area	Monthly Rent Range	Cost in INR
Indre By / City Centre	DKK 9,500–17,000 for 1-bedroom	₹1.39–₹2.50 lakh
Østerbro	DKK 9,500–17,000 for 1-bedroom	₹1.39–₹2.50 lakh
Nørrebro	DKK 7,000–13,500 for 1-bedroom	₹1.03–₹1.98 lakh
Vesterbro	DKK 9,500–17,000 for 1-bedroom	₹1.39–₹2.50 lakh
Valby	DKK 7,000–13,500 for 1-bedroom	₹1.03–₹1.98 lakh
Vanløse	DKK 7,000–13,500 for 1-bedroom	₹1.03–₹1.98 lakh

Source: Numbeo

Note: The rent ranges are Copenhagen-level benchmarks and are used as an estimate for the areas above, not as separate neighbourhood-specific averages. INR conversions are based on approximately 1 DKK = ₹14.68.

Accommodation Costs in Copenhagen

Accommodation is one of the biggest monthly expenses in Copenhagen. Rent is usually higher if you want to live close to the city centre. Students can lower their budget by renting a room, staying in a student residence or sharing an apartment. The official Study in Denmark website also recommends looking for shared housing, as renting an entire apartment in the centre can be expensive.

The table below shows the current monthly accommodation cost ranges in Copenhagen.

Accommodation Type	Monthly Cost (DKK)	Monthly Cost (INR)
1-bedroom apartment in city centre	DKK 9,500–16,000	₹1.39–₹2.35 lakh
1-bedroom apartment outside city centre	DKK 6,500–13,000	₹0.95–₹1.91 lakh
3-bedroom apartment in city centre	DKK 17,000–28,000	₹2.50–₹4.11 lakh
3-bedroom apartment outside city centre	DKK 13,000–20,000	₹1.91–₹2.94 lakh

Source: Numbeo

INR conversions are based on approximately 1 DKK = ₹14.68.

Monthly Food & Grocery Expenses in Copenhagen

Food can take a good part of a student’s monthly budget in Copenhagen. Cooking at home and buying groceries from budget supermarkets can help keep this cost lower. For students, around DKK 2,000–3,500 (₹29,400–₹51,400) per month is a reasonable food budget. Eating out regularly can increase the monthly cost.

Here is a quick look at common food and grocery prices in Copenhagen:

Food Item	Price in DKK	Price in INR
Milk (1 litre)	DKK 13–16	₹191–₹235
Bread (500g)	DKK 25–35	₹367–₹514
Rice (1 kg)	DKK 18–24	₹264–₹352
Eggs (12)	DKK 30–40	₹441–₹587
Chicken fillets (1 kg)	DKK 80–100	₹1,174–₹1,468
Cheese (1 kg)	DKK 100–125	₹1,468–₹1,835
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	DKK 130–170	₹1,908–₹2,496
Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant	DKK 700–900	₹10,276–₹13,212
Cappuccino	DKK 40–50	₹587–₹734

Source: Numbeo, 2026

INR conversions are based on approximately 1 DKK = ₹14.68.

Transportation Costs in Copenhagen

Getting around Copenhagen is fairly easy because the city has buses, trains and the metro. Many students also use bicycles for daily travel. Public transport can be a good option if you live away from your university or need to travel regularly. The cost depends on how often you travel and how many zones you use.

The table below shows the main transportation costs students may need to include in their monthly budget.

Transport Option	Cost in DKK	Cost in INR
One-way public transport ticket	DKK 22–24	₹323–₹352
Monthly public transport pass	DKK 700–715	₹10,276–₹10,497
Taxi starting fare	DKK 38–39	₹558–₹572
Taxi per km	DKK 12–14	₹176–₹206
Petrol (1 litre)	DKK 14–16	₹206–₹235

Please note: For regular travel, students can also use the Rejsebillet app to buy public transport tickets. A City Pass is another option for unlimited travel for a fixed period, with prices starting from DKK 100 (₹1,468) for 24 hours in the small zone area.

Source: Numbeo, 2026

INR conversions are based on approximately 1 DKK = ₹14.68.

Utility Bills & Costs in Copenhagen

Utility bills are another cost to keep in mind when planning the cost of living in Copenhagen. These bills can include electricity, heating, water and other basic services. If you rent a student room or shared accommodation some of these costs may already be included in the rent. In private housing, you may have to pay them separately.

The table below gives an idea of the monthly utility and communication costs in Copenhagen.

Utility	Monthly Cost (DKK)	Monthly Cost (INR)
Basic utilities for an 85 m² apartment	DKK 1,000–1,300	₹14,680–₹19,084
Internet	DKK 250–275	₹3,670–₹4,040
Mobile phone plan	DKK 90–100	₹1,321–₹1,468
Basic utilities + internet	DKK 1,250–1,575	₹18,350–₹23,128

Please note: Students should also check their rental agreement before moving in. Water, heating and electricity may be charged as an advance payment, known as a conto, and the final amount can change based on actual usage.

Source: Numbeo, 2026

INR conversions are based on approximately 1 DKK = ₹14.68.

Healthcare Costs in Copenhagen

Healthcare in Copenhagen works a little differently from what students may be used to in India. International students who are covered by Denmark’s public healthcare system can get many basic medical services without paying at the time of treatment. Students should register with the Danish Civil Registration System after arriving and get a health insurance card to use public healthcare services.

The table below gives a simple idea of the healthcare costs students may need to plan for.

Healthcare Expense	Cost in DKK	Cost in INR
GP visit under public healthcare	Covered (DKK 0)	Covered (₹0)
Public hospital treatment	Covered (DKK 0)	Covered (₹0)
Dental care	DKK 300–1,000+	₹4,404–₹14,680+
Other non-covered treatment	DKK 300–800+	₹4,404–₹11,744+

Please note: Students should remember that covered healthcare does not mean every medical expense is free. Dental care, some medicines and certain treatments may require students to pay part or all of the cost. Students often find this confusing. Dental care is also an idea to check what is covered before booking private treatment.

