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

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $3,517 in Selfoss versus $177 in Reykjahlid.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $2,487 in Selfoss versus $262 in Reykjahlid.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $1,456 in Selfoss versus $347 in Reykjahlid.

Living in Selfoss is roughly 1883% more expensive than in Reykjahlid, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

The two cities straddle the global median: Selfoss is 157% above, Reykjahlid is 87% below.

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$20.56 ISK 2,498

Cappuccino

$6.01 ISK 731

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$11.99 ISK 1,457

$11.74 ISK 1,427

2.13%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$11.95 ISK 1,452

Milk (1 liter)

$1.77 ISK 215

$2.39 ISK 291

-25.94%

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 Reykjahlid: August 17, 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 Reykjahlid: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Selfoss and Reykjahlid differ by about 1883% in total monthly costs ($3,517 vs $177 including rent). Reykjahlid 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 $266 in Reykjahlid 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 2045% higher in Selfoss. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

All in, you'll spend $3,517 per month in Selfoss versus $177 in Reykjahlid – a 1883% 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, Selfoss and Reykjahlid 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 1883% less than in Selfoss. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.