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Daycare Cost Calculator

Calculate the cost of daycare in Denmark including municipal subsidies for nursery and kindergarten.

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๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ฐ All calculations are based on Danish rules, rates, and currency (DKK). This calculator is translated for convenience but applies exclusively to Denmark.

Daycare Costs in Denmark

In Denmark, municipalities are required to subsidize at least 75% of daycare costs, meaning parents pay a maximum of 25% of the total cost. The actual price depends on the type of institution and the municipality. Nurseries (vuggestue, ages 0โ€“2) are more expensive than kindergartens (bรธrnehave, ages 3โ€“5) due to lower child-to-staff ratios.

Average prices for nursery and kindergarten 2026

The average monthly cost for a full-time nursery place is approx. 3,500-4,900 kr for the parent's share (including lunch), while kindergarten costs around 1,900-2,800 kr per month. These are amounts after the municipal subsidy. Actual prices vary significantly between municipalities.

Subsidies, free places and sibling discounts

Families with low income may be eligible for a free or partially free daycare place through the economic free-place scale. In 2026, the household income threshold is 218,100 kr for a full free place. Siblings also receive a discount โ€” typically 50% off for the second child and free from the third child.

Calculate your parent payment

Parent payment is a maximum of 21.3% of the municipality's operating costs per child. Use this calculator to estimate your monthly daycare costs based on the type of institution and your municipality's subsidy level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a nursery place cost in 2026?

A nursery or kindergarten place costs 4,906 kr (2026) with lunch and 4,172 kr (2026) per month without lunch, until the child is 3 years and 1 month old.

When can you get a subsidy for daycare?

In 2026, the income thresholds for economic free-place subsidies are: Household income up to 218,100 kr before tax: full free place. Household income between 218,101 kr and 677,499 kr: partial free place.

When is it most expensive to have children?

When deducting income such as child benefits and subsidies, the most expensive age is actually when the child is 6-9 years old.

Is nursery cheaper than family daycare?

The price depends on the municipality. In some municipalities, family daycare is cheaper than nursery, while in others it is the opposite. Generally, nursery and family daycare prices are close, but nurseries often offer longer opening hours.

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