The economy in Denmark performs above the European average, which means people who live here enjoy a high standard of living. This is reflected in the living costs and, therefore, accommodation, food, transport and leisure are relatively expensive in Denmark, compared to many other countries. However, Danish salaries are correspondingly high, and many services such as medical treatment and schools are paid for via taxes and the Danish welfare system, due to this no user fees are charged at the point of use.
You will find more detailed information about opening a bank account, NemID, and payment methods in Denmark at the links to the right.
The pie chart above shows the typical expenses of students living in Aarhus. As actual expenses depend on individual lifestyle, we have also provided some case studies of different budgets from staff and students here at AU, in the drop-down menus below. These real life examples give a good overview of the price ranges here in Aarhus and show that it is possible to live fairly cheaply, or splash the cash, depending on personal priorities.
Hey, I'm Lilia. I'm from the UK and I'm 25 years old. I am currently living in a privately rented apartment (shared with my boyfriend).
I enjoy a night out, but my partying habits have definitely calmed down since my BA days, and I usually only go out for drinks on the weekend now! I mostly cook at home, but I like to check out a new restaurant every month, and I also get a take-away/lunch out a few times a month. I'm a fairly sensible spender - I try not to spend money unnecessarily, but I wouldn't say I'm very strict when it comes to day-to-day spending.
TOTAL: €1045/MONTH
1 EURO= DKK7.45
Top Money Saving Tip: Check out Facebook Marketplace, you can save a lot of money buying things second hand.
Guilty Spending Pleasure: Expensive cocktails from Two Socks Gin Bar!
Hi, I'm Aleksandra. I'm 21 and come from Poland.
I'm currently living in a dorm.
I rarely go out for food or drinks anywhere, to try and save money, because the prices at the bars and restaurants in Denmark are pretty high. When I do go out though, I go either for a house party or the bar at our dorm for student friendly prices!
TOTAL: €669/MONTH
1 EURO= DKK7.45
Top Money Saving Tip: Note down all your expenses and keep an eye on them.
Guilty Spending Pleasure: Sodas and energy drinks :)
Hi, I'm Ondrej! I'm 23 years old and I come from Czechia. I live in a private 1 bedroom apartment (35m2).
I spend most of my free time running, cycling or bouldering. I rarely spend a night out - maybe once every 6 months or so. I commute to Copenhagen a lot, as my girlfriend lives there and we tend to eat out once during the weekend. Apart from that, I mostly cook at home or eat in the Uni canteen, where it's very cheap. I have a car as I work at LEGO in Billund and have to commute. The monthly costs are quite high, so my budget is carefully planned.
TOTAL: €1185/MONTH
1 EURO= DKK7.45
Top Money Saving Tips: 1. Buy discounted food in the supermarkets. 2. If you are willing to commute a bit, then having accomodation outside of the city centre can save €100-€150 a month.
Guilty Spending Pleasures: Asian food, running shoes.
Hi, I'm Carolin. I'm from Germany and I am 23 years old. I'm currently living in a privately rented apartment, shared with my partner.
I mostly cook at home and try to meal prep lunches for the week but will go out to a café or restaurant a couple of times a month. I usually bike everywhere but if the weather gets really bad I'll take the bus or car share. I would say I'm a really responsible spender as I'm saving most of my money for travelling but will also spend a little bit more on clothes or expensive food from time to time.
TOTAL: €775/MONTH
1 EURO= DKK7.45
Top Money Saving Tip: Meal prep
Guilty Spending Pleasure: Ben & Jerry's ice cream
Hi, I'm Ran. I come from China and I'm 25.
I am currently living by myself in a studio apartment.
My top priorities when it comes to my budget are accomodation and food. It is really important for me to have my own space, especially during the pandemic, so I like to spend a bit more money on this. Also, I love cooking and trying different food with fun ingredients!
TOTAL: €1340/MONTH
1 EURO= DKK7.45
Top Money Saving Tips: 1. Use kindle or other e-books. 2. Follow discount information (for example Studiz for student discount or Tilbudavis for groceries)
Guilty Spending Pleasure: Tableware, especially coffee cups!
Hi, I'm Namol! I'm Thai-Danish, and I am 21. I'm living in a privately rented apartment, shared with my partner.
Apart from my rent, I mostly spend money on food. I am not going out to party that often anymore, but I still go out quite often to eat in restaurants and grab a coffee at a nice café as a way to treat myself.
I don't spend my money on unnecessary things and typically always ask myself twice before any purchase.
TOTAL: €1053/MONTH
1 EURO= DKK7.45
Top Money Saving Tips: 1. Look at second hand books! 2. Try to make food at home, it's always cheaper than going out.
Guilty Spending Pleasure: Food at restaurants and cafes
Hey, I'm Aleyna! I'm 24 and come from Turkey. I'm currently living in a privately rented aparetment, shared with a flatmate.
I mostly go out on the weekend with my friends, and I usually go to concerts two or three times a month. I like treating myself to live music. I usually cook at home, but I also eat out three or four times a month. I live in the city center; however, I study at Moesgård Campus, that’s why I order monthly pass for public transport which is way cheaper than paying for every bus ride. I always check how much I spend in a week and arrange my budget accordingly.
TOTAL: €1310/MONTH
1 EURO= DKK7.45
Top Money Saving Tips: 1. Check supermarket’s discounts periodically, you can get necessary products for half-price or even less. 2. If you need to buy furniture and such, check out Facebook Market and/or Reuse.
Guilty Spending Pleasure: Going to concerts twice or three times a month.
TOTAL: €1350/MONTH
1 EURO= DKK7.45
Leisure and other expenses:
TOTAL: €2000/MONTH
1 EURO= DKK7.45
Leisure and other expenses:
TOTAL: €3400/MONTH
1 EURO= DKK7.45
Leisure and other expenses:
Daycare (0-6 years):
Public school is free, international school:
