Cost of Living: Denmark vs Australia

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Denmark and Australia.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Denmark is 7.5% cheaper than Australia. The biggest difference is in Transportation, where costs are 92.2% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Australia, you would spend about $92 in Denmark for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 69.1%

Denmark is 69.1% cheaper

Childcare 45.7%

Denmark is 45.7% cheaper

Mobile and Internet 24.2%

Denmark is 24.2% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 7.5%

Denmark is 7.5% cheaper than Australia

Most Expensive Categories

  • Transportation +92.2%
  • Clothing And Shoes +36.1%
  • Restaurants +35.9%

Is Denmark cheaper than Australia?

Yes, Denmark is cheaper than Australia

Overall, living costs in Denmark are 7.5% lower than in Australia.

Where Denmark is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 69.1% cheaper
  • Childcare 45.7% cheaper
  • Mobile and Internet 24.2% cheaper

Where Denmark is more expensive:

  • Transportation 92.2% more expensive
  • Clothing And Shoes 36.1% more expensive
  • Restaurants 35.9% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Denmark: 22.89 $ Australia: 16.22 $
41.1% more expensive in Denmark

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Denmark: 1,189.60 $ Australia: 1,381.57 $
13.9% cheaper in Denmark

1 liter of milk

Denmark: 2.09 $ Australia: 1.53 $
36.6% more expensive in Denmark

1 liter of gasoline

Denmark: 2.18 $ Australia: 1.18 $
84.7% more expensive in Denmark

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Denmark is indeed cheaper than Australia. You would save approximately 7.5% on living expenses by choosing Denmark over Australia. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

7.5%

Denmark is 7.5% cheaper than Australia

Restaurants

35.9%

Denmark is 35.9% more expensive than Australia in this category

Markets

6.0%

Denmark is 6.0% more expensive than Australia in this category

Other Expenses

69.1%

Denmark is 69.1% cheaper than Australia in this category

Transportation

92.2%

Denmark is 92.2% more expensive than Australia in this category

Household Utilities

30.6%

Denmark is 30.6% more expensive than Australia in this category

Mobile and Internet

24.2%

Denmark is 24.2% cheaper than Australia in this category

Sports And Leisure

20.6%

Denmark is 20.6% more expensive than Australia in this category

Childcare

45.7%

Denmark is 45.7% cheaper than Australia in this category

Clothing And Shoes

36.1%

Denmark is 36.1% more expensive than Australia in this category

Rent Per Month

9.2%

Denmark is 9.2% cheaper than Australia in this category

Property Prices

18.9%

Denmark is 18.9% cheaper than Australia in this category

Salaries And Financing

8.7%

Denmark is 8.7% more expensive than Australia in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Denmark Australia Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 22.89 $ 16.22 $ 41.1%
Denmark is 41.1% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 106.83 $ 77.88 $ 37.2%
Denmark is 37.2% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 14.80 $ 9.73 $ 52.1%
Denmark is 52.1% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 6.30 $ 3.48 $ 81.0%
Denmark is 81.0% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 3.98 $ 2.62 $ 51.9%
Denmark is 51.9% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 3.05 $ 2.16 $ 41.2%
Denmark is 41.2% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.44 $ 1.51 $ 4.6%
Denmark is 4.6% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 2.55 $ 5.69 $ 55.2%
Denmark is 55.2% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.06 $ 1.29 $ 59.7%
Denmark is 59.7% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 10.19 $ 7.97 $ 27.9%
Denmark is 27.9% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.55 $ 1.43 $ 78.3%
Denmark is 78.3% more expensive
Milk (1L) 2.09 $ 1.53 $ 36.6%
Denmark is 36.6% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 3.41 $ 2.45 $ 39.2%
Denmark is 39.2% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 2.44 $ 2.05 $ 19.0%
Denmark is 19.0% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 5.00 $ 4.31 $ 16.0%
Denmark is 16.0% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 14.09 $ 8.89 $ 58.5%
Denmark is 58.5% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 11.54 $ 8.44 $ 36.7%
Denmark is 36.7% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 17.23 $ 13.88 $ 24.1%
Denmark is 24.1% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 3.19 $ 3.19 $ 0.0%
Denmark is 0.0% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 3.35 $ 2.75 $ 21.8%
Denmark is 21.8% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 3.58 $ 2.93 $ 22.2%
Denmark is 22.2% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.74 $ 4.30 $ 10.2%
Denmark is 10.2% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.20 $ 2.47 $ 10.9%
Denmark is 10.9% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.96 $ 2.14 $ 8.4%
Denmark is 8.4% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 2.09 $ 2.22 $ 5.9%
Denmark is 5.9% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 91.56 $ 97.35 $ 5.9%
Denmark is 5.9% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 9.61 $ 31.15 $ 69.1%
Denmark is 69.1% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 3.66 $ 2.92 $ 25.3%
Denmark is 25.3% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 7.63 $ 3.89 $ 96.1%
Denmark is 96.1% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 2.29 $ 1.88 $ 21.8%
Denmark is 21.8% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 76.30 $ 37.90 $ 101.3%
Denmark is 101.3% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 2.18 $ 1.18 $ 84.7%
Denmark is 84.7% more expensive
New Economy Car 48,834.50 $ 28,829.12 $ 69.4%
Denmark is 69.4% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 50,114.00 $ 22,658.59 $ 121.2%
Denmark is 121.2% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 229.64 $ 175.90 $ 30.6%
Denmark is 30.6% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 19.43 $ 26.66 $ 27.1%
Denmark is 27.1% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 40.95 $ 52.98 $ 22.7%
Denmark is 22.7% cheaper
Gym Membership 43.56 $ 47.43 $ 8.2%
Denmark is 8.2% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 31.80 $ 16.59 $ 91.7%
Denmark is 91.7% more expensive
Movie Ticket 19.08 $ 14.28 $ 33.6%
Denmark is 33.6% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 530.81 $ 1,570.69 $ 66.2%
Denmark is 66.2% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 7,030.15 $ 12,354.33 $ 43.1%
Denmark is 43.1% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 115.50 $ 71.57 $ 61.4%
Denmark is 61.4% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 46.19 $ 50.87 $ 9.2%
Denmark is 9.2% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 122.70 $ 102.13 $ 20.1%
Denmark is 20.1% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 170.67 $ 109.73 $ 55.5%
Denmark is 55.5% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,189.60 $ 1,381.57 $ 13.9%
Denmark is 13.9% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 926.35 $ 1,095.96 $ 15.5%
Denmark is 15.5% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 2,173.84 $ 2,332.99 $ 6.8%
Denmark is 6.8% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,650.30 $ 1,729.44 $ 4.6%
Denmark is 4.6% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 5,636.13 $ 6,794.53 $ 17.0%
Denmark is 17.0% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 3,999.32 $ 5,084.33 $ 21.3%
Denmark is 21.3% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 3,938.51 $ 3,619.71 $ 8.8%
Denmark is 8.8% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 4.21 6.35 33.7%
Denmark is 33.7% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Australia. Enter your monthly expenses in Denmark to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Denmark and Australia goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Denmark vs Australia

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Denmark

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.
  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Australia

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Denmark Cost of living in Australia

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