Looking for American Expats in Copenhagen?

Thinking about moving to Copenhagen as an American? These pros and cons come from the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, in which thousands of expats around the world share what they like and don't like about life abroad each year. The points below reflect what US American expats in Copenhagen wrote in their own words, backed up by survey percentages from all expats living there.

• It's the safest, most cycle-friendly city going. Copenhagen tops the survey — 100% of expats rate personal safety positively and 100% getting around on foot or by bike.

• Balance and a healthy lifestyle stand out. 82% are happy with their work-life balance (vs. 62% globally), and Americans praise the organic food, slower pace, and healthy living.

• It's stable, green, and well-run. 91% rate political stability positively, 84% healthcare affordability, and 86% air quality, with strong cultural life.

• You can get by in English. 76% of expats in Copenhagen find it easy to get by without Danish, with 92% rating public transport positively.

• Housing and costs are brutal. Just 7% of expats in Copenhagen rate housing affordability positively and 14% the general cost of living — among the lowest scores in the survey.

• Locals can feel cold toward foreigners. Only 19% say making local friends is easy and 57% rate friendliness positively, with some describing coolness or worse toward newcomers.

• Danish is a steep wall. Just 12% say the language is easy to learn, and the winters are grey (28% rate the climate positively).

• Bureaucracy excludes non-EU expats. Americans describe surprisingly poor admin for non-EU residents, and a tough job market.

For Americans, Copenhagen offers unmatched safety, cycling, balance, and a green, healthy, well-run life. The catch is the brutal cost of living, a reserved welcome, and dark winters. It rewards those who value order and balance over an easy, affordable social landing.

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys for expats — Expat Insider — where we ask people living around the world about every aspect of expat life. We’ve rounded up key facts about the typical American expat: what motivated them to move to a new country, what they enjoy about life abroad, as well as what they struggle with the most.

• Browse our network of members to get to know American expats in Copenhagen and connect with others.
• Take part in our expat forums to get firsthand tips and information from fellow Americans in Copenhagen.
• Meet other American expats and global minds at 600 monthly official events and share your interests at more than 4,600 monthly activities in Copenhagen and across the globe.

InterNations provides an easy, casual way to get to know expats from the USA and further afield in your local community. Sound good? Then let us welcome you into our Copenhagen Community today!

Our Copenhagen community is also lively and welcoming offline. The InterNations Ambassadors host regular get-togethers and a range of expat activities, e.g. a chic dining experience in Copenhagen’s trendiest restaurant or a get-away with fellow American expats to discover the densely populated region around Copenhagen. These activities make it easy for you to get to know other expats from the United States of America in your local community and meet Americans in Denmark in a comfortable setting. If this sounds interesting to you, simply sign up for membership – we are looking forward to welcoming you among our Americans living in Copenhagen!