Cost of Living Comparison Between Reykjahlid and Selfoss Cost of Living Comparison Between Reykjahlid and Selfoss

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $186 in Reykjahlid versus $3,457 in Selfoss.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $270 in Reykjahlid versus $2,466 in Selfoss.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $353 in Reykjahlid versus $1,475 in Selfoss.

Living in Reykjahlid costs roughly 95% less than in Selfoss, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

The two cities straddle the global median: Reykjahlid is 86% below, Selfoss is 156% above.

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$20.61 ISK 2,509

Cappuccino

$6.19 ISK 754

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$11.87 ISK 1,444

$12.56 ISK 1,529

-5.49%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$12.17 ISK 1,481

Milk (1 liter)

$2.42 ISK 295

$1.74 ISK 212

39.08%

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 Reykjahlid: September 27, 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

Reykjahlid vs Selfoss: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Reykjahlid and Selfoss differ by about 1754% in total monthly costs ($186 vs $3,457 including rent). Reykjahlid is meaningfully more affordable – a gap that matters a lot on a fixed or modest income.

You'd need roughly $280 in Reykjahlid 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.

Supermarket bills run roughly 2068% higher in Selfoss. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

All in, you'll spend $186 per month in Reykjahlid versus $3,457 in Selfoss – a 1754% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.

Either city works on $1,200 a month, though Reykjahlid 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, Reykjahlid 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 Reykjahlid gentler on the wallet – expenses run 1754% less than in Selfoss. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.