💰 Cost of Living in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, but with careful budgeting, it's manageable. Below are typical monthly expenses for a single person.
🏠 Rent & Housing
Rent is the biggest expense. Prices vary by location, size, and whether you rent privately or through a housing association.
- Shared apartment (room): 5,000 – 7,000 DKK/month
- Studio apartment (central): 8,000 – 12,000 DKK/month
- 1-bedroom apartment (outer areas): 7,000 – 10,000 DKK/month
- Deposit: Typically 3 months' rent (paid upfront)
💡 Tip: Use platforms like BoligPortal, FindRoommate, or Facebook groups ("Lejligheder i København").
🍽️ Food & Groceries
- Groceries (cooking at home): 2,500 – 3,500 DKK/month
- Eating out (once a week): add 500–1,000 DKK/month
- Cheap supermarkets: Netto, Rema 1000, Lidl
- Mid-range: Føtex, Kvickly, Irma (more expensive)
🚆 Transport
- Monthly public transport card (city zone): 600 DKK (with "Rejsekort" or app)
- Bike: One-time purchase 2,000–5,000 DKK; maintenance minimal
- Occasional taxi/ride-share: budget 200–300 DKK if needed
Most residents bike – it's the fastest and cheapest way to get around.
💡 Utilities & Insurance
- Internet + mobile: 300–500 DKK/month (e.g., Hiper, YouSee)
- Electricity/heating (if not included in rent): 500–1,000 DKK/month
- Contents insurance (indboforsikring): 150–300 DKK/month
- Health insurance: Free (public healthcare) – only if you have a CPR number. Private insurance optional.
📊 Sample Monthly Budget
| Expense | Low (DKK) | High (DKK) |
| Rent (shared) | 5,000 | 7,000 |
| Food | 2,500 | 3,500 |
| Transport | 600 | 600 |
| Internet/phone | 300 | 500 |
| Insurance | 200 | 300 |
| Electricity/heating | 400 | 800 |
| Total | 9,000 | 12,700 |
*Studio apartment would add 3,000–5,000 DKK more. Lifestyle extras (eating out, entertainment) not included.
☕ Best Cafes in Copenhagen
Copenhagen's cafe culture is thriving. Whether you need a quiet spot to study, crave excellent coffee, or want hygge, here are top picks.
📚 Cafes for Studying
- Paludan Bogcafé – Fiolstræde 10-12. A cozy bookshop cafe with plenty of tables, good lighting, and a relaxed atmosphere. Free WiFi, great for long sessions.
- Café Norden – Østergade 61. Large, central, spacious with high ceilings. Lots of seats, always buzzing but you can find a corner. Good coffee and food.
- Det Vide Hus – Farvergade 2. Quiet, less touristy, with a nice courtyard. Popular among students.
- Bertels Salon – Vesterbrogade 2B. Beautiful interior, calm, good for reading.
🏆 Best Coffee (Specialty)
- Coffee Collective – Multiple locations (Jægersborggade, Godthåbsvej, Torvehallerne). Consistently rated among the best roasters in the world. Minimalist, focus on quality.
- Prolog – Kødbyen (meatpacking district). Trendy spot with exceptional espresso and pastries.
- Democratic Coffee – On top of the main library (Krystalgade 15). Great coffee and famous cinnamon buns. Perfect after a library visit.
- Risteriet – Værnedamsvej 4. Cozy, small roastery with excellent brews.
🕯️ Hygge & Atmosphere
- Ateliere September – Gothersgade 30. Beautiful, bright, with a French-inspired vibe. Perfect for lingering.
- Risteriet (also great for hygge) – Værnedamsvej 4.
- Café Zeleste – Store Kongensgade 9. Old-school Copenhagen charm, good for a relaxed chat.
- Höst – though a restaurant, their cafe area is cozy and stylish.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is it expensive to live in Copenhagen?
Yes, it's one of the most expensive cities in Europe. A single person needs around 9,000–15,000 DKK/month depending on housing and lifestyle.
What is a good salary to live comfortably in Copenhagen?
For a single person, a monthly net salary of 25,000–30,000 DKK is comfortable. Many students live on less by sharing apartments and biking.
Can I study in cafes for free?
Most cafes expect you to buy something every couple of hours. Paludan Bogcafé and libraries are more forgiving for long study sessions.
Do Copenhagen cafes have free WiFi?
Yes, almost all cafes offer free WiFi. Some may require a purchase for a code.