Is Denmark expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Yes, Denmark is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, on a level with Norway and Switzerland for eating out and alcohol. A budget traveller needs about DKK 900 (roughly €120) per person a day sharing a room, mid-range about DKK 1,730 and comfort about DKK 3,350. Restaurant meals, beer and hotels in Copenhagen are the big costs; trains, bikes and many sights are good value.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | DKK400 | DKK800 | DKK1,700 |
| Food & drink | DKK300 | DKK550 | DKK1,000 |
| Sights & tickets | DKK100 | DKK200 | DKK350 |
| Local transport | DKK100 | DKK180 | DKK300 |
| Per person, per day | DKK900 | DKK1,730 | DKK3,350 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Denmark day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Copenhagen single ticket (metro/bus) | about DKK 30 |
| Canal tour from Nyhavn | about DKK 120-150 |
| Smørrebrød lunch plate or casual dinner | DKK 150-250 |
| Rosenborg Castle | about DKK 140 |
| Tivoli Gardens entry (rides extra) | about DKK 165-200 |
| Louisiana Museum of Modern Art | about DKK 165 |
| Kronborg Castle | about DKK 140-190 |
| Dinner in Kødbyen (Meatpacking District) | DKK 250-400 per person |
| Mid-range double in central Copenhagen | DKK 1,200-1,900 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation and eating out take most of the budget. Even design hostels with private rooms cost DKK 600-900 a night, and central Copenhagen hotels DKK 1,200-1,900. A sit-down dinner with a drink rarely costs less than DKK 250, and beer or wine in bars is expensive. Transport is efficient but not cheap, while bikes, harbour baths and several viewpoints are free.
When it is cheaper
Hotel prices are lower from November to March, except Christmas market weekends and major events, often by roughly 20-30%. Summer and big festival weeks are the most expensive.
How to spend less
- Make lunch your main meal: smørrebrød, Torvehallerne or street-food markets like Reffen are cheaper than dinner.
- Buy breakfast and picnic supplies at supermarkets such as Netto, Lidl or Rema 1000.
- Use the free Christiansborg tower and harbour baths instead of paid viewpoints and pools.
- Rent a bike or use city bikes instead of taxis; Copenhagen is built for cycling.
- Buy the Copenhagen Card only if you will visit three or more paid sights a day.
- Book DSB long-distance train tickets early in the app for lower fares.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
Is Denmark expensive for tourists?
Yes. Expect about DKK 900 (roughly €120) per person a day on a budget and about DKK 1,730 mid-range, mostly for rooms and food.
How much does a meal cost in Copenhagen?
A smørrebrød lunch or casual dinner costs about DKK 150-250, and dinner in a trendy area DKK 250-400 per person.
Is the Copenhagen Card worth it?
Only if you visit three or more paid sights a day; it also covers public transport, including to the airport.