Cost Comparison 2025

BostonvsCopenhagen

United States
Denmark

Overall

💰

-4.3%

Boston is 4.3%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-17.6%

Housing is 17.6% lower

Dining

🍽️

+5.6%

Restaurants 5.6% pricier

Groceries

🛒

0.0%

Food shopping 0.0% same

Comparing the cost of living between Boston, United States and Copenhagen, Denmark reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Boston is more affordable than Copenhagen by approximately 4.3%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Boston are higher than in Copenhagen by 21%. A one-bedroom apartment in Boston's city center costs around $3,000, while the same in Copenhagen is approximately DKK 12,000.

Dining out in Boston costs about the same compared to Copenhagen. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $20 in Boston versus DKK 120 in Copenhagen.

Public transportation in Boston is more affordable, with monthly passes at $90 compared to DKK 750 in Copenhagen.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Boston can expect to spend approximately $696 per month (excluding rent), while in Copenhagen, the same lifestyle would cost around DKK 4,448. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about $2,435 monthly in Boston versus DKK 15,568 in Copenhagen. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Boston, United States
Copenhagen, Denmark

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$3,000
DKK 12,000
1BR Outside Center
$2,200
DKK 9,000
3BR City Center
$5,500
DKK 22,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$20
DKK 120
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$110
DKK 700
Cappuccino
$5
DKK 45
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$8
DKK 50

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$1
DKK 12
Bread (500g)
$4
DKK 20
Eggs (12)
$4
DKK 25
Cheese (1kg)
$14
DKK 80

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$2
DKK 24
Monthly Pass
$90
DKK 750
Taxi Start
$5
DKK 50
Gasoline (1L)
$1
DKK 13

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$160
DKK 1,200
Internet (60 Mbps)
$65
DKK 300
Mobile Minute
$0
DKK 1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Copenhagen to Boston, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Boston to Copenhagen requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Boston

Cost of Living Index92
Rent Index85
Purchasing Power Index110

Copenhagen

Cost of Living Index88
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boston more expensive than Copenhagen?

The cost of living in Boston and Copenhagen is relatively similar, with only minor differences in specific categories. Your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle choices.

How much salary do I need in Boston compared to Copenhagen?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 96% of your Copenhagen salary when living in Boston. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Copenhagen, you'd need about $47,917 in Boston for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Boston and Copenhagen?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 21%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Boston offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Boston provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Boston if you prioritize earning potential, or Copenhagen for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Boston vs Copenhagen?

In Boston, a single person needs approximately $2,896 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $6,235. In Copenhagen, these figures are DKK 13,448 for singles and DKK 31,568 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Boston and Copenhagen in 2025 shows moderate differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Copenhagen to maintain your lifestyle from Boston

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers