Cost Of Living in Greenland 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Greenland

Whether you're living in Greenland or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

26,000 DKK

per month
$3,800

2,000 DKK   $290
$38,000   260,000 DKK

Single

18,000 DKK

per month
$2,600

6,100 DKK   $880
$18,000   120,000 DKK

Couple

30,000 DKK

per month
$4,400

10,000 DKK   $1,500
$23,000   160,000 DKK

Family

40,000 DKK

per month
$5,900

14,000 DKK   $2,100
$32,000   220,000 DKK

Student

13,000 DKK

per month
$1,900

5,100 DKK   $740
$3,300   23,000 DKK
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Greenland is 18,000 DKK. Expenses can range from 6,100 DKK at the minimum level to 120,000 DKK at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Greenland is 30,000 DKK. Expenditure can range from 10,000 DKK to 160,000 DKK per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Greenland is 40,000 DKK per month. Families spend anywhere from 14,000 DKK to 220,000 DKK.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Greenland is 13,000 DKK. Students spend from 5,100 DKK to 23,000 DKK per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Greenland


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
3.3 DKK 3.8 DKK 4.4 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.49 $0.55 $0.63
Fast food combo meal
28 DKK 57 DKK 94 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.1 $8.2 $14
Restaurant meal for one
94 DKK 140 DKK 280 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $21 $41
Fine dining meal for one
190 DKK 280 DKK 1,100 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $41 $160
Soda or Soft Drink
4 DKK 4.7 DKK 5.7 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.59 $0.69 $0.82
Cappuccino or latte
24 DKK 38 DKK 57 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $5.5 $8.2

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
19 DKK 23 DKK 28 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $3.3 $4.1
Loaf of bread
3.4 DKK 3.9 DKK 4.5 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.50 $0.57 $0.65
12 eggs
14 DKK 19 DKK 28 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.7 $4.1
Fresh whole chicken
32 DKK 42 DKK 59 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.7 $6.1 $8.6
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
38 DKK 57 DKK 110 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.5 $8.2 $16
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
15 DKK 21 DKK 30 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $3 $4.3
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
5.7 DKK 7.6 DKK 14 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.82 $1.1 $2.1
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
10 DKK 13 DKK 22 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $1.9 $3.2

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
24 DKK 28 DKK 57 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $4.1 $8.2
Average car full tank
140 DKK 190 DKK 380 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $27 $55
Average car 1-day rental
140 DKK 190 DKK 280 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $27 $41
Average car price
71,000 DKK 140,000 DKK 190,000 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10,000 $21,000 $27,000
Bus ticket one way
4.7 DKK 7.1 DKK 14 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.69 $1 $2.1
Car Service
190 DKK 280 DKK 570 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $41 $82

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
360 DKK 1,100 DKK 7,300 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$53 $160 $1,100
Utility Bill - Couple
500 DKK 1,500 DKK 8,100 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$73 $220 $1,200
Utility Bill - Family
420 DKK 1,200 DKK 6,700 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$62 $180 $970
Internet and cable
140 DKK 280 DKK 380 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $41 $55
Mobile phone charges
110 DKK 190 DKK 570 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $27 $82

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
71 DKK 94 DKK 140 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $14 $21
One month gym membership
230 DKK 280 DKK 570 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $41 $82

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
170 DKK 240 DKK 350 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $34 $52
Woman dress
160 DKK 220 DKK 710 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $32 $100
Woman shoes
150 DKK 200 DKK 470 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $29 $69
Men's shoes
130 DKK 160 DKK 310 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $23 $46
Men suit
140 DKK 180 DKK 940 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $26 $140
Regular t-shirt
71 DKK 94 DKK 280 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $14 $41

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
2,400 DKK 3,500 DKK 9,400 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $520 $1,400
1-bedroom apartment
3,500 DKK 5,700 DKK 14,000 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$520 $820 $2,100
2-bedroom apartment
4,700 DKK 7,100 DKK 19,000 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$690 $1,000 $2,700

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
470,000 DKK 710,000 DKK 1.4M DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$69,000 $100,000 $210,000
1-bedroom apartment
570,000 DKK 940,000 DKK 3.5M DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$82,000 $140,000 $520,000
2-bedroom apartment
940,000 DKK 2.8M DKK 5.7M DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140,000 $410,000 $820,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
2,800 DKK 3,500 DKK 4,700 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $520 $690
Double Bed
1,900 DKK 2,800 DKK 3,500 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $410 $520
Single Bed
1,700 DKK 2,200 DKK 2,800 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $320 $410
Living Room
3,100 DKK 4,000 DKK 14,000 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$460 $590 $2,100
Dining Table
1,400 DKK 1,900 DKK 3,500 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $270 $520
Sofa or Couch
1,900 DKK 2,600 DKK 5,700 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $370 $820

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
1,900 DKK 2,800 DKK 5,700 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $410 $820
Fridge or Freezer
1,700 DKK 2,600 DKK 3,500 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $370 $520
Washing Machine
2,200 DKK 3,100 DKK 5,700 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $460 $820
Stove or Cooker
2,000 DKK 2,600 DKK 3,500 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $370 $520
Mobile Phone
2,400 DKK 2,800 DKK 4,000 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $410 $590
Laptop or Computer
2,600 DKK 3,100 DKK 5,700 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $460 $820

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Greenland

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

82%

73% to 92%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%7%
50% - 60%12%
60% - 70%19%
70% - 80%27%
80% - 90%14%
90% - 100%8%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%1%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Greenland is 82% This means that on average, people spend around 82% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 19% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
74%
Spending-Income-Ratio
66%
83%

Couple
78%
Spending-Income-Ratio
69%
87%

Family
86%
Spending-Income-Ratio
77%
97%

How do people spend their money in Greenland?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure28%

28% of total expenses on average (17% to 36%)

LOW$88   610 DKK
AVERAGE$1,100   7,900 DKK
HIGH$11,000   79,000 DKK
Per Month

People living in Greenland typically spend from 17% to 36% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 28% being the average. The average spend on housing is 7,900 DKK with expenditure ranging from 610 DKK to 79,000 DKK. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$15   100 DKK
AVERAGE$190   1,300 DKK
HIGH$1,900   13,000 DKK
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Greenland ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1,300 DKK with 100 DKK and 13,000 DKK being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$29   200 DKK
AVERAGE$380   2,600 DKK
HIGH$3,800   26,000 DKK
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 200 DKK to 26,000 DKK on commuting with 2,600 DKK being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 9% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 13%.

Food and Groceries Cost26%

26% of total expenses on average (18% to 32%)

LOW$73   500 DKK
AVERAGE$950   6,600 DKK
HIGH$9,500   66,000 DKK
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Greenland is 6,600 DKK. The cost of groceries can range between 500 DKK to 66,000 DKK. People spend on average about 26% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 18% and 32% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services8%

8% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$21   140 DKK
AVERAGE$270   1,800 DKK
HIGH$2,700   18,000 DKK
Per Month

People in Greenland allocate 3% to 11% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 140 DKK to 18,000 DKK with 1,800 DKK being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$12   81 DKK
AVERAGE$150   1,000 DKK
HIGH$1,500   10,000 DKK
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 81 DKK to 10,000 DKK with 1,000 DKK being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$18   120 DKK
AVERAGE$230   1,600 DKK
HIGH$2,300   16,000 DKK
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 1,600 DKK per month with 120 DKK being the minimum spent amount and 16,000 DKK being the maximum.

Other Expenses11%

11% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)

LOW$38   260 DKK
AVERAGE$500   3,400 DKK
HIGH$5,000   34,000 DKK
Per Month

How much money can you save in Greenland every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Greenland manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
70%
Not Saving
30%

Almost 70% of the surveyed people in Greenland said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 30% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Greenland

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles73%28%
Couples68%33%
Families63%38%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

12% 20% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

820 DKK
$120
11,000 DKK
$1,500
110,000 DKK
$15,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 12% to 32% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 20% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 11,000 DKK on average with savings ranging from 820 DKK to 110,000 DKK.

73% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 68% of couples said the same. 63% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Greenland?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

15% 24% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,500 DKK
$360
7,400 DKK
$1,100
49,000 DKK
$7,100
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%29%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%16%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 15% to 34% of their monthly income to savings, with 24% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 7,400 DKK with 2,500 DKK and 49,000 DKK being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 22% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

4,100 DKK
$590
12,000 DKK
$1,800
65,000 DKK
$9,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%33%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%11%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 13% to 33% of their monthly income, with 22% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 12,000 DKK with 4,100 DKK and 65,000 DKK being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 19% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

5,700 DKK
$830
16,000 DKK
$2,400
90,000 DKK
$13,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Greenland can save anywhere between 11% to 29% of their monthly income, with 19% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 16,000 DKK with 5,700 DKK and 90,000 DKK being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Greenland

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Greenland?


Yes
78%
No
22%

Around 78% of surveyed residents think that living in Greenland is affordable with proper budgeting while 22% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Greenland

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options62%

Few low-cost options38%


Based on the survey, 62% of the people living in Greenland have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 38% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Greenland whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes77%

No23%


Based on the survey, 23% of the people living in Greenland said that they don't have an emergency fund while 77% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Greenland

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy73%


We asked residents of Greenland whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 27% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 73% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Greenland have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 21% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 79% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance21%

Easily manages finances79%

Financial goals of people in Greenland

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Greenland, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund6%
Debt Reduction29%
Retirement Savings7%
Education Funding9%
Homeownership16%
Investing10%
Travel or Lifestyle12%
Healthcare Expenses7%
Financial Independence10%

Around 6% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 29% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 7% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 9% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 16% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 10% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 12% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 7% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Greenland

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Greenland. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income7%
High Expenses10%
Debt and Loans20%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending8%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later16%
Inflation10%
Social Pressure4%
Market Instability3%

Around 7% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 10% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 20% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 8% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 16% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 10% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 4% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Greenland

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds10%
Gold9%
Savings Accounts18%
Retirement Accounts12%
Cash Savings14%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks7%
Bonds7%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit4%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Greenland

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Greenland and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Greenland is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Greenland:
AgeAmount
2574,000 DKK
30150,000 DKK
35260,000 DKK
40370,000 DKK
45550,000 DKK
50770,000 DKK
55920,000 DKK
601.1M DKK
651.4M DKK

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Greenland about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions14%
Savings21%
Investments14%
Social Security9%
Annuities9%
Part-time Job8%
Real Estate16%
Dividends and Interest9%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Greenland

4,400 DKK
$630
13,000 DKK
$1,900
87,000 DKK
$13,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Greenland


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
24%
Debt Free
76%

According to the survey, 24% of the people in Greenland have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 76% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Greenland

Debt to income ratio

27%

18% to 37%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 27% of the people's monthly income in Greenland goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%2%
50% - 60%9%
40% - 50%10%
30% - 40%12%
20% - 30%17%
10% - 20%21%
0% - 10%29%

According to our data, 2% of the debtors in Greenland pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 9% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 10% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 12% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 17% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Greenland

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage15%
Auto Loan25%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card23%
Personal Loan34%

15% of debtors in Greenland confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 23% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 25% of people and personal loans rose at 34%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Greenland.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Greenland

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Greenland how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never57%
Once a year21%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year3%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Greenland

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Greenland

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
2,400 DKK 3,500 DKK 9,400 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $520 $1,400
1-bedroom apartment
3,500 DKK 5,700 DKK 14,000 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$520 $820 $2,100
2-bedroom apartment
4,700 DKK 7,100 DKK 19,000 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$690 $1,000 $2,700
3-bedroom apartment
5,700 DKK 9,400 DKK 26,000 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$820 $1,400 $3,700
Furnished apartment
11,000 DKK 28,000 DKK 57,000 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $4,100 $8,200
Townhouse
9,400 DKK 14,000 DKK 40,000 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,400 $2,100 $5,900
House
11,000 DKK 28,000 DKK 57,000 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $4,100 $8,200
Villa
14,000 DKK 35,000 DKK 57,000 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,100 $5,200 $8,200

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Greenland ranges between 2,400 DKK and 9,400 DKK, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 3,500 DKK to 14,000 DKK. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 4,700 DKK and 19,000 DKK per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 5,700 DKK to 26,000 DKK. The average rent of a townhouse in Greenland is around 14,000 DKK while house rental costs can be as high as 28,000 DKK per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 14,000 DKK to 57,000 DKK per month.



Apartment and house prices in Greenland

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
470,000 DKK 710,000 DKK 1.4M DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$69,000 $100,000 $210,000
1-bedroom apartment
570,000 DKK 940,000 DKK 3.5M DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$82,000 $140,000 $520,000
2-bedroom apartment
940,000 DKK 2.8M DKK 5.7M DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140,000 $410,000 $820,000
3-bedroom apartment
3.1M DKK 4.7M DKK 14M DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$460,000 $690,000 $2.1M
Townhouse
4M DKK 9.4M DKK 35M DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$590,000 $1.4M $5.2M
House
4.7M DKK 28M DKK 40M DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$690,000 $4.1M $5.9M
Villa
5.7M DKK 31M DKK 47M DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$820,000 $4.6M $6.9M

The average price of a studio apartment in Greenland can range from 470,000 DKK to 1.4M DKK depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 570,000 DKK to 3.5M DKK. A villa can cost you 31M DKK on average with prices ranging from 5.7M DKK to 47M DKK.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Greenland will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


