Best Places to Live in Denmark in 2022
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Introduction
Below is a list of some of the best places to live in Denmark to guide you in your journey of living in the 2nd happiest country in the world based on the 2021 Happiness Score from the World Happiness Report. Additionally, Denmark ranked 5th among the safest countries in the world, according to the Global Peace Index report from the Institute for Economics and Peace.
Best Places to Live in Denmark: Copenhagen
Given that it is one of the nicest places to live in Europe, Copenhagen is the natural choice for many expats. It is a stunning area with lots of parks, natural areas, and white sand beaches that can make both visitors and locals feel as though they are in a movie setting. There is a terrific cultural scene, a wide selection of top-notch eateries, and a ton of art galleries and museums to explore.
A lot of foreign businesses have established offices in Copenhagen, which serves as Denmark’s commercial hub. Finding employment shouldn’t be too difficult for you, and firms in Denmark are great at balancing work and personal obligations, allowing employees to genuinely love their jobs.
Additionally, you’ll be able to get around thanks to a first-rate transit system.
If you’re seeking for the best places to live in Denmark, you can’t really do much better than Copenhagen because its quality of life is among the best in the world.
Cost of Living
Asset management firm Mercer listed Copenhagen as the 11th most expensive city in the world for expats in its 2022 Cost of Living City Ranking. That’s below New York at number seven.
Rent for one-bedroom apartments inside and outside Copenhagen’s city center cost 11,834 krone ($1,207) and 8,823 krone on average per month, respectively, according to global cost of living data aggregator Numbeo (at the time of writing). The cost per square meter for buying an apartment within Copenhagen’s city center is at 54,516 krone, while that outside of the area is at 37,637 krone.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Denmark is estimated to cost 140 krone, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 750 krone for a three-course meal for two.
The overall cost of living in the city for a family of four can reach an estimated average of about 27,279 krone per month, while a single person can live off roughly 7,574 krone a month, both excluding rent.
Best Places to Live in Denmark: Aarhus
After Copenhagen, Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark. Aarhus is adjacent to the capital city and is situated on Denmark’s western coast. Aarhus is one of the best places to live in Denmark, especially if you enjoy being surrounded by art and culture.
The center canal in Aarhus, which you may wander along whenever you wish, and the abundance of magnificent buildings give the impression that this is a bustling town at heart. Sundays are typically spent by locals in the eateries and cafes that line the canal, where it is simple to enjoy a little chit-chat.
Aarhus is great for people of all ages, and the younger generation may choose from a variety of restaurants and pubs as well as a bustling nightlife. On the weekends, you may go shopping, explore a variety of national parks, or even charter a boat to go sailing.
If you’re looking for income, the city offers a lot of employment options as well.
Cost of Living
Rent for one-bedroom apartments inside and outside Aarhus’ city center cost 7,392 krone and 4,731 krone on average per month, respectively. The cost per square meter for buying an apartment within Aarhus’ city center is at 40,875 krone, while that outside of the area is at 24,405 krone.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Aarhus is estimated to cost 140 krone, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 700 krone for a three-course meal for two.
The overall cost of living in the city for a family of four can reach an estimated average of about 26,261 krone per month, while a single person can live off roughly 7,307 krone a month, both excluding rent.
The high income in Aarhus makes it much simpler to manage the expenses even though the cost of living in the city is relatively higher vs the rest of the world.
Best Places to Live in Denmark: Aalborg
One of the best places to visit in the world is the quaint and attractive northern Danish city of Aalborg. This might be the location for you if you’re looking for the nicest neighborhoods in Denmark that aren’t as congested as the capital.
Even though Aalborg is not near a coastline, it is still surrounded by water in the form of river banks.
This historic city is home to a variety of outstanding contemporary museums and architectural marvels, such as the striking House of Music and the Utzon Center. Aalborg draws a variety of populations, but students and younger groups are especially drawn to it because of the city’s creative culture, good combination of historical attractions, distinctive hotspots, and best street art in the nation.
There are many eateries and coffee shops to discover in Aalborg. If you so desire, you can also explore Denmark’s northern shore, which has a ton of excellent surfing places and lovely beaches.
Aalborg is home to a variety of job options with excellent pay, particularly if working in education is among your options. The neighborhood is also not quite as pricey as some of the other big cities in the area.
Cost of Living
Rent for one-bedroom apartments inside and outside Aalborg’s city center cost 5,528.5 krone and 3,887.5 krone on average per month, respectively. The cost per square meter for buying an apartment within the city center is at 31,230 krone, while that outside of the area is at 22,695 krone.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Aalborg is estimated to cost 125 krone, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 550 krone for a three-course meal for two.
