Cost Comparison 2025

BrisbanevsCopenhagen

Australia
Denmark

Overall

💰

+7.3%

Brisbane is 7.3%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+7.7%

Housing is 7.7% higher

Dining

🍽️

+18.8%

Restaurants 18.8% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+9.0%

Food shopping 9.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Brisbane, Australia and Copenhagen, Denmark reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Brisbane is more expensive than Copenhagen by approximately 7.3%. 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 Brisbane are lower than in Copenhagen by 7%. A one-bedroom apartment in Brisbane's city center costs around A$2,200, while the same in Copenhagen is approximately DKK 12,000.

Dining out in Brisbane offers significant savings compared to Copenhagen. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs A$20 in Brisbane versus DKK 120 in Copenhagen.

Public transportation in Brisbane is more affordable, with monthly passes at A$175 compared to DKK 750 in Copenhagen.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Brisbane can expect to spend approximately A$791 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 A$2,769 monthly in Brisbane 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
Brisbane, Australia
Copenhagen, Denmark

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
A$2,200
DKK 12,000
1BR Outside Center
A$1,700
DKK 9,000
3BR City Center
A$3,800
DKK 22,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
A$20
DKK 120
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
A$100
DKK 700
Cappuccino
A$5
DKK 45
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
A$10
DKK 50

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
A$2
DKK 12
Bread (500g)
A$3
DKK 20
Eggs (12)
A$5
DKK 25
Cheese (1kg)
A$11
DKK 80

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
A$5
DKK 24
Monthly Pass
A$175
DKK 750
Taxi Start
A$5
DKK 50
Gasoline (1L)
A$2
DKK 13

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
A$180
DKK 1,200
Internet (60 Mbps)
A$80
DKK 300
Mobile Minute
A$0
DKK 1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Brisbane to Copenhagen, 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 Copenhagen to Brisbane 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

Brisbane

Cost of Living Index82
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index102

Copenhagen

Cost of Living Index88
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brisbane more expensive than Copenhagen?

Yes, Brisbane is approximately 7.3% more expensive than Copenhagen overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Copenhagen salary when living in Brisbane. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Copenhagen, you'd need about $53,659 in Brisbane for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Brisbane and Copenhagen?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 16%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

In Brisbane, a single person needs approximately A$2,491 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about A$5,569. 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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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