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Cost of Living in Selfoss

Understanding the the cost of living in Selfoss helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: $900 – $1,200 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $700 – $1,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $1,500 – $2,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $1,200 – $1,700 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: $2,500 – $3,500
  • Price per square meter outside city center: $1,800 – $2,500
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: $3.50
  • Monthly local transport pass: $70 – $100
  • Gasoline (1 liter): $1.80 – $2.00
  • Basic car (Volkswagen Golf or similar): $25,000 – $30,000
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): $1.20 – $1.50
  • Bread (500g): $2.50 – $3.50
  • Rice (1kg): $2.00 – $3.00
  • Eggs (12): $4.00 – $5.00
  • Chicken breast (1kg): $12.00 – $15.00
  • Apples (1kg): $2.50 – $3.50
  • Tomatoes (1kg): $3.00 – $4.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): $1.50 – $2.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $15 – $20
  • Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $60 – $80
  • Fast food meal (McDonald’s or similar): $10 – $12
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $7.00 – $9.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $7.00 – $9.00
  • Cappuccino: $4.00 – $5.00
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: $100 – $150 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $60 – $80 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or kindergarten) for a child aged 3-6: $800 – $1,200 per month
  • Elementary school for a child aged 6-12: $1,000 – $1,500 per month
  • Middle school for a child aged 12-15: $1,200 – $1,800 per month
  • High school for a child aged 15-18: $1,500 – $2,000 per month
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as location, time of year, and individual preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Selfoss

“The cost of living in Selfoss is considered to be relatively high, similar to the rest of the country. Housing is one of the biggest expenses, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center being quite costly. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage are also a significant part of the monthly budget. Groceries in Selfoss can be expensive, with items such as milk, bread, and eggs costing more than in many other countries. Eating out is also pricey, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant being quite high. Transportation costs can also add up, with gasoline prices being high. However, many residents choose to walk or bike, which can help to offset these costs. Healthcare in Iceland is of a high standard, but it is not free. Residents must pay a portion of their healthcare costs, which can add to the overall cost of living. Despite the high cost of living, many residents feel that the quality of life in Selfoss is worth the expense. The town offers a safe, clean environment with a strong sense of community and access to beautiful natural surroundings,” said one expat living in Selfoss.

Can I live in Selfoss on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Selfoss for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. The cost of living in Iceland is generally high, and Selfoss is no exception. However, there are ways to make it work.First, you’ll need to find affordable housing. The neighborhoods closer to the city center tend to be more expensive, so I’d recommend looking for a place to live in the outskirts of Selfoss. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or share a place with roommates to keep the rent within your budget. Keep in mind that utilities can be quite expensive, especially during the winter months when you’ll need to heat your home.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your grocery expenses. Food in Iceland can be pricey, so I’d recommend shopping at the more affordable supermarkets like Bónus or Krónan. You’ll also want to cook most of your meals at home, as eating out can quickly eat into your budget. It’s also a good idea to buy in bulk and take advantage of sales when you can.Transportation is another expense to consider. If you can, try to find a place within walking or biking distance of your workplace to save on gas or bus fare. If you do need to drive, be prepared for high gas prices. Carpooling with coworkers can be a great way to save on transportation costs.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you’ll need to be selective about what you spend your money on. Going out for drinks or to the movies can be expensive, so try to find free or low-cost activities to enjoy. There are plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces in and around Selfoss, so take advantage of the natural beauty Iceland has to offer.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Selfoss is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices. By finding affordable housing, being smart about grocery shopping, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Selfoss.

Can I live in Selfoss on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Selfoss for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. The cost of living in Iceland is generally high, and Selfoss is no exception. However, it’s still more affordable than living in Reykjavik.First, you’ll need to find a place to live. Renting a small apartment or a room in a shared house will be your best bet to save money. The neighborhoods around the town center are more expensive, so I’d recommend looking for a place in the outskirts of Selfoss, like Árborg or Eyrarbakki. These areas are more affordable and still offer easy access to the town center.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your grocery expenses. Food in Iceland can be quite expensive, especially if you’re used to shopping at discount supermarkets. To save money, I’d recommend shopping at Bónus or Krónan, which are the most affordable grocery stores in the area. Also, try to cook at home as much as possible, as eating out can quickly add up.Transportation is another expense to consider. If you have a car, gas prices in Iceland are quite high. To save money, I’d recommend using public transportation or carpooling with coworkers. If you live close to your workplace, biking or walking is also a great option.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you’ll need to be selective. Going out for drinks or dining at restaurants can be expensive, so try to limit these outings. Instead, take advantage of the beautiful nature and outdoor activities that Selfoss and the surrounding areas have to offer. There are plenty of hiking trails, geothermal pools, and natural attractions to explore, many of which are free or low-cost.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Selfoss is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, shopping smartly, and taking advantage of low-cost or free activities, you can make it work,” said one expat living in Selfoss.

Can I live in Selfoss on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Selfoss for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment options.First, let’s talk about housing. The cost of living in Selfoss is generally lower than in Reykjavik, but it’s still not cheap. If you want to save money, I’d recommend looking for an apartment or a small house in the more affordable neighborhoods like Árborg or Eyrarbakki. These areas are still close to the town center and have all the necessary amenities, but the rent is more reasonable. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more upscale, you might want to avoid neighborhoods like Hveragerði or Laugarás, as they tend