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

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $3,517 in Selfoss versus $256 in Isafjordur.

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

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

Living in Selfoss is roughly 1275% more expensive than in Isafjordur, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

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

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)

$11.99 ISK 1,457

$8.09 ISK 983

48.21%

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 Selfoss: August 18, 2026

Last update for Isafjordur: August 15, 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

Selfoss vs Isafjordur: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Selfoss and Isafjordur differ by about 1275% in total monthly costs ($3,517 vs $256 including rent). Isafjordur is meaningfully more affordable – a gap that matters a lot on a fixed or modest income.

You'd need roughly $5,275 in Selfoss and $384 in Isafjordur 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, Selfoss and Isafjordur 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.