Cost Comparison 2025

CopenhagenvsWarsaw

Denmark
Poland

Overall

💰

-43.2%

Copenhagen is 43.2%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-42.9%

Housing is 42.9% lower

Dining

🍽️

-55.8%

Restaurants 55.8% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-47.1%

Food shopping 47.1% less

Comparing the cost of living between Copenhagen, Denmark and Warsaw, Poland reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Copenhagen is more affordable than Warsaw by approximately 43.2%. 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 Warsaw by 75%. A one-bedroom apartment in Copenhagen's city center costs around DKK 12,000, while the same in Warsaw is approximately PLN 3,500.

Dining out in Copenhagen is notably more expensive compared to Warsaw. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs DKK 120 in Copenhagen versus PLN 40 in Warsaw.

Public transportation in Copenhagen is more expensive, with monthly passes at DKK 750 compared to PLN 110 in Warsaw.

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

Grocery shopping in Copenhagen is more expensive by approximately 89%. 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 Warsaw, the same lifestyle would cost around PLN 1,578. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about DKK 15,568 monthly in Copenhagen versus PLN 5,523 in Warsaw. 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
Warsaw, Poland

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
DKK 12,000
PLN 3,500
1BR Outside Center
DKK 9,000
PLN 2,500
3BR City Center
DKK 22,000
PLN 6,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
DKK 120
PLN 40
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
DKK 700
PLN 200
Cappuccino
DKK 45
PLN 13
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
DKK 50
PLN 12

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
DKK 12
PLN 4
Bread (500g)
DKK 20
PLN 3
Eggs (12)
DKK 25
PLN 8
Cheese (1kg)
DKK 80
PLN 30

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
DKK 24
PLN 4
Monthly Pass
DKK 750
PLN 110
Taxi Start
DKK 50
PLN 8
Gasoline (1L)
DKK 13
PLN 7

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
DKK 1,200
PLN 700
Internet (60 Mbps)
DKK 300
PLN 60
Mobile Minute
DKK 1
PLN 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Warsaw 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 Warsaw 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

Warsaw

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index65

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Copenhagen more expensive than Warsaw?

No, Copenhagen is approximately 43.2% cheaper than Warsaw. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 70% of your Warsaw salary when living in Copenhagen. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Warsaw, you'd need about $34,921 in Copenhagen for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Copenhagen and Warsaw?

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 Warsaw for affordability.

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

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 Warsaw, these figures are PLN 4,078 for singles and PLN 10,023 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Copenhagen and Warsaw 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 Warsaw to maintain your lifestyle from Copenhagen

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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