Is Denmark expensive compared with the rest of the EU?
Price levels across the EU in 2025
Short answer
Yes, Denmark is the most expensive country in the EU for household consumption. In 2025 its price level index was 140 (EU average = 100), so prices were about 40% above the EU average. Bulgaria was the cheapest with an index of 63. Denmark also had the highest price level in the EU for clothing and footwear, restaurants and hotels, transport services and household appliances.
Why
- The index compares the price of the same basket of goods and services in each country.
- Services cost more than goods: in 2025 the index was 154.9 for consumer services and 119.8 for consumer goods.
- Cars are expensive too, a price level linked to car taxation.
Details
For actual individual consumption the 2025 index for Denmark was 140.2.
Tip
Budget most for eating out, transport tickets and clothes, the groups where Denmark is furthest above the EU average.
What may differ
The figures are yearly averages for 2025; new figures are planned for December 2026, and the exchange rate of your own currency also matters.
Common misconception
Neighbours such as Sweden and Germany are about as expensive as Denmark.
What actually happens
Denmark was the single most expensive EU country in 2025, well above Sweden (128.4) and Germany (109.1).
People also ask
- Is Copenhagen expensive for tourists?
- Is Sweden cheaper than Denmark?
- What is the inflation rate in Denmark?
Sources
- Eurostat: Comparative price levels of consumer goods and servicesChecked at:
- Eurostat: Price level indices 2025, Denmark (dataset prc_ppp_ind_1)Checked at:
- Eurostat: Price level indices 2025, Sweden (dataset prc_ppp_ind_1)Checked at:
- Eurostat: Price level indices 2025, Germany (dataset prc_ppp_ind_1)Checked at:
This answer is for reference only. Prices, fees and taxes change, so check the official sources before you plan your budget.
Cost calculatorRelated questions
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How do you plan a daily budget for sightseeing in Copenhagen?
Start with the fixed costs of the day: in November 2026 a 24-hour City Pass for the metro costs 100 kr., a standard Tivoli entry ticket 230 kr.
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How do you get a cheap train ticket from Copenhagen to Aarhus?
A good way to pay less for the train from Copenhagen to Aarhus is an Orange ticket, bought on dsb.dk or in the DSB app.
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How much is the toll on the Great Belt Bridge?
From 1 January 2026 a single trip over the Great Belt Bridge in a car of 3–6 m costs 235 kr.
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How much is the toll on the Øresund Bridge?
From 14 September 2026 a single trip over the Øresund Bridge in a car up to 6 m costs 470 kr.