Live in Copenhagen

Photo: Map of Denmark.

If you happen to fall in love and want to stay in Copenhagen for a longer period of time this will not be a problem: As long as you are from the European Union. Europeans are allowed to stay in Denmark and work for an unlimited time. If you are from anywhere else the procedures are quite different and you’ll have to contact the ministry of foreign affairs.

Copenhagen is a great city to live in – surrounded by water, with loads of parks and canals the city is green and open. The municipality has done a lot to clean up the city, building new roads and decreasing heavy traffic. The university provides a huge group of young people who help keep the city alive, while the many great art museums and exhibition places keep the cultural scene vibrant. All Danes speak English at a very high level so you’ll have no problem communicating, though getting a job will be a lot easier if you learn the basics or if you are a native English speaker.

Living expenses
The downside to a life in Copenhagen is the rather steep living expenses and Copenhagen has been rated one of Europe’s most expensive cities to live in – this is not only due to the high apartment prices but also due to the 25% tax on all goods – from food to socks. On the upside, Danish salaries are also in the top of the class, but taxes will take off 40-60% of your income. This means that you have free health care, free roads and free public schools, high schools and universities.

Cheapest neighbourhood
The cheapest neighborhood in Copenhagen is Nørrebro. Here the students, foreigners and workers congregate in brownstone buildings, and Nørrebro has a really nice vibe once you get familiar with it. Østerbro is the most expensive place to live and the inhabitants are posh and not afraid to flaunt their Versace, Donna Karen etc outfits. Prize-wise, the inner city is the second runner up. In general, housing is expensive in Copenhagen and a one bedroom apartment ranges from €400-€600 and a two bedroom apartment will cost you from €650, if you are lucky, to €1000. If you are looking for cheap accommodations, Sydhavnen is also a safe, however not very charming, bet. Vesterbro will cost you, but the area is full of life, bars and restaurants.

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6 Responses to “Live in Copenhagen”

hi, my name is valentina, i’m 19 and i’m an italian student.
i’ve been two times in copenhagen in the last five years and i’m sure that i love this city!
i want to come in copenhagen the next year (spring-summer 2012) to study there.
can you give me some basic information about students’ life in the city?
hope to be in contact with you soon!
thank you

Valentina

October 30th, 2011 at 9:11 pmpermalink
I am no educated man myself, but I know there are many educational insitutions in Copenhagen. Copenhagen Business School is the best known. It’s a thriving student scene and plenty of foreigners in the mix. I wish you a warm welcome next year.

Cheapo Charlie

November 7th, 2011 at 1:55 pmpermalink
Hi
do you know of any safe very cheap accomodation in Copenhagen. i’m coming for my intership there in summer, 2months.

Mosh

January 5th, 2012 at 10:09 pmpermalink
Hi Mosh, Why not try out Danhostel Copenhagen Downtown. You can book it via Hostelbookers: http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=34444&a=1793090&g=16167906&url=http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/denmark/copenhagen/

Cheapo Charlie

January 6th, 2012 at 1:45 pmpermalink
hi im coming to study in copenhagen for 5 months, ive done a little research on public transport but i dont fully understand the zonal system. When using a 5 zone unlimited travel card, are the specific zones marked or how does it work??

james

January 17th, 2012 at 5:22 pmpermalink
Hi James,

There will be a map at every station and you can also access it here: http://intl.m.dk/Drive+the+Metro/Maps.aspx

It states which stations that are covered by which zones.

Cheapo Charlie

January 17th, 2012 at 5:39 pmpermalink