Cost of Living in Iceland

Land of Fire and Ice; offers high wages and incredible safety, but with a very high cost of living and isolation.

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£2,981

Average cost per month

1

Distribution of Expenses

Property
64%
Groceries
17%
Eating Out
9%
Transportation
2%
Utilities
4%
Leisure
4%
Property
64%
Groceries
17%
Eating Out
9%
Transportation
2%
Utilities
4%
Leisure
4%

Sagas & geothermal bathing

Glaciers, volcanoes & waterfalls

Energy independent; expensive

Cost of living breakdown for Iceland

You can expect to spend around £2,981 per month for 1 person as of 2026, on common living costs such as housing, food, and transport.

Housing

£1,785Average rent per month
£5,663Price per m² (city centre)
£4,626Price per m² (outside centre)
Housing

Standard of Living

Cost of living index73
Quality of life index90
Safety index81
Standard of Living

Food & Drink

Iceland average costs for food and drink.

£459Weekly groceries/person
£244Dining out average cost/person
£5Regular coffee
Food & Drink

Salary & Services

Iceland average salaries and services.

£3,402Average Monthly Net Salary
£65Transport
Healthcare68
Salary & Services

Average living costs in Iceland

ItemAverage pricePrice range
1 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£1,777.81£1,507.35 - £2,110.30
1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£1,485.59£1,127.50 - £1,808.82
3 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£2,462.54£2,110.30 - £3,014.71
3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£1,997.75£1,808.82 - £2,230.88

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Cities in Iceland

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Frequently asked questions

The cost of living in Iceland depends on your lifestyle and location. On average, a single person needs £1,196 per month without rent, while a family of four requires £4,458. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs an additional £1,778 on average.

Public transport prices vary, but generally, a one-way ticket for local transport in Iceland costs £4. If you are commuting regularly, a monthly pass is typically priced at £65.

The average monthly net salary (after tax) in Iceland is currently £3,402.

Dining costs depend on your choices. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Iceland costs approximately £21, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around £90.

The estimated monthly cost of living in Iceland for a single person is £1,196, excluding rent.

For a family of four living in Iceland, the estimated monthly costs are £4,458, not including rent.

Rent prices in Iceland depend on location. The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in a city centre is £1,778, compared to £1,486 outside the centre. For a 3-bedroom apartment, the average is £2,463 in city centres and £1,998 in suburban areas.

Basic utilities in Iceland (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m² apartment) cost an average of £71 per month. Internet access typically adds another £65.