Iceland🇮🇸
At a Glance
How Iceland compares across key indices
Cost of Living
98 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
75/100
Healthcare
69/100
Quality of Life
198/200
Climate
69/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Iceland
Cost of Living
98
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
47
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
106
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
106
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Reykjavik
Cheapest$3,935/mo
Safety & Crime
Low RiskHow safe residents feel in Iceland — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
75/100
Crime Index
25/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
57/100
Mixed perception
Walking Safety
12 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 391 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in Iceland
Iceland has 1 city with Numbeo data. Reykjavik has the lowest estimated monthly cost at $3,935. Reykjavik leads on safety, scoring 76/100. Reykjavik ranks highest for quality of life at 197/200.
Reykjavik
$3,935/mo
Reykjavik
76/100
Reykjavik
197/200
Reykjavik
70/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reykjavik | $3,935 | 76/100 | 197/200 | 70/100 | 16 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Iceland
Healthcare Index
69/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 158 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
CleanAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Iceland
Pollution Index
17/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 130 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in Iceland
Average One-Way Commute
21minutes
Short
Traffic Index
91
Below average congestion
Inefficiency
90
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
3.2kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 92 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Iceland, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Iceland?
Iceland has a cost of living index of 98 relative to New York City (100). It is on par with or more expensive than major US cities. Monthly costs for a single person start around $3,935 in Reykjavik.
Is Iceland safe for expats?
Iceland has a safety index of 75/100, making it very safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Reykjavik scores highest on safety at 76/100.
What is the best city in Iceland for expats and digital nomads?
Reykjavik ranks highest for quality of life in Iceland, scoring 197/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $3,935/mo for a single person.
How good is healthcare in Iceland?
Iceland scores 69/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it good by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
What is the air quality and pollution like in Iceland?
Iceland has a pollution index of 17/100 (lower = cleaner). This is relatively clean by global standards, making it appealing for those prioritising air quality and outdoor lifestyle.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Iceland
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