Cost Comparison 2025

ParisvsCopenhagen

France
Denmark

Overall

💰

+3.5%

Paris is 3.5%more expensive

Rent

🏠

0.0%

Housing is 0.0% same

Dining

🍽️

+11.8%

Restaurants 11.8% pricier

Groceries

🛒

-5.6%

Food shopping 5.6% less

Comparing the cost of living between Paris, France and Copenhagen, Denmark reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Paris is more expensive than Copenhagen by approximately 3.5%. 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 Paris are similar than in Copenhagen. A one-bedroom apartment in Paris's city center costs around €1,800, while the same in Copenhagen is approximately DKK 12,000.

Dining out in Paris offers significant savings compared to Copenhagen. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €15 in Paris versus DKK 120 in Copenhagen.

Public transportation in Paris is more affordable, with monthly passes at €86 compared to DKK 750 in Copenhagen.

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

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Paris can expect to spend approximately €558 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 €1,952 monthly in Paris 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
Paris, France
Copenhagen, Denmark

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,800
DKK 12,000
1BR Outside Center
€1,200
DKK 9,000
3BR City Center
€4,000
DKK 22,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€15
DKK 120
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€70
DKK 700
Cappuccino
€4
DKK 45
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€7
DKK 50

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
DKK 12
Bread (500g)
€2
DKK 20
Eggs (12)
€4
DKK 25
Cheese (1kg)
€18
DKK 80

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
DKK 24
Monthly Pass
€86
DKK 750
Taxi Start
€5
DKK 50
Gasoline (1L)
€2
DKK 13

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€170
DKK 1,200
Internet (60 Mbps)
€30
DKK 300
Mobile Minute
€0
DKK 1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Paris 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 Paris 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

Paris

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index85

Copenhagen

Cost of Living Index88
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paris more expensive than Copenhagen?

The cost of living in Paris 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 Paris compared to Copenhagen?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.0x of your Copenhagen salary when living in Paris. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Copenhagen, you'd need about $51,765 in Paris for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Paris and Copenhagen?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 11%, 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 Paris if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Copenhagen for better value.

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

In Paris, a single person needs approximately €1,758 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €4,452. 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 Paris 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 Paris

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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