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: $256 in Isafjordur versus $3,517 in Selfoss.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $399 in Isafjordur versus $2,487 in Selfoss.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $542 in Isafjordur versus $1,456 in Selfoss.

Living in Isafjordur costs roughly 93% less than in Selfoss, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

The two cities straddle the global median: Isafjordur is 81% below, Selfoss is 157% above.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$15.98 ISK 1,942

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$20.56 ISK 2,498

Cappuccino

$4.78 ISK 580

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

$1.58 ISK 192

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.09 ISK 983

$11.99 ISK 1,457

-32.53%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$12.24 ISK 1,487

Milk (1 liter)

$1.77 ISK 215

White Bread (500g)

$7.32 ISK 890

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.52 ISK 549

Eggs

$6.33 ISK 768

Local Cheese (1kg)

$16.95 ISK 2,059

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$20.73 ISK 2,519

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$33.89 ISK 4,118

Apples (1kg)

$2.70 ISK 328

Banana (1kg)

$2.67 ISK 324

Oranges (1kg)

$2.61 ISK 317

Tomato (1kg)

$7.14 ISK 867

Potato (1kg)

$3.26 ISK 396

Onion (1kg)

$2.10 ISK 255

Lettuce (1 head)

$3.62 ISK 440

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.42 ISK 172

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$15.35 ISK 1,865

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.11 ISK 135

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,856 ISK 347.0K

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

Last update for Isafjordur: August 15, 2026

Last update for Selfoss: August 18, 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 1275% in total monthly costs ($256 vs $3,517 including rent). Isafjordur is meaningfully more affordable – a gap that matters a lot on a fixed or modest income.

You'd need roughly $384 in Isafjordur and $5,275 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 1275% less than in Selfoss. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.