Cost of Living in Copenhagen

Finding accommodation in Copenhagen requires patience and a healthy budget. For unfurnished one-bedroom apartments, expect to pay 12,500-14,000 DKK ($1,975-2,210) per month in neighborhoods like Nørrebro and Amager, rising to 15,000-18,000 DKK ($2,370-2,845) in sought-after areas like Vesterbro, Frederiksberg, and Østerbro. Furnished apartments carry a premium of 1,500-3,000 DKK above unfurnished rates. Short-term Airbnb rentals for a one-bedroom typically cost $2,200-3,200 per month depending on location and season, making them a convenient but pricier option for the first few weeks while searching for longer-term housing. The main platforms for apartment hunting are lejebolig.dk, BoligPortal.dk, and boligzonen.dk, alongside Facebook groups like "Apartments for Rent in Copenhagen." Vacancy rates sit below 2%, so desirable listings disappear fast.

Copenhagen is one of Europe's priciest cities for dining, but digital nomads can eat well without breaking the bank if they know where to look. A basic meal at an inexpensive restaurant runs 120-160 DKK ($17-23), while a mid-range dinner typically costs 200-275 DKK ($29-40) per person. For budget bites, head to Nørrebro where multicultural eateries along Nørrebrogade serve kebabs and dürüm wraps for 40-60 DKK ($6-9) and falafel plates for around 65-80 DKK ($9-12). Vesterbro's Istedgade has local gems like Isted Grill, serving the classic flæskesteg pork sandwich since 1975, and Madglad for affordable homemade meals. A traditional smørrebrød open-face sandwich costs around 80 DKK ($12) at places like Hallernes in Torvehallerne.

Grocery shopping in Copenhagen requires strategy, as Denmark's 25% VAT on food keeps prices notably higher than most of Europe. The cheapest supermarket chains are Netto, Rema 1000, and Lidl, all of which have locations throughout the city. Rema 1000 is often considered the absolute cheapest, while Netto has the most widespread presence with stores in nearly every neighborhood. Lidl offers excellent value on baked goods and rotating international specialties. For a step up in quality and selection, Føtex provides a good mid-range option with a wider product range. The former premium chain Irma has been rebranded, but its organic-focused concept continues in select Coop 365 stores.

Copenhagen has an excellent integrated public transport network comprising the Metro (four lines, M1-M4, running 24/7), S-trains linking the city to suburbs across seven lines, and an extensive bus network that fills every gap. All modes share a single ticketing system based on zones radiating outward from the city center. A standard two-zone single ticket costs 24 DKK (~$3.40 USD), which covers most trips within central Copenhagen. For better value, pick up a Rejsekort — the anonymous version costs 80 DKK (~$11 USD) for the card itself plus a minimum 70 DKK top-up, and you'll pay roughly 17-19 DKK per two-zone ride, a noticeable discount over single tickets. If you're staying a month, the Pendlerkort commuter pass for two zones runs about 510 DKK (~$72 USD) per month and gives unlimited rides on buses, trains, and the Metro within your selected zones.

Denmark consistently ranks among the world's most connected countries, and Copenhagen delivers on that reputation. Average broadband speeds in the city hover around 135-215 Mbps for downloads and 110-137 Mbps for uploads, and most cafes and coworking spaces offer reliable WiFi well above 30 Mbps. Copenhagen's public libraries — including the stunning Black Diamond (Det Kgl. Bibliotek) and the modern Ørestad Library — all provide free WiFi with no registration required, plus comfortable seating and power outlets, making them excellent no-cost workspaces for digital nomads.

Denmark's universal healthcare system is excellent, but access for digital nomads depends on your residency status. If you hold an EU/EEA passport, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to free GP visits, hospital treatment, and specialist referrals within the public system — the same terms as Danish residents. Non-EU visitors without a CPR number (civil registration) will need to pay out of pocket for medical care: a private GP consultation typically costs 500-800 DKK ($70-115 USD), so comprehensive travel or international health insurance is essential. Once you register as a resident and obtain your CPR number and yellow health card (sundhedskort), public healthcare becomes free, though this requires staying longer than three months.

Copenhagen is essentially cashless — credit and debit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are accepted virtually everywhere, from street food stalls to public restrooms. Download MobilePay, Denmark's ubiquitous payment app, if you can set it up with a Danish bank account. Tipping is not expected since service is included in all prices and Danish workers earn strong wages (waiters average around 160 DKK/hour), though rounding up the bill or leaving 10% for exceptional service is appreciated. Be aware that alcohol is expensive: a pint of beer runs 50-70 DKK ($7-10 USD) at bars, cocktails cost 100-200 DKK ($14-29 USD), and a glass of wine averages 80 DKK ($12 USD). Save money by buying from supermarkets like Netto or Rema 1000 where beer starts at just 7-10 DKK per can.