Cost of Living Comparison Between Torshavn and SumbaCost of Living Comparison Between Torshavn and Sumba
Monthly Cost of Living
😐A single person spends $2,255 per month in Torshavn vs $216 in Sumba, rent included.
😐A couple spends around $3,581 per month in Torshavn vs $287 in Sumba, rent included.
😐A family of three spends $4,908 per month in Torshavn vs $358 in Sumba, rent included.
😐Torshavn costs about 946% more than Sumba, driven mainly by Eating Out.
📊Torshavn sits 68% above the global median, while Sumba is 84% below – they fall on opposite sides of the world average.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Torshavn
Sumba
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$22.87FOK 147
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Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$140FOK 895
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Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
$19.96FOK 128
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Cappuccino
$6.96FOK 44.60
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Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$3.28FOK 21.01
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Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$2.61FOK 16.73
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Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$9.50FOK 60.9
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Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$8.32FOK 53.4
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🛒 Groceries & Markets
Torshavn
Sumba
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
$2.33FOK 14.94
$2.37FOK 15.17
-1.69%
White Bread(500g)
$3.92FOK 25.15
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Rice(white)(1kg)
$1.92FOK 12.28
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-
Eggs
$5.62FOK 36.02
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Local Cheese(1kg)
$12.55FOK 80.4
-
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Chicken Fillets(1kg)
$14.06FOK 90.1
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Apples(1kg)
$2.38FOK 15.25
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Banana(1kg)
$2.85FOK 18.25
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Oranges(1kg)
$3.04FOK 19.49
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Tomato(1kg)
$1.90FOK 12.21
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Potato(1kg)
$2.82FOK 18.10
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Onion(1kg)
$3.38FOK 21.68
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Lettuce(1 head)
$2.55FOK 16.33
-
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Water(1.5 liter bottle)
$2.76FOK 17.72
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Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
$11.00FOK 70.5
$10.66FOK 68.4
3.19%
Wine(Bottle)
$12.43FOK 79.7
$12.20FOK 78.2
1.89%
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
$2.12FOK 13.62
$2.29FOK 14.67
-7.42%
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$3.07FOK 19.67
$1.91FOK 12.23
60.73%
🚌 Getting Around
Torshavn
Sumba
Difference
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
-
$4.52FOK 28.95
-
Taxi Start(Normal Tariff)
$12.19FOK 78.2
-
-
Gasoline(1 liter)
$2.13FOK 13.65
$1.96FOK 12.58
8.67%
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$55.8KFOK 357.8K
-
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🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Torshavn
Sumba
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$133FOK 855
-
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$40.45FOK 259
-
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Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$66.0FOK 423
$61.1FOK 392
8.01%
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Torshavn
Sumba
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$41.14FOK 264
$39.25FOK 252
4.82%
Cinema Ticket
$16.61FOK 106
$15.61FOK 100
6.41%
🧸 Childcare & Education
Torshavn
Sumba
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$548FOK 3,512
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-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Torshavn
Sumba
Difference
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$150FOK 963
-
-
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$60.8FOK 390
-
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Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$166FOK 1,065
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Men's Leather Business Shoes
$224FOK 1,434
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🏠 Accommodation & Living
Torshavn
Sumba
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,124FOK 7,204
-
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$918FOK 5,885
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,964FOK 12.6K
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,494FOK 9,579
-
-
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$4,817FOK 30.9K
-
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Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$4,870FOK 31.2K
-
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💵 Salaries & Financials
Torshavn
Sumba
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$2,376FOK 15.2K
-
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CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Torshavn: May 31, 2026
Last update for Sumba: May 31, 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
Torshavn vs Sumba: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
How do living costs in Torshavn and Sumba compare overall?
Monthly costs with rent: $2,255 in Torshavn, $216 in Sumba – roughly 946% apart. Torshavn costs more across the board, with Eating Out showing the biggest gap.
What salary covers living expenses in Torshavn compared to Sumba?
For a comfortable life, plan on about $3,382 per month in Torshavn and $323 in Sumba. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.
Which city is more expensive overall: Torshavn or Sumba?
Monthly expenses with rent come to $2,255 in Torshavn and $216 in Sumba. The difference isn't just one category – it shows up across housing, food, transport, and services.
Which city has cheaper grocery shopping?
Groceries cost about 455% more in Torshavn, though it depends on what you buy. Local produce may be comparable; imported and premium items show the biggest price gap.
Which city is more doable on $2,000 per month?
A $2,000 monthly budget goes further in Sumba, where all-in costs run around $216, than in Torshavn at $2,255. In Sumba it covers expenses comfortably, while in Torshavn it requires careful planning or may not stretch far enough.
How does quality of life compare between Torshavn and Sumba?
It depends on your priorities. Torshavn has an edge in some lifestyle areas, with costs from $216 in Sumba to $2,255 in Torshavn. Climate, culture, job market, and personal taste all factor in.
Is Torshavn or Sumba safer for residents?
Both have safer and rougher neighborhoods, but overall safety is comparable to other large cities. Neighborhood choice matters more than the city-level comparison – central, well-trafficked areas feel secure in both.
How do I decide between Torshavn and Sumba?
If budget matters most, go with Sumba. If higher salaries, better infrastructure, or specific career opportunities are the priority, Torshavn makes more sense. Both are solid long-term options with distinct trade-offs.