12 Cheap Cities to Move in Denmark for Expats and Travelers

Denmark is not only a beautiful country on planet but also comes with affordability, slow pace of life, hospitality and better cost of living.

Most expats skip Denmark because of Copenhagen’s expensive cost of living but in reality, there are cheap cities to move in Denmark for expats and travelers.

In this blog post, we are going to share top cheap cities to move in Denmark for expats and travelers.

12 Cheap Cities to Move in Denmark for Expats and Travelers

Here is a list of 12 best cheap cities to move in Denmark for expats and travelers.

1. Aalborg

Aalborg is located in northern Denmark. This is one of the most beautiful Danish cities with a combination of old-world charm and modern innovation.

American expats prefer to go here for educational purposes because this city is home to Aalborg University. This is not an expensive city and ranked among largest cities or best European cities.

Total Population

• 123,693

Average Monthly Cost of Living (excluding rent)

• 6,500 – 8,000 DKK

2. Odense

A Denmark’s third largest city and also a birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen. This city is popular as a cultural and educational hub. There’s a lot to do and enjoy in this city.

Within student and family-friendly areas, the cost of living is quite affordable. The city center attracts a lot of visitors every year then imagine about how do local expats or foreign expats enjoy.

Total Population

• 188,620

Average Monthly Cost

• 6,800 – 8,500 DKK

3. Esbjerg

Life in Denmark for foreigners is quite impressive in Esbjerg because of affordable standard of living, amusement park, other digital nomads and good ranking among major cities.

The average cost of living in Esbjerg is perfect for those who want spending a quieter life with coastal charm on the North Sea. This Denmark city is ideal for almost all.

Total Population

• 72,000

Cost of Living

• 6,000 –7,500 DKK

4. Viborg

One of Denmark’s oldest cities, with medieval architecture and a beautiful cathedral at its center. You can spend relaxed and community-oriented life here.

Ideal place for remote workers or retirees who want to enjoy a slow pace of life after moving to Denmark without burdens. The housing and cost of living is relatively lower as compared to other European countries or cities.

Toral Population

• 44,738

Cost of Living

• 5,800 – 7,000 DKK

5. Horsens

This Denmark city has reinvented itself as a cultural hub that was once known for its prison (now a museum). This is one of the perfect cheapest cities with quite low living costs.

Younger expats wish to go here because of average salary is good and countless educational opportunities. Also, the mid-range restaurant and one-bedroom apartment prices are budget-friendly.

Total Population

• 63,000

Monthly Costs

• 6,200 – 7,500 DKK

6. Kolding

University of Southern Denmark is located in Kolding, a design-oriented city. Because of having higher number of students, the prices are comparatively lower or affordable.

This makes it an ideal city for freelancers, artists, or design professionals looking for a fresh start in Denmark. Public schools are also located where youngsters can do job to earn bread & butter.

Total Population

• 62,000

Average Costs

• 6,500 – 7,800 DKK

7. Herning

Herning is one of the best places to live in Denmark for families. This is completely a business-oriented town famous for trade fairs, textile industries, and conference centers.

You can choose Denmark for work purpose especially if you want to stay in Herning. It offers good job prospects, modern housing, and low living costs. Less touristy but livable place.

Total Population

• 55,187

Living Costs

• 6,000 – 7,500 DKK

8. Randers

Love Viking history with laid-back atmosphere? Randers in Denmark is a beautiful city. This charming city is perfect for those who want to live near Aarhus but not pay Aarhus prices.

The beautiful old town, nearby green spaces and topical zoo of Randers are its beauty. Also, there are inexpensive restaurants, amazing Danish culture, low rental prices and living expenses.

Total Population

• 65,000

Cost of Living

• 6,000 – 7,200 DKK

9. Roskilde

One of the ideal and cheapest places to live in Denmark because of affordability and Roskilde Festival. From Copenhagen, this city is just a short train ride.

The best thing about this affordable city is that you will get the convenience of capital access without the high costs. Roskilde is ideal for students, expats, and anyone looking to commute or work remotely.

Total Population

• 53,257

Cost of Living

• 6,500 – 8,000 DKK

10. Sønderborg

Sønderborg is a small city which is located near the German border by the sea. This city is friendly, community-oriented and well-lit with tourists and other crowds.

Not only the cost of living is low but also the colorful houses, beautiful streets and unique Danish culture is amazing. Couples or expats can live here for quiet and relaxing atmosphere.

Total Population

• 28,277

Average Costs

• 5,800 – 7,000 DKK

11. Næstved

Næstved is located just an hour away from Copenhagen but far more inexpensive. It has a small-town feel with big-city benefits like cinemas, shopping malls, and public transport.

A great place to live for foreign expats and digital nomads who want an easy access to get to Denmark’s capital. Families, couples and solo travelers can live here.

Population

• 44,000

Monthly Costs

• 6,000 – 7,000 DKK

12. Silkeborg

Imagine living in Denmark city which is located among lakes and forests. Silkeborg is famous as a paradise for nature and outdoor lovers who want to enjoy outdoor activities every weekend.

The cost of living is lower than average, and the environment is good too! If you are a remote worker who wants a beautiful and active lifestyle, this might be your perfect place to live.

Population

• 48,086

Cost of Living

• 6,000 – 7,300 DKK

Instant Comparison of 12 Affordable Cities in Denmark

City	Avg. 1-Bed Rent (City Center)	Key Industries	Nearest Major Airport	University Presence	Commute to Copenhagen
Aalborg	6,000 DKK/month	Energy, tech, logistics	Aalborg Airport (AAL)	Aalborg University	4–5 hrs (train)
Odense	6,500 DKK/month	Healthcare, robotics, IT	Billund Airport (BLL)	University of Southern Denmark	1.5–2 hrs
Esbjerg	5,800 DKK/month	Offshore oil/gas, shipping	Billund Airport (BLL)	University of Southern Denmark (branch)	3.5–4 hrs
Viborg	5,500 DKK/month	Education, public services	Karup Airport (KRP)	VIA University College	4–4.5 hrs
Horsens	5,800 DKK/month	Education, engineering	Billund Airport (BLL)	VIA University College	3 hrs
Kolding	6,200 DKK/month	Design, business, retail	Billund Airport (BLL)	Design School Kolding, SDU	2–2.5 hrs
Herning	5,800 DKK/month	Textiles, trade fairs, events	Karup Airport (KRP)	VIA University College	3.5–4 hrs
Randers	5,900 DKK/month	Tourism, manufacturing	Aarhus Airport (AAR)	Short drive to Aarhus University	3.5 hrs
Roskilde	6,800 DKK/month	Education, culture, tourism	Copenhagen Airport (CPH)	Roskilde University	30–40 min
Sønderborg	5,500 DKK/month	Green tech, engineering	Sønderborg Airport (SGD)	SDU Sønderborg Campus	4.5–5 hrs
Næstved	5,900 DKK/month	Retail, logistics	Copenhagen Airport (CPH)	University College Absalon (nearby)	1.5 hrs
Silkeborg	~6,000 DKK/month	Tourism, services	Billund Airport (BLL)	VIA University College (nearby)	3–3.5 hrs

Final Wording!

Living in Denmark doesn’t mean to spend hefty amounts on cost of living like utilities, transportation and lifestyle just like in Copenhagen.

These 12 cheap cities to move in Denmark for expats and travelers are budget-friendly and perfect for living a worthy life with family.

By choosing a city that suits your budget and interests, you can enjoy the Danish culture without the financial stress.

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