The overall cost of living in the city for a family of four can reach an estimated average of about 24,710 krone per month, while a single person can live off roughly 6,890 krone a month, both excluding rent.
Best Places to Live in Denmark: Vejle
Vejle is one of the best places to live in Denmark, despite being smaller than some of the other top locations. This might be the perfect location for you if you’re seeking for a great combination of urban life, natural beauty, and cultural diversity.
If you wish to travel to a place that is a bit bigger, Vejle is also only around two hours from Aarhus.
Vejle is a historical port city with a rich Viking heritage. You can even see the Kongernes Jelling Home of the Viking Kings attraction or perhaps the amazing Jelling Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
There is much to do and see in Vejle, including the magnificent Fjordenhus for those who enjoy older buildings, as well as the Vejle Midtpunkt umbrella sky for those who love colorful venues.
In terms of job prospects, you can find a lot in Vejle especially if you have an interest in the arts. Wages can vary depending on your choice of employment in the city, but the cost of living is considerably lower than in other significant Danish cities.
Cost of Living
Rent for one-bedroom apartments inside and outside Vejle’s city center cost 4,700 krone and 5,667 krone on average per month, respectively. The cost per square meter for buying an apartment within the city center is at 22,500 krone, while that outside of the area is at 16,500 krone.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Vejle is estimated to cost 125 krone, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 650 krone for a three-course meal for two.
The overall cost of living in the city for a family of four can reach an estimated average of about 27,468 krone per month, while a single person can live off roughly 7,727 krone a month, both excluding rent.
Best Places to Live in Denmark: Odense
Odense is not too distant from the activity and noise as it is located on Funen Island, west of Copenhagen.
Renowned Danish author Hans Christian Anderson grew up in Odense, which many Danes refer to as the birthplace of fairy tales. This might be the spot for you if one of the places with the most history fits your notion of the best places to live in Denmark.
You won’t have any trouble figuring out how to spend your weekends in this beautiful city since there are so many hip pubs, cafes, restaurants, museums, and galleries to discover.
For those warm days, the sea is close enough, and you’ll have access to a ton of other things as well, including riding, hiking, and going to saunas.
The city is bursting with prospects for anyone who wish to relocate to Denmark, especially if you’re interested in the IT industry. Robotics, drones, and numerous general IT services are frequently associated with Odense.
Although there are some English-speaking positions available here, most opportunities are open to people who can speak at least one Scandinavian language. The university hospital for professors is also located in Odense.
Cost of Living
Rent for one-bedroom apartments inside and outside Odense’s city center cost 6,180.5 krone and 4,550 krone on average per month, respectively. The cost per square meter for buying an apartment within the city center is at 22,387 krone, while that outside of the area is at 16,500 krone.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Odense is estimated to cost 145 krone, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 800 krone for a three-course meal for two.
The overall cost of living in the city for a family of four can reach an estimated average of about 28,250 krone per month, while a single person can live off roughly 7,774 krone a month, both excluding rent.
Best Places to Live in Denmark: Roskilde
Although Roskilde is significantly smaller than many of the other significant Danish cities featured here, it is nevertheless a place that expats should seriously consider moving to. Roskilde can be the right destination for you if you have a passion for history and desire a more distinctive town-focused setting to call home.
With Copenhagen only a 30-minute drive away, Roskilde makes finding employment relatively simple, especially for those who are prepared to commute. If you live here, you can see some of Denmark’s most incredible sights, such as the Roskilde Cathedral, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There will be plenty of opportunity to let loose and enjoy some louder music at the Roskilde Festival because it features some of the top musical acts in the world. Aside from the music industry, there is a vibrant cultural landscape that is full of attractions like the magnificent yellow castle and the Viking ship museum.
You can find incredible things to do and see in Roskilde wherever you go. The cost of living is also significantly lower than it would be in Copenhagen, which is an additional bonus.
Cost of Living
Rent for one-bedroom apartments inside and outside Roskilde’s city center cost 7,500 krone and 4,833 krone on average per month, respectively. The cost per square meter for buying an apartment within the city center is at 33,333 krone, while that outside of the area is at 27,000 krone.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Denmark is estimated to cost 145 krone, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 575 krone for a three-course meal for two.
Best Places to Live in Denmark: Esbjerg
Esbjerg, a major and well-liked city in Denmark, avoids many of the high expenditures found in other parts of the country. It’s a great spot to visit if you’re seeking for a variety of work prospects because it’s right in the center of Denmark’s oil sector.
Esbjerg is situated opposite Fanø island on the west coast of Denmark’s mainland peninsula, Jutland. If you enjoy seafood, there are several cafes and restaurants where you can get fresh fish in Esbjerg, which is one of the most significant fishing ports in the region.
From a cultural standpoint, Esbjerg undoubtedly has a lot to offer as well, such as the magnificent Wadden Sea National park and the sculpture Man Meets Sea.
Cost of Living
Rent for one-bedroom apartments inside and outside Esbjerg’s city center cost 4,964 krone and 3,333 krone on average per month, respectively. The cost per square meter for buying an apartment within the city center is at 19,000 krone, while that outside of the area is at 12,000 krone.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Esbjerg is estimated to cost 100 krone, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 525 krone for a three-course meal for two.
Best Places to Live in Denmark: Horsens
If you want a location with lots of options for relaxation, Horsens is probably a top choice if you’re looking for the best places to live in Denmark.
Even while there might not be nearly as many job opportunities here as in some of Denmark’s larger cities, this could be a terrific place to call home for someone looking to retire or work remotely from a tranquil location in Denmark.
A surprising amount of exciting things to do can be found in Horsens, which is surprisingly a very bustling place.
This may be a great new house if you like the thought of relaxing weekend hikes, lots of sea water, and afternoons spent riding. You may study about Denmark’s history in a range of museums as well as in a number of the city’s many natural areas.
You can take sailing or wind-surfing lessons or just swim in the numerous bodies of water throughout the summer. Horsens is encircled by little isles that you may also travel to by boat. Additionally, settling here means you’ll be close to one of the premier medieval festivals in Europe every year.
Cost of Living
Rent for one-bedroom apartments inside and outside Horsens’ city center cost 5,625 krone and 4,667 krone on average per month, respectively. The cost per square meter for buying an apartment within the city center is at 19,212 krone, while that outside of the area is at 15,214 krone.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Horsens is estimated to cost 132.5 krone, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 700 krone for a three-course meal for two.
Best Places to Live in Denmark: Randers
Randers is not only one of the best places to live in Denmark, but it’s also one of the most affordable. Again, it could take a bit more work, but it might be worthwhile to put a little more effort into your job search if you want to find a well-paying position in your field here.
The Memphis Mansion Museum and the captivating Randers Regnskov Zoo are just two of the amazing attractions that can be found in Randers.
The fantastic Danish Design Museum and the Randers Kunstmuseum are also great options for those who enjoy culture and history. And if you want to watch a Superliga game, don’t forget about Randers FC.
It is simple to understand why this region is so alluring for different types of visitors and locals given everything it has to offer plus a surprisingly inexpensive cost of living.
Cost of Living
Rent for one-bedroom apartments inside and outside Randers’ city center cost 5,750 krone and 4,000 krone on average per month, respectively. The cost per square meter for buying an apartment within the city center is at 18,000 krone, while that outside of the area is at 13,500 krone.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Randers is estimated to cost 110 krone, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 650 krone for a three-course meal for two.
Best Places to Live in Denmark: Kolding
Kolding is one of the nicest cities in Denmark, offering a variety of gorgeous places to go camping in your spare time as well as a wide selection of breathtaking museums and art galleries to explore.
You can spend your days discovering amazing historical architecture and learning about Denmark’s fascinating history if you’re fortunate enough to call this place home.
The Marielundssoen Park is a wonderful place for outdoor enthusiasts to reconnect with nature, and if you’re seeking for charming architecture, Kolding’s magnificent downtown is also a great option.
Finding a job in this city, like many others in Denmark’s smaller cities, can be a little more difficult than in other parts of the country, but you could love living here once you retire.
You may easily afford to live in Kolding due to its inexpensive cost of living. However, don’t count on meeting a lot of folks who can speak English.
Cost of Living
Rent for one-bedroom apartments inside and outside Kolding’s city center cost 4,583 krone and 3,583 krone on average per month, respectively. The cost per square meter for buying an apartment within the city center is at 15,344.5 krone, while that outside of the area is at 13,333 krone.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Kolding is estimated to cost 150 krone, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 700 krone for a three-course meal for two.
The overall cost of living in the city for a family of four can reach an estimated average of about 25,667 krone per month, while a single person can live off roughly 7,047 krone a month, both excluding rent.
Best Places to Live in Denmark: Bottom Line
No matter which region you choose, retiring in Denmark will give you access to a place that is essentially crime-free and housing that is widely cheap. Furthermore, if you decide it’s not the place for you, there is nothing stopping you from packing up your belongings and leaving.
In the end, you should take into account your specific wants and needs while choosing where to settle. Consider both the benefits and drawbacks before making a choice. A lot some time to prepare and mull things over.
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Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
