Why People Live in Malmö and Work in Copenhagen

I live in Malmö and often hear about people commuting to Copenhagen for work. While I haven’t worked in Copenhagen myself, I’ve researched the costs and compared the numbers to understand why this lifestyle appeals to many.

At first, it might seem strange — after all, you’re crossing a border every day! But when you compare the costs, it starts to make sense.

Copenhagen is beautiful and lively, but it’s also much more expensive. Rent, groceries, and daily expenses can be surprisingly high, and the Danish krone (DKK) is strong compared to the Swedish krona (SEK). Living in Malmö offers more affordable housing, lower grocery bills, and generally a quieter lifestyle — all while still being within commuting distance of Copenhagen’s job market.

In this post, I’ll break down the main differences, including cost comparisons, commuting options, and why this cross-border lifestyle works for many people — and who it might be best for.

Is Malmö Cheaper Than Copenhagen?

When comparing cities, housing is usually the biggest factor in the overall cost of living. Rent often determines whether a place feels affordable or financially stressful. For many people choosing between living in Malmö or Copenhagen, the difference in rental prices is the first major consideration.

Below is a simple comparison of average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment.

🏠 Average Monthly Rent (1-bedroom apartment)

City	City Center	Outside Center
Malmö	9,000–12,000 SEK	7,500–10,000 SEK
Copenhagen	12,000–18,000 DKK	10,000–15,000 DKK

Danish rent is significantly higher than Swedish rent, especially in central Copenhagen. On top of that, the Danish krone (DKK) is stronger than the Swedish krona (SEK), which further increases the real cost difference.

Monthly rent is only part of the story. The real difference often appears in the deposit and move-in costs.

In Malmö, landlords typically ask for a deposit of around 1 month’s rent (sometimes slightly more, depending on the contract). This makes the upfront payment relatively manageable.

In Copenhagen, however, it’s common for landlords to require:

• 3 months’ deposit

• 3 months’ prepaid rent

• Plus the first month’s rent

That means you may need to pay the equivalent of 5–7 months of rent upfront before moving in.

For example:

If rent is 15,000 DKK per month, the total upfront payment could easily exceed 75,000–90,000 DKK.

That’s a major financial barrier, especially for newcomers or expats.

Even if some of the deposit is returned when moving out, the initial amount required can make Copenhagen housing significantly harder to access compared to Malmö.

This high upfront cost is one of the main reasons some people choose to live in Malmö instead and commute to Copenhagen for work.

                                                                                         

Grocery Price Differences

Housing is not the only expense to consider. Every day grocery shopping also impacts your monthly budget.

Here’s a simple comparison of common items:

🛒 Sample Grocery Comparison

Item	Malmö (SEK)	Copenhagen (DKK)
Milk (1L)	15–20 SEK	12–16 DKK
Bread	25–35 SEK	20–30 DKK
Eggs (12)	30–45 SEK	25–40 DKK
Chicken (1kg)	100–140 SEK	90–140 DKK

While prices vary by store and brand, Denmark often has higher average food prices overall. Basic items can cost noticeably more once currency conversion is considered.

Eating out is where the difference becomes even clearer. Restaurants, cafés, and takeaway meals are generally more expensive in Copenhagen than in Malmö. Even a simple lunch can cost significantly more on the Danish side.

These daily expenses may not seem dramatic individually, but over a month, they add up quickly — especially for singles or families managing tight budgets.

                                

How Long Is the Commute?

One of the biggest advantages of living in Malmö and working in Copenhagen is how close the cities actually are.

There are three main train stations in Malmö where you can take the Øresundståg to Copenhagen:

• Hyllie Station

• Triangeln Station

• Malmö Centralstation

Travel time depends on which station you depart from:

• From Hyllie → about 25–30 minutes to Copenhagen Central

• From Triangeln → about 30–35 minutes

• From Malmö C → about 35–40 minutes

Trains run frequently throughout the day, especially during rush hours, making daily commuting realistic for many workers in the Øresund region.

A monthly commuter pass can cost several thousand SEK (2,780 SEK), so transport is an important part of the budget calculation. However, the border crossing itself is smooth since both Sweden and Denmark are part of the EU and Schengen area, meaning there are normally no passport checks for daily commuters.

Pros of commuting:

• Access to higher Danish salaries

• A larger and more international job market

• Shorter travel time than many intra-city commutes in big cities

Cons of commuting:

• Early mornings and long days

• Ongoing transport costs

• Using a Swedish mobile in Denmark: the internet is included, but you will pay extra fees if you make a phone call or send an SMS.

While the commute is manageable and relatively fast, doing it five days a week remains a commitment — especially in winter.

                                          

Final Thoughts

So, is Malmö cheaper than Copenhagen?

In most categories — especially housing — the answer is yes. 

Malmö generally offers lower rent, slightly cheaper groceries, and lower daily living expenses. However, Copenhagen often provides higher salaries and a broader job market.

For many people, the decision comes down to balancing income potential with lifestyle preferences. Living in Malmö while working in Copenhagen can be financially smart — but it requires careful planning and realistic expectations.