Wondering where the best places to live in Denmark are? Then keep reading!
Are you pondering which European country to move to next? If so, Denmark is a highly safe choice in many ways.
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Yes, Denmark can be expensive. But with high wages and plenty of jobs for expats, there is no reason why you cannot enjoy a high-quality and comfortable lifestyle here.
The locals agree as Denmark is often voted one of the world’s happiest countries!
So, where should you live in Denmark? Read on to discover the six best places to live in Denmark for expats.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and home to over 800,000 people. Copenhagen is easily one of the best cities to live in Denmark as it’s incredibly safe and clean, has lots of job availability, and has high wages.
Copenhagen sits on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager. It boasts many green spaces, sandy beaches, and pristine waterways, giving a balance of nature among the business and residential districts.
Moreover, the streets are clean, and there is excellent air quality, making it a beautiful environment for living and working.
Copenhagen is home to many cultural attractions like the Christiansborg Palace and the Renaissance-era Rosenborg Castle.
It is also known for its top-quality restaurants and beer breweries. What’s more, the city boasts an excellent public transport system.
As the capital city, Copenhagen is the business hub of Denmark, with the most diverse range of job opportunities. There are many international companies like Microsoft and IBM, so finding a job here as a foreigner is not hard.
The wages in Copenhagen are the highest in the country, but so is the cost of living, which balances it out.
The average monthly salary for an expat in Copenhagen is $3400, and renting a one-bedroom apartment can cost between $1200 and $1500.
Aarhus
Aarhus sits on the Jutland peninsula’s east coast and is Denmark’s second-largest city. Around 300,000 people live here, and the city is famed for its rich history and arts and culture scene.
The city dates back to the late 8th century when the Vikings founded it. Many attractions, such as the underground Viking Museum and architectural wonders like Aarhus Cathedral, showcase this history.
Although a bustling city, Aarhus has a reasonably laid-back vibe, especially on the weekends. The canal that runs through the town is lined with cafes and restaurants where locals relax and socialize in their free time.
Aarhus is particularly popular with families, but the city has a vibrant nightlife and plenty on offer for young, single expats. There are also plenty of job opportunities here, from manufacturing to education to finance.
Wages are also as high as the capital city, averaging $3350. Rent is cheaper but still reasonably high in comparison to other countries.
You can typically rent a one-bedroom apartment for $1000 or less.
Aalborg
Aalborg is a small city in the Jutland region of Denmark, located in the north.
With a population of less than 200,000, it is one of the best places to live in Denmark for expats who dislike big, crowded cities but still want all the modern amenities close by.
Although an ancient city, Aalborg has a youthful and diverse vibe, thanks to its large student population. It has a rich cultural and art scene, from museums to trendy restaurants to eye-catching street art.
Aalborg is undoubtedly one of the country’s most beautiful areas, and everything is well spread out. Due to its location, it is surrounded by river banks.
The favored hangout spot for locals is a recently renovated waterfront, offering river views and a backdrop of iconic architectural buildings.
Another reason Aalborg is popular among expats living and working in Denmark is its noticeably lower cost of living.
Here you can rent a one-bedroom apartment for $500 to $750 or a larger 3-bedroom house for around $1000.
Odense
Odense is the third-largest city and one of the best places to live in Denmark for expats working in the IT and Tech sectors.
This is because the city has recently become a central tech hub with involvement in innovative inventions like robotics and drones.
Odense is located on the island of Funen, about a 2-hour drive from the capital city. It has a similar population as Aalborg and is safe, modern, and affordable to live in.
Moreover, although it’s not an internationally famous city, Odense boasts an exciting history, such as being the childhood home of world-renowned author Hans Christian Anderson.
The city has all the amenities you could need, from bars, cafes, and restaurants to museums and galleries, many of which are situated around the modernized harbor.
There are also some lovely historic buildings, such as the fairy-tale-style Egeskov Castle, one of the best-preserved Renaissance palaces in Northern Europe.
Odense is also particularly popular among nature and outdoor lovers. The city is close to beautiful beaches and many hiking and cycling spots, making for incredible weekend adventures.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is $600 to $800, and the monthly average wage is $2900.
Vejle
You will find the gorgeous city of Vejle in the southeast of the Jutland Peninsula at the head of Vejle Fjord. It is known for its forested hills, beautiful fjord and harbor, charming windmills, and vibrant shopping scene.
What’s more, as it’s not a popular tourist spot, it is one of the best cities in Denmark if you are after a more local vibe.
Vejle has a population of just over 110,000 residents and boasts an idyllic blend of nature and town living. There is so much natural beauty to be discovered here, including old cobbled courtyards and the historic “Jelling Monuments.”
Plus, it is a 2-hour drive from Aarhus should you get bored and seek a weekend in a larger city.
Job opportunities for English speakers are fewer and less diverse than in bigger cities. Still, Vejle is an excellent place for you if you want to work in one of the many museums, art galleries, or cultural venues.
However, it would greatly help to boost your prospects if you speak Danish.
The average monthly salary in Vejle is $3300, but this varies significantly, depending on your job role. The cost of living is much lower than in the bigger cities too.
For example, you can get a one-bedroom apartment for around $600 or a 3-bedroom house for less than $1300.
Esbjerg
The seaport town of Esbjerg is located in southwest Denmark and has a similar population size as Vejle.
It has the largest port in the country and is also the heart of Denmark’s oil industry. Thus, it is one of the best Danish cities for expats seeking work in the oil or transportation sectors.
Esberg is also a major fishing port and is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the country. In fact, restaurants and shops are abundant here: the main street of Kongensgade has over 150 commercial venues alone!
Another reason why Esbjerg deserves a place on this list is that the cost of living is meager (for Denmark’s standards, at least).
For example, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment for less than $600 and a larger house for around $1000.
Final Thoughts On The Best Places To Live In Denmark
These six best Danish cities boast a rich history, tons of beauty, and high safety levels.
Moreover, they all have sufficient job opportunities for foreigners, so you have a wide selection when choosing your new Danish home.
Living in Denmark can be a wonderful experience for expats and digital nomads.
Heading there soon? Learn how to buy a Denmark SIM card.
Not sure if Denmark is the right place for you? Read one of the following guides:
