Cost Comparison 2025

CopenhagenvsBeijing

Denmark
China

Overall

💰

-29.5%

Copenhagen is 29.5%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-28.6%

Housing is 28.6% lower

Dining

🍽️

-55.8%

Restaurants 55.8% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-23.5%

Food shopping 23.5% less

Comparing the cost of living between Copenhagen, Denmark and Beijing, China reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Copenhagen is more affordable than Beijing by approximately 29.5%. 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 Copenhagen are higher than in Beijing by 40%. A one-bedroom apartment in Copenhagen's city center costs around DKK 12,000, while the same in Beijing is approximately CN¥7,500.

Dining out in Copenhagen is notably more expensive compared to Beijing. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs DKK 120 in Copenhagen versus CN¥30 in Beijing.

Public transportation in Copenhagen is more expensive, with monthly passes at DKK 750 compared to CN¥200 in Beijing.

Purchasing power in Copenhagen is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Beijing.

Grocery shopping in Copenhagen is more expensive by approximately 31%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Copenhagen can expect to spend approximately DKK 4,448 per month (excluding rent), while in Beijing, the same lifestyle would cost around CN¥1,746. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about DKK 15,568 monthly in Copenhagen versus CN¥6,111 in Beijing. 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
Copenhagen, Denmark
Beijing, China

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
DKK 12,000
CN¥7,500
1BR Outside Center
DKK 9,000
CN¥4,000
3BR City Center
DKK 22,000
CN¥17,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
DKK 120
CN¥30
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
DKK 700
CN¥200
Cappuccino
DKK 45
CN¥25
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
DKK 50
CN¥8

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
DKK 12
CN¥13
Bread (500g)
DKK 20
CN¥10
Eggs (12)
DKK 25
CN¥12
Cheese (1kg)
DKK 80
CN¥90

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
DKK 24
CN¥3
Monthly Pass
DKK 750
CN¥200
Taxi Start
DKK 50
CN¥13
Gasoline (1L)
DKK 13
CN¥8

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
DKK 1,200
CN¥350
Internet (60 Mbps)
DKK 300
CN¥100
Mobile Minute
DKK 1
CN¥0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Beijing 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 Beijing 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

Copenhagen

Cost of Living Index88
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index100

Beijing

Cost of Living Index62
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index65

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Copenhagen more expensive than Beijing?

No, Copenhagen is approximately 29.5% cheaper than Beijing. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 77% of your Beijing salary when living in Copenhagen. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Beijing, you'd need about $38,596 in Copenhagen for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Copenhagen and Beijing?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 126%, 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?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen if you prioritize earning potential, or Beijing for affordability.

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

In Copenhagen, a single person needs approximately DKK 13,448 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about DKK 31,568. In Beijing, these figures are CN¥5,746 for singles and CN¥15,111 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Copenhagen and Beijing in 2025 shows significant 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 Beijing to maintain your lifestyle from Copenhagen

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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