😐Monthly costs for one person with rent: $3,564 in Selfoss versus $178 in Reykjahlid.
😐Estimated couple costs with rent: $2,499 in Selfoss versus $262 in Reykjahlid.
😐Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $1,435 in Selfoss versus $346 in Reykjahlid.
😐Living in Selfoss is roughly 1906% more expensive than Reykjahlid, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
📊The two cities straddle the global median: Selfoss is 166% above, Reykjahlid is 87% below.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Selfoss
Reykjahlid
Difference
Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
$20.26ISK 2,481
-
-
Cappuccino
-
$6.00ISK 735
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$12.03ISK 1,473
$11.75ISK 1,439
2.38%
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$11.68ISK 1,430
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Selfoss
Reykjahlid
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
$1.74ISK 213
$2.36ISK 289
-26.27%
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 2,561
-
-
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
$33.41ISK 4,091
-
-
Apples(1kg)
$2.70ISK 331
-
-
Banana(1kg)
$2.62ISK 320
-
-
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 1,832
-
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.15ISK 140
-
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Selfoss
Reykjahlid
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$2,864ISK 350.7K
-
-
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Selfoss: April 28, 2026
Last update for Reykjahlid: April 25, 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
What is the total cost difference between living in Selfoss and Reykjahlid?
Selfoss and Reykjahlid differ by about 1906% in total monthly costs ($3,564 vs $178 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 Selfoss compared to Reykjahlid?
You'd need roughly $5,346 in Selfoss and $267 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.
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: Selfoss or Reykjahlid?
All in, you'll spend $3,564 per month in Selfoss versus $178 in Reykjahlid – a 1906% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.
How far does $1,200 go in Selfoss vs Reykjahlid?
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 Selfoss and Reykjahlid?
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 Selfoss or Reykjahlid safer for residents?
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.
Where should expats move: Selfoss or Reykjahlid?
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.