🇩🇪 Berlin vs 🇩🇰 Copenhagen

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇩🇪

Berlin

Germany

$2,215–$3,508/mo

€2,051 – €3,248 / month (local)

🇩🇰

Copenhagen

Denmark

$2,831–$4,482/mo

kr20,221 – kr32,014 / month (local)

Copenhagen is 28% more expensive

Berlin wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryBerlin (USD)Copenhagen (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,662–$2,585$2,123–$3,303🟢 Berlin
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$877–$1,385$1,121–$1,769🟢 Berlin
Utilities$69–$134$88–$171🟢 Berlin
Groceries$351–$526$448–$672🟢 Berlin
Eating out (mid-range meal)$46–$83$59–$106🟢 Berlin
Public transport (monthly)$88–$106$112–$136🟢 Berlin
Internet & Mobile$28–$46$35–$59🟢 Berlin
Gym membership$32–$60$41–$77🟢 Berlin
Cinema ticket$13–$17$17–$21🟢 Berlin
Monthly total (single)$2,215–$3,508$2,831–$4,482🟢 Berlin

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing5.0 / 10 · 3.4 / 10
Berlin▲ better
Copenhagen
Safety8.6 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Berlin▲ better
Copenhagen
Healthcare8.6 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Berlin▲ better
Copenhagen
Education8.2 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Berlin▲ better
Copenhagen
Environment9.0 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Berlin▲ better
Copenhagen
Economy7.3 / 10 · 7.0 / 10
Berlin▲ better
Copenhagen
Culture7.9 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Berlin▲ better
Copenhagen
Internet8.3 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Berlin▲ better
Copenhagen

Who should choose which city?

Choose Berlin if…

  • You want lower typical monthly costs than Copenhagen
  • Startup scene
  • Nightlife
  • Value vs London
  • Creatives

Choose Copenhagen if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what Copenhagen offers vs Berlin
  • Bikes
  • Design
  • Happiness metrics
  • Life sciences

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Full Berlin guide

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Full Copenhagen guide

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Explore Copenhagen