Cost of Living Comparison Between Isafjordur and Selfoss Cost of Living Comparison Between Isafjordur and Selfoss

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $265 in Isafjordur versus $3,457 in Selfoss.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $402 in Isafjordur versus $2,466 in Selfoss.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $538 in Isafjordur versus $1,475 in Selfoss.

Living in Isafjordur costs roughly 92% less than in Selfoss, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

The two cities straddle the global median: Isafjordur is 80% below, Selfoss is 156% above.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$16.35 ISK 1,990

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$20.61 ISK 2,509

Cappuccino

$5.01 ISK 610

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.68 ISK 204

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.29 ISK 1,009

$12.56 ISK 1,529

-34.00%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$12.26 ISK 1,492

Milk (1 liter)

$1.74 ISK 212

White Bread (500g)

$7.58 ISK 922

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.50 ISK 547

Eggs

$6.43 ISK 783

Local Cheese (1kg)

$17.67 ISK 2,150

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$21.83 ISK 2,657

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$33.58 ISK 4,086

Apples (1kg)

$2.88 ISK 350

Banana (1kg)

$2.62 ISK 319

Oranges (1kg)

$2.80 ISK 340

Tomato (1kg)

$7.43 ISK 905

Potato (1kg)

$3.15 ISK 384

Onion (1kg)

$2.13 ISK 259

Lettuce (1 head)

$3.69 ISK 449

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.36 ISK 166

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$15.93 ISK 1,939

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.18 ISK 143

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,878 ISK 350.3K

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update for Isafjordur: September 28, 2026

Last update for Selfoss: September 28, 2026

City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Isafjordur vs Selfoss: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Isafjordur and Selfoss differ by about 1205% in total monthly costs ($265 vs $3,457 including rent). Isafjordur is meaningfully more affordable – a gap that matters a lot on a fixed or modest income.

You'd need roughly $397 in Isafjordur and $5,186 in Selfoss to live well. The gap comes down to housing and overall price levels. Both cities are liveable on less, but these numbers represent actual comfort.

Either city works on $1,200 a month, though Isafjordur gives you more room to save. At this income level, the choice is more about lifestyle than financial pressure.

Both cities offer a good standard of living with different trade-offs. Neither is objectively better – the right pick depends on what matters most: affordability, career, cultural scene, or climate.

Safety-wise, Isafjordur and Selfoss are on par. Petty crime is typical for cities this size, and most residents feel comfortable going about their daily routines in either place.

Expats usually find Isafjordur gentler on the wallet – expenses run 1205% less than in Selfoss. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.