Iceland🇮🇸
At a Glance
How Iceland compares across key indices
Cost of Living
113 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
86/100
Healthcare
76/100
Quality of Life
179/200
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Iceland
Cost of Living
113
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
85
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
113
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
119
100 = NYC dining
Safety & Crime
Low RiskHow safe residents feel in Iceland - based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
86/100
Crime Index
5/100
Lower is better
Walking Safety
0 point drop from day to night
Cities in Iceland
Iceland has 6 cities with Freedom Abroad estimates. Monthly costs for a single person range from $2,239 in Kópavogur to $2,640 in Reykjavík. Kópavogur leads on safety, scoring 90/100. Kópavogur ranks highest for quality of life at 175/200.
Kópavogur
$2,239/mo
Kópavogur
90/100
Kópavogur
175/200
Reykjavík
79/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reykjavík | $2,640 | 86/100 | 172/200 | 79/100 | 9 |
| Kópavogur | $2,239 | 90/100 | 175/200 | 72/100 | 5 |
| Hafnarfjörður | $2,239 | 90/100 | 175/200 | 72/100 | 5 |
| Reykjanesbær | $2,239 | 90/100 | 175/200 | 72/100 | 5 |
| Akureyri | $2,239 | 90/100 | 175/200 | 72/100 | 5 |
| Keflavík | $2,239 | 90/100 | 175/200 | 72/100 | 5 |
Freedom Abroad estimates are modeled 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
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Environment
CleanAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Iceland
Pollution Index
10/100
Lower is better
PM2.5
5.1ug/m3
Good
Environmental Quality
Based on 0 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
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 113 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 $2,640 in Reykjavík.
Is Iceland safe for expats?
Iceland has a safety index of 86/100, making it very safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Reykjavík scores highest on safety at 86/100.
What is the best city in Iceland for expats and digital nomads?
Reykjavík ranks highest for quality of life in Iceland, scoring 172/200 in Freedom Abroad's modeled quality-of-life estimate. Monthly costs there run around $2,640/mo for a single person.
How good is healthcare in Iceland?
Iceland scores 76/100 in Freedom Abroad's modeled healthcare estimate, making it excellent by global standards. This estimate reflects open public indicators for health outcomes and system capacity.
What is the air quality and pollution like in Iceland?
Iceland has a pollution index of 10/100 (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
Plan Your Move
Where Can I Move?
Check whether this country fits your passport, budget, work setup, safety floor, and priorities.
Build My Escape Plan
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Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
Cost of Living
Model monthly costs with Freedom Abroad estimates before you narrow the shortlist.
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Set Up International Banking
Get a multi-currency account before you leave. Essential for managing money abroad.
Get Connected
eSIM, VPN, and reliable internet - sorted before you land.
Book Your First Accommodation
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Find Flights
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Cost of living, safety, and quality-of-life figures on this page are Freedom Abroad estimates modeled from open public sources. Data sources
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