Common Bills to Expect when Living in Denmark

So many people would like to live in Denmark because of various things such as a good education system, great work opportunities, possibilities of career advancement and more. Again, Denmark is known globally for its top rank among the happiest nations. It’s therefore a no brainer that anyone would really use every chance to relocate to Denmark from abroad and if possible get Danish citizenship

In the goodness that is Denmark comes the need to consider all the must-pay bills. If you’re coming to Denmark from living in rural areas of Africa, Asia, Canada or wherever where the only expense is on food, then Denmark will be a world of difference. In a normal month in Denmark, every person has to put up with at least 3 bills. You won’t avoid these bills and still experience the happiness that Denmark is known for. 

A brief reflection about Denmark

Denmark is currently rated among one of the best countries to live in for either business and life. It is not refutable that Denmark is ranking top for its healthcare services, affordable housing and cost of living, and clean environment. It is true that if you want the world’s best quality of life then its best to move to Denmark.

Denmark’s most acclaimed and attractive city is Copenhagen. It is a green city, clean, while at the same time readily affordable and the city records a consistent performance in international liveability rankings. In fact, Denmark is the best among 70 countries according to the Quality Life Rankings. 

This is relatable in terms of personal safety, climate, purchasing power and pollution index, house pricing, income ratio, cost of living index, and healthcare services. They say whether you are temporarily relocating, retiring or permanently moving to Denmark, you’ll want to know of the cost of living.

Paying bills in Denmark is something that should move as a concern to anybody moving into the country. Thus, knowing a bit about the cost of living in Denmark will help you in planning your budget hence you are not overwhelmed by it. But all in all, you must be ready and enthusiastic on paying your bills, because they say paying bills is a must do.

The Actual Picture of Life in Denmark

Often, you will hear from numerous sources stating that Denmark is an expensive country. This fathoms me since Denmark has one of the greatest living standards in the entire world. Despite the existing fact that Denmark’s cost of living is generally higher that it is for other countries, it is far above the European average.

So, what you will definitely need is to learn how to carefully budget your monthly expenses so as to be able to cover your bills. Barely a rough estimate of an ordinary monthly living cost in Denmark is between 750-900 EUR. And if you reside in a smaller town, then you have the advantage of cutting this cost down to 650 EUR monthly.

One good thing about Denmark is that employers pay their employees way much better as compared to other large economies. It is partly the high salaries offered by employers here that entice most people to want to live permanently in Denmark. 

But be careful. While celebrating the excitement and jolliness of being able to get a job opportunity in Denmark, bills will be here lining up for you. The bills may be over the roof and without a well laid plan and strategies you may find yourself questioning your great decision to move to Denmark. 

What Would Contribute to your Cost of Living in Denmark

A close apprentice of mine who recently moved to Denmark hilariously commented on our regular talks about what it really takes. Denmark looks too good as a country for you as an employee, but once you are in, the bills will slap you with a totally different story. What he meant was that the pay is huge but the bills eat a good portion of it.

The monthly budget in Denmark is tight and there is no doubt about it. But it is exciting to know that Denmark generally is a rich country. The Danish government ensures that its social system offers everyone with a liveable condition. However, this only gives a picture that happens at a general level. Narrowing onto the budget situation of an individual living in Denmark, the story comes down to one single rigid situation.

Let’s have a look at some of the common bills to expect when living in Denmark every other month.

1. House rental bills

At least 40% of your total monthly expenses are directed to housing. Actually, a big portion of your monthly pay will automatically go to payment of rent but this would depend on where you stay. If you choose to stay in Copenhagen, then you are bound to part with utmost 300-500 EUR monthly. But an earlier start of home hunting might land you houses located just outside the city costing around 200 EUR monthly.

2. Heating and Water Services

When moving to Denmark, you must take note of the chilling cold that is extreme. Heating therefore plays a vital role in making your home liveable and comforting. Therefore, there is no doubt that you will have to pay for this service as well. The heating bill is included in the house rent through a system known as a conto. Similarly, water supply and bills are also inclusive into the conto in Denmark.

3. Motor Vehicle Bills

Owning a car in Denmark is not a luxury but a necessity. You will obviously at some point need to attend to late night emergencies and have no choice but to drive yourself there. Or maybe your children and family have to attend to certain activities and you have to drive them there.

With a car, comes the bills related to vehicle weight tax, green vehicle tax, and other taxes. Besides, there are also the maintenance fees that the car would need to be cleared. The taxes are always availed every 6months which could approximate to kr. 3000 or sometimes more.

4. Car insurance

Once you are a car owner, you would be required to insure your car through a car insurance in Denmark. The authorities and the car insurance companies will be on your case as soon a s you purchase a car. There is no way you would own a car without compulsory third-party liability insurance. As a matter of fact, the transfer of ownership agreement requires you to make a choice of your preferred insurance company.

5. Transportation Costs

Well, if you are not in the category of those that can ride their bike or drive to work or run errands, then this means that you must use public transport. This you can also pay for monthly. For those that choose no to bike, then public transportation cost may be on your neck in Denmark.

Unlike most countries where people would prefer or only have the option to pay for public transport on the go, Denmark public transport uses subscription. Subscription based public transport links train transport, metro, inter city and regional transport networks. With a travel card popularly known as rejsekort, you will be able to travel in buses and trains in Denmark. However, you obviously need to keep renewing the payment each month.

6. Internet and mobile phone subscription Bills in Denmark

In Denmark, having an internet both at home and on mobile phone is the order of the day. While some people rely on pay as you go services, those living in Denmark for a long time need a subscription based internet service. For more on internet in Denmark, check Mobile Phone Subscription in Denmark .

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An avid storyteller and passionate writer with a penchant for letting people know that which they don't know while at the same time telling people more about what they may already have known. At the end, you stay informed, be curious, and get cosy.