44 x129 monthly income 217
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Greenland can be x129 to x217 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x129 multiples of the average monthly salary in Greenland.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


23% 33% of income 43%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Greenland is around 33%. This means that people pay 33% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 23% to 43% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
31%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.3%
AVERAGE
3.3%
TO
4.3%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


40 DKK 520 DKK 5,200 DKK
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Greenland

Housing34%

34% of total expenses on average (22% to 46%)

LOW$320   2,200 DKK
AVERAGE$950   6,500 DKK
HIGH$6,300   44,000 DKK
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW$53   360 DKK
AVERAGE$160   1,100 DKK
HIGH$1,100   7,300 DKK
Per Month

Transport, Fuel7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$70   480 DKK
AVERAGE$210   1,500 DKK
HIGH$1,400   9,700 DKK
Per Month

Food and Groceries17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)

LOW$140   970 DKK
AVERAGE$420   2,900 DKK
HIGH$2,800   19,000 DKK
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 14%)

LOW$79   540 DKK
AVERAGE$240   1,600 DKK
HIGH$1,600   11,000 DKK
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$44   300 DKK
AVERAGE$130   910 DKK
HIGH$880   6,100 DKK
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$18   120 DKK
AVERAGE$53   360 DKK
HIGH$350   2,400 DKK
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$160   1,100 DKK
AVERAGE$480   3,300 DKK
HIGH$3,200   22,000 DKK
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Greenland

Housing31%

31% of total expenses on average (24% to 41%)

LOW$480   3,300 DKK
AVERAGE$1,500   10,000 DKK
HIGH$7,700   53,000 DKK
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$73   500 DKK
AVERAGE$220   1,500 DKK
HIGH$1,200   8,100 DKK
Per Month

Transport, Fuel11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 16%)

LOW$180   1,200 DKK
AVERAGE$530   3,600 DKK
HIGH$2,800   19,000 DKK
Per Month

Food and Groceries15%

15% of total expenses on average (10% to 20%)

LOW$210   1,400 DKK
AVERAGE$620   4,200 DKK
HIGH$3,300   23,000 DKK
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$160   1,100 DKK
AVERAGE$480   3,300 DKK
HIGH$2,600   18,000 DKK
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$88   610 DKK
AVERAGE$260   1,800 DKK
HIGH$1,400   9,700 DKK
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$29   200 DKK
AVERAGE$88   610 DKK
HIGH$470   3,200 DKK
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$250   1,700 DKK
AVERAGE$750   5,100 DKK
HIGH$4,000   27,000 DKK
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Greenland

Housing30%

30% of total expenses on average (25% to 40%)

LOW$660   4,500 DKK
AVERAGE$1,900   13,000 DKK
HIGH$10,000   71,000 DKK
Per Month

Transport, Fuel7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 9%)

LOW$160   1,100 DKK
AVERAGE$470   3,200 DKK
HIGH$2,600   18,000 DKK
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 25%)

LOW$370   2,500 DKK
AVERAGE$1,100   7,300 DKK
HIGH$5,800   40,000 DKK
Per Month

Healthcare9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$160   1,100 DKK
AVERAGE$470   3,200 DKK
HIGH$2,600   18,000 DKK
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$100   710 DKK
AVERAGE$290   2,000 DKK
HIGH$1,600   11,000 DKK
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$290   2,000 DKK
AVERAGE$820   5,600 DKK
HIGH$4,500   31,000 DKK
Per Month

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)

LOW$250   1,700 DKK
AVERAGE$700   4,800 DKK
HIGH$3,900   27,000 DKK
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Greenland

Housing22%

22% of total expenses on average (17% to 28%)

LOW$180   1,200 DKK
AVERAGE$450   3,100 DKK
HIGH$800   5,500 DKK
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$30   200 DKK
AVERAGE$74   510 DKK
HIGH$130   920 DKK
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$52   360 DKK
AVERAGE$130   890 DKK
HIGH$230   1,600 DKK
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 25%)

LOW$150   1,000 DKK
AVERAGE$370   2,600 DKK
HIGH$670   4,600 DKK
Per Month

Healthcare7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$45   310 DKK
AVERAGE$110   770 DKK
HIGH$200   1,400 DKK
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)

LOW$37   260 DKK
AVERAGE$93   640 DKK
HIGH$170   1,100 DKK
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$140   970 DKK
AVERAGE$350   2,400 DKK
HIGH$630   4,400 DKK
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)

LOW$110   770 DKK
AVERAGE$280   1,900 DKK
HIGH$500   3,400 DKK
Per Month
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