🙂Monthly costs for one person with rent: $178 in Reykjahlid versus $3,564 in Selfoss.
🙂Estimated couple costs with rent: $262 in Reykjahlid versus $2,499 in Selfoss.
🙂Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $346 in Reykjahlid versus $1,435 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 87% below, Selfoss is 166% above.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Reykjahlid
Selfoss
Difference
Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
-
$20.26ISK 2,481
-
Cappuccino
$6.00ISK 735
-
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$11.75ISK 1,439
$12.03ISK 1,473
-2.33%
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$11.68ISK 1,431
-
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Reykjahlid
Selfoss
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
$2.36ISK 289
$1.74ISK 214
35.63%
White Bread(500g)
-
$7.26ISK 889
-
Rice(white)(1kg)
-
$4.53ISK 555
-
Eggs
-
$6.29ISK 770
-
Local Cheese(1kg)
-
$16.50ISK 2,021
-
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
-
$20.92ISK 2,562
-
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
-
$33.41ISK 4,092
-
Apples(1kg)
-
$2.70ISK 331
-
Banana(1kg)
-
$2.62ISK 321
-
Oranges(1kg)
-
$2.57ISK 314
-
Tomato(1kg)
-
$7.17ISK 878
-
Potato(1kg)
-
$3.19ISK 391
-
Onion(1kg)
-
$2.05ISK 251
-
Lettuce(1 head)
-
$3.52ISK 431
-
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
-
$1.38ISK 169
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
-
$14.96ISK 1,833
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$1.15ISK 140
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Reykjahlid
Selfoss
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
-
$2,864ISK 350.8K
-
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Reykjahlid: April 25, 2026
Last update for Selfoss: April 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
What is the total cost difference between living in Reykjahlid and Selfoss?
Reykjahlid and Selfoss differ by about 1906% in total monthly costs ($178 vs $3,564 including rent). Reykjahlid is meaningfully more affordable – a gap that matters a lot on a fixed or modest income.
What salary covers living expenses in Reykjahlid compared to Selfoss?
You'd need roughly $267 in Reykjahlid and $5,346 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.
Which city has cheaper grocery shopping?
Supermarket bills run roughly 2061% higher in Selfoss. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.
Which city is more expensive overall: Reykjahlid or Selfoss?
All in, you'll spend $178 per month in Reykjahlid versus $3,564 in Selfoss – a 1906% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.
How far does $1,200 go in Reykjahlid vs Selfoss?
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.
How does quality of life compare between Reykjahlid and Selfoss?
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.
Is Reykjahlid or Selfoss safer for residents?
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.
Where should expats move: Reykjahlid or Selfoss?
Expats usually find Reykjahlid gentler on the wallet – expenses run 1906% less than in Selfoss. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.
Reykjahlid vs other spots: cost of living compared