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Cost of Living in Reykjavík

Reykjavík, Reykjavík, Iceland · Population 138,772 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Iceland average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)kr218,837 ($1,586)
Couple, monthlykr397,957 ($2,884)
Family of four, monthlykr523,845 ($3,796)

Estimated Prices in Reykjavík

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantkr2,018 ($14.63)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangekr8,073 ($58.50)per meal
Cappuccinokr605 ($4.39)each
Monthly groceries (single person)kr45,747 ($332)per month
Monthly public transport passkr7,400 ($53.63)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentkr19,510 ($141)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)kr5,651 ($40.95)per month
Fitness club membershipkr5,651 ($40.95)per month
Cinema ticketkr1,480 ($10.73)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centrekr121,163 ($878)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centrekr84,287 ($611)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centrekr252,861 ($1,832)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Reykjavík is kr645,840 ($4,680) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of kr218,837 ($1,586) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly kr284,488 ($2,062) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (kr84,287 ($611)) represents about 39% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Reykjavík

Reykjavík vs KópavogurReykjavík vs HafnarfjörðurReykjavík vs KeflavíkReykjavík vs GarðabærReykjavík vs AkureyriReykjavík vs Selfoss

Nearby Cities

Kópavogur

4 km away · Kópavogur

Garðabær

6 km away · Garðabær

Hafnarfjörður

9 km away · Hafnarfjörður

Keflavík

34 km away · Reykjanesbær

Borgarnes

44 km away · Borgarbyggð

Selfoss

51 km away · Sveitarfélagið Árborg

Sauðárkrókur

208 km away · Skagafjörður

Ísafjörður

222 km away · Ísafjarðarbær

Living in Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the capital and one of the key cities in Iceland. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is kr218,837 ($1,586), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around kr84,287 ($611) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to kr523,845 ($3,796) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately kr397,957 ($2,884) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Reykjavík is kr645,840 ($4,680). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least kr284,488 ($2,062) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Reykjavík expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated kr218,837 ($1,586) per month in Reykjavík including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Iceland.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Reykjavík?
A net salary of around kr284,488 ($2,062) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Reykjavík with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Reykjavík is kr645,840 ($4,680).
How much is rent in Reykjavík?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated kr121,163 ($878) per month in the city centre and kr84,287 ($611) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about kr252,861 ($1,832).
Is Reykjavík cheaper than Iceland on average?
No — Reykjavík is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Iceland average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Reykjavík?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at kr45,747 ($332) in Reykjavík. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about kr2,018 ($15) and a cappuccino runs around kr605 ($4).
How do transport costs in Reykjavík compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Reykjavík is estimated at kr7,400 ($54). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Reykjavík are estimates based on Iceland national averages adjusted for city size (population 138,772) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.