The idea of living in Denmark sounds like an exhilarating experience. After all, who does not want to live in an egalitarian society where progressive ideals are accompanied by brilliant aesthetics and design? While the bakeries are wonderful, the flourishing industries and superior quality universities are a testimony to the fact that the country is a force to reckon with. However, for most expats, it can be an uphill battle as the cost of living in this beautiful country can be high.
From the perspective of other countries in Europe, Denmark hovers on the higher side of things, be it for eating out, consumables, and even the cost of gas. While the cost of living in Denmark balances itself out as the wages are also high in this country, here is a brief look at what you need to know about this situation.
The expenses that come with transport
Transport in Denmark can be costly if you usually take taxis more often than not. However, it can prove to be cost-effective if you use public transportation. One way that you can utilize to travel without spending a bomb is walking. Denmark has beautiful promenades and walkways. Another popular and cost-efficient way to move around is cycling. Danish cities are cycle-friendly and offer numerous pathways.
If you are thinking of purchasing a car, you might want to think about the exorbitantly priced petrol as well as the expenses that come with car ownership. Besides buses and trains, cycling and walking are the best ways to move around; they also help you stay fit and active.
Education and schooling costs
The Government of Denmark has made education absolutely tuition-free for students. So, if you are an EU citizen, the cost of education in Denmark is low as tuition fee is non-existent. Expats and international students have to pay for learning materials. These include textbooks as well as other miscellaneous items. If a child is not from an EU country, the cost of education in Denmark can be high as international schools are usually expensive.
For instance, the price of textbooks that range from €200 to €300 contributes to the rising costs of education for that student. However, as the child proceeds to a higher class, they can buy school material at less expensive prices. You can also try borrowing and scanning books from libraries.
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The cost of accommodation in Denmark
As a foreigner living in Denmark, a large percentage of your monthly expenses will be on account of accommodation. That is why it is essential to pay attention to the location of your home. For instance, if you are looking at Copenhagen, it is smaller in size while its popularity is always at an all-time high. This inevitably means that accommodation is bound to be scarce and costly. So, you must do your research well to shortlist possible areas in the city where you want to stay and also find out the cost of renting an apartment there. It will let you see that the cost is within your budget and you can live in a neighborhood you like.
Generally speaking, the cost of utilities is not part of the rent. That is why you must budget for this additional expense you need to pay. Remember that when you are looking for a place to live, the cost of the initial deposit is going to be up to three months of the rent. You need to have this deposit handy. In case you are an international student, a majority of universities and colleges offers accommodation for international students in university dormitories. For some students, these rates are nevertheless high so it is better that you look at other options of accommodation that are outside campuses.
Cost of food in Denmark
Grocery shopping is costly in this country, and many expats are sure to get a jolt after getting to know the costs of everyday food items. Meticulous and systematic budgeting is all that it takes to ensure costs are kept in check when heading to a grocery store. Purchasing locally produced and seasonal goods in bulk can work to bring down the costs. One other trick involves steering clear of imports.
As long as you plan systematically and have your finances in order, you can live with grocery shopping without making it a stress factor in your life.
To sum it up
So there you have it. It is important to take all of these factors into account before coming to a decision. You need to pay attention to budgeting as well as have a proper plan in place so that you can accordingly make certain that you get the best out of your stay in Denmark. That way, the cost of living in Denmark will not come as a shock and you will be better equipped to handle the expenses related to your long-term stay in the country.