Source: Numbeo, 2026

INR conversions are based on approximately 1 DKK = ₹14.68.

Cost of Studying in Copenhagen

The cost of studying in Copenhagen depends on the course and university you choose and students from India and other countries outside the EU/EEA usually need to pay tuition fees. Students should also plan for rent, food, transport, books and other daily expenses along, with tuition.

The official Denmark study portal puts the general annual tuition range for full-degree students at DKK 45,000–120,000 (₹6.63–₹17.68 lakh).

Tuition Fees by Study Level

Tuition fees can be different at each university, so there is no single fee for every course. Bachelor's and master's programmes can also have different fees. The table below gives a general idea of what international students may pay.

Study Level	Annual Tuition Fee (DKK)	Annual Tuition Fee (INR)
Bachelor's degree	DKK 45,000–120,000	₹6.63–₹17.68 lakh
Master's degree	DKK 45,000–120,000+	₹6.63–₹17.68 lakh+
PhD	DKK 0–50,000	₹0–₹7.37 lakh

Top 5 Universities in Copenhagen and Their Fees

Copenhagen has several good universities and higher education institutions for international students. The tuition fee depends on the university and course. Students from outside the EU/EEA usually have to pay tuition fees. 

The table below gives a quick look at the fees at some of the main institutions in Copenhagen.

University	Tuition Fee	Approximate Fee in INR
University of Copenhagen	DKK 37,500–62,500 per semester	₹5.52–₹9.20 lakh
Copenhagen Business School	DKK 49,000–60,000 per semester	₹7.22–₹8.84 lakh
IT University of Copenhagen	DKK 61,650 per semester	₹9.08 lakh
Royal Danish Academy	DKK 60,000–60,000 per semester	₹8.84 lakh
Copenhagen Business Academy	Around DKK 60,000 per semester	₹8.84 lakh

Source: Numbeo, 2026

INR conversions are based on approximately 1 DKK = ₹14.68.

Hidden Costs of Living in Copenhagen

The main expenses in Copenhagen are easy to plan for, but some smaller costs can surprise students after they arrive. These can include insurance, residence permit fees, books, personal expenses and extra utility payments. 

For example, students may need to pay around DKK 300 (₹4,419) for insurance and DKK 400–650 (₹5,892–₹9,575) for books and study supplies each month. Housing can also bring extra utility payments if the amount paid in advance is lower than the final bill.

Here are some hidden or less obvious costs to keep in mind while planning the cost of living in Copenhagen for international students:

Hidden Expense	Cost in DKK	Approximate Cost in INR
Student insurance	Around DKK 300/month	Around ₹4,419/month
Books and study supplies	DKK 400–650/month	₹5,892–₹9,575/month
Residence permit fee for study	DKK 3,060	₹45,074
Utility adjustment (a conto)	DKK 200–500/month	₹2,946–₹7,365/month
Dental care	DKK 500–1,500 per visit	₹7,365–₹22,095 per visit

Source: Numbeo

Budgeting Tips to Reduce the Cost of Living in Copenhagen for Indian Students

Copenhagen can be expensive for Indian students, but a few simple habits can help keep the monthly budget under control. Housing, food and transport usually take a big part of the budget, so saving on these areas can make a clear difference. 

For example, cooking at home can help reduce food costs, while cycling can lower daily transport expenses. Current cost data also shows that a monthly public transport pass can cost around DKK 700–765 (₹10,311–₹11,268), while a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around DKK 150 (₹2,210).

Students can follow these simple budgeting tips to manage the cost of living in Copenhagen:

• Choose shared accommodation: Sharing a flat can bring down the monthly rent compared with living alone, especially in central parts of Copenhagen.
• Cook more often: Eating out regularly can quickly increase your monthly spending. Buying groceries and cooking at home is usually easier on the budget.
• Use student discounts: Check for student discounts on transport, food, entertainment and other services before paying the full price.
• Cycle when possible: Copenhagen is well suited for cycling. Using a bicycle for short trips can help reduce spending on public transport.
• Plan your grocery shopping: Make a weekly food list and avoid buying things you do not need. Buying basic items from supermarkets can also help control food costs.
• Use public transport smartly: If you travel often, compare the cost of single tickets with a monthly pass. A monthly pass can be useful for regular travel.
• Keep an emergency fund: Set aside some money every month for medicines, dental care, repairs, study materials or unexpected bills.
• Track small expenses: Coffee, snacks, takeaway food and entertainment may look cheap on their own, but they can add up over a month. Keeping a simple spending record can help you spot where your money is going.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Copenhagen is high, but students can manage it with a proper budget. A single person may spend around DKK 8,800–10,000 (₹1.30–₹1.47 lakh) per month, excluding rent. For students, rent can add around DKK 6,500–13,000 (₹95,745–₹1.91 lakh) per month for a one-bedroom home outside the city centre. Living in shared accommodation can help reduce this cost.

Food can cost around DKK 2,000–3,500 (₹29,460–₹51,555) per month, while a monthly public transport pass may cost around DKK 700–715 (₹10,311–₹10,532). Students should also keep some money aside for utilities, insurance, study materials and other personal expenses.

For Indian students, planning these costs before moving to Denmark can make the transition easier. Choosing affordable accommodation, cooking at home and cycling when possible can help keep the cost of living in Copenhagen under control.

Planning your studies in Copenhagen? If you need help with choosing a university, understanding student costs, or navigating your study abroad journey, you can book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad’s study abroad experts today!