Five affordably priced items in Denmark despite general costs:
Bargains Galore: Living Frugally in Denmark
Denmark, known for its high cost of living, still offers some surprising pockets of affordability. Although inflation has nudged prices up in recent years, there are some areas that won't break your bank.
Cheap Eats
FatChilli Danish food items like milk, pork and bread can be budget-friendly due to local production. However, overall food prices have risen due to inflation. You might still stumble upon affordable indulgences that won't make your wallet cry, given Denmark's expensive rep.
Education: A Smart Investment
Education is free or cheap at almost all levels and age groups in Denmark. Fee-paying schools are rarities, and there are even free-to-attend international schools in Copenhagen that teach in English. University education is free for Danish and EU/EEA citizens, and they can even apply for and receive the Danish state student grant if they meet certain criteria.
If you're a foreign national aged 18 or over living in Denmark with a CPR (personal registration) number, you're eligible for free Danish courses offered by your local municipality. These lessons can potentially lead to an exam called Studieprøven, opening doors for further education in Danish.
Affordable Abodes
Housing in Denmark's major cities, especially Copenhagen, is pricey. But if you're flexible with your location - say, working remotely - you might find affordable deals in rural areas or even towns. Family-friendly rates are common in certain areas like the far north of Jutland or the southern islands.
Securing your own property in Denmark will make a dent in your wallet, but the actual costs associated with buying property and the prices themselves are lower compared to many other countries.
Rental Relief
Denmark's rental housing system includes organisations called boligforeninger, which provide cheaper housing to residents who need it. Local municipalities sometimes offer a type of housing called almene boliger in exchange for investing 10 percent of building costs. The housing plays a role in social housing provision, keeping rents affordable for all.
Rent for these apartments goes towards costs of running the housing and paying off the housing association's loans, ensuring non-profit owners and controlled prices.
Steaming Hot Savings: Coffee and Water
Although Denmark's cafe scene is known for its high prices, you can find a cheaper, yet enjoyable cup of joe by opting for filter coffee instead of an espresso-based drink. Many cafes and coffee shops offer this, but not all do. So check the menu or ask the price before you order. As a rule, if the cafe serves good espresso, its filter coffee will be satisfying, too.
Tap water is free in Denmark when you dine out and consuming it instead of ordering a drink is not frowned upon.
Fitness on a Budget
Not only can you hike and cycle through Denmark's nature for free, thanks to the extensive bicycle routes, but most city and town neighbourhoods have outdoor gyms where you can work out for free.
There are also safe spots for outdoor swimming in many cities, like designated parts of Copenhagen Harbour and Den Permanente in Aarhus. Running is increasing in popularity, with low-cost or free local running clubs easier to find than ever.
For spectators, sport is also affordable and accessible. For example, many matches in the top division of Danish football, Superligaen, offer tickets on the day of the match at a fraction of the cost you might pay in big European leagues. Smaller Superliga clubs sometimes offer discounts for families and family days when kids go free.
Camping: Your Ticket to the Great Outdoors
Wild camping is allowed in designated areas in forests or nature where authorities permit it. There are also shelters, small open-air huts, and literal shelters where you can camp for free.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with and adhere to the Danish rules for wild camping, but you'll likely have a cheap camping experience. Save it for the summer, though.
More Danish Delights
Discover what it takes for international students to qualify for Denmark's state student grant and more about Denmark's unique rental housing system.
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Sources- Danish Agency for Education and Support- Study in Denmark
- Despite the rising prices due to inflation, affordable eats can still be found in Denmark, with local produce like milk, pork, and bread offering budget-friendly options.
- Education in Denmark is a smart investment as it is free or cheap at most levels and age groups, with free English-taught international schools available in Copenhagen.
- A CPR number entitles foreign nationals aged 18 or over in Denmark to free Danish language courses, potentially leading to the Studieprøven exam for further education.
- Housing in rural areas or towns can be more affordable compared to major cities like Copenhagen, making them an attractive option for remote workers.
- Denmark's rental system offers cheaper housing through organizations like boligforeninger and almene boliger, providing affordable options for residents.
- For those seeking caffeine, filter coffee can offer a cheaper (yet still satisfying) alternative to espresso-based drinks in Denmark's cafes, while tap water is free when dining out.
- Fitness enthusiasts can benefit from free outdoor gyms, hiking and cycling trails, outdoor swimming spots, and low-cost or free local running clubs in Denmark.
