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: $3,457 in Selfoss versus $265 in Isafjordur.

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

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

Living in Selfoss is roughly 1205% more expensive than in Isafjordur, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

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

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)

$12.56 ISK 1,529

$8.29 ISK 1,009

51.51%

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 Selfoss: September 28, 2026

Last update for Isafjordur: 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

Selfoss vs Isafjordur: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

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

You'd need roughly $5,186 in Selfoss and $397 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 1205% less than in Selfoss. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.