Reykjavik, Iceland

Cost of Living in Reykjavik, Iceland

Quick answer: As of 2026, living in Reykjavik costs approximately $2,849 per month for one person, with city-centre one-bedroom rent averaging $2,395. Actual costs vary with lifestyle, neighborhood, and exchange rates.

Reykjavik is a city in Iceland, where a single person can expect to spend about $2,849 per month including rent, food, and local transport. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $2,395 per month, or $2,049 outside the centre. Internet is fast at around 318 Mbps median download speed. On safety, Reykjavik scores 96/100 — very safe for residents and visitors. Expect summer highs near 57°F and winter highs around 33°F, with roughly 173 sunny days a year.

Top for MountainTop for National ParkTop for VolcanoTop for WaterfallTop for WildlifeTop for HikingLGBTQ+ friendlyFamily friendlySafe tap water
Monthly Cost$2,849≈ $95/day
1BR Rent (Centre)$2,395
Internet318 Mbps
Safety96/100
Avg Temp45°F

Reykjavik Cost of Living Breakdown

🍽️ Dining

Inexpensive Restaurant$28.43
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 People)$121.84
McDonald's Combo Meal$22.74
Cappuccino$6.09
Domestic Beer (Restaurant)$12.39
Bottled Water (Restaurant)$2.82

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1 Liter)$1.95
Bread (1 lb Loaf)$3.98
Eggs (12)$6.76
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)$11.71
Apples (1 lb)$1.58
Bananas (1 lb)$1.20
Tomatoes (1 lb)$2.63
Potatoes (1 lb)$1.57
Water (1.5L Bottle)$1.88
Wine (Mid-Range Bottle)$23.96
Cigarettes (Marlboro)$13.81

🚌 Transportation

One-Way Ticket$5.44
Monthly Transit Pass$87.73
Taxi Start$6.66
Taxi (1 Mile)$4.51
Gasoline (1 Liter)$2.49
VW Golf (New)$50,280.24

⚡ Utilities & Tech

Basic Utilities (Monthly)$86.88
Mobile Phone Plan$31.10
Broadband Internet$87.06

🎬 Lifestyle

Gym Membership (Monthly)$93.77
Cinema Ticket$18.36
Preschool (Monthly)$728.94
Intl. Primary School (Annual)$30,414.22

👔 Clothing

Jeans (Levi's 501)$142.83
Nike Running Shoes$174.33

🏠 Housing

Rent 1BR (City Centre)$2,394.95
Rent 1BR (Outside Centre)$2,048.66
Rent 3BR (City Centre)$3,349.47
Rent 3BR (Outside Centre)$2,703.46
Buy Price/sqft (Centre)$728.69
Buy Price/sqft (Outside)$591.24

📊 Summary

Avg Monthly Net Salary$4,484.22
Mortgage Interest Rate8.74%

Cost data sourced from Numbeo.

Lifestyle & Quality of Life in Reykjavik

Internet318 Mbps
Safety96/100
Healthcare70/100
Public Transit40/100
Walkability72/100
Nightlife50/100
Food Scene58/100
Fine Dining35/100
Coffee Culture72/100
Air Quality96/100
Green Spaces60/100
Culture60/100
Beaches15/100
Hiking95/100
Surfing10/100
Coworking Spaces12
US Visa-Free90 days

Communities & Expat Groups

Iceland Digital Nomads

Reykjavik FAQ

How much does it cost to live in Reykjavik?

A single person should budget around $2,849 per month in Reykjavik, covering rent, groceries, transport, and basic lifestyle costs.

How much is rent in Reykjavik?

A one-bedroom apartment in central Reykjavik averages $2,395 per month, dropping to about $2,049 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $3,349.

Is Reykjavik safe?

Reykjavik scores 96/100 on safety, which is very safe. Tourist safety is rated 95/100.

How fast is the internet in Reykjavik?

Median download speeds in Reykjavik are around 318 Mbps — fast for remote work and video calls. There are roughly 12 coworking spaces in the city.

Does Iceland offer a digital nomad visa?

Iceland does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. US passport holders can usually stay 90 days visa-free.

What is the weather like in Reykjavik?

Reykjavik sees summer highs around 57°F and winter highs near 33°F, with about 173 sunny days and 182 rainy days per year.

Reykjavik in our travel guides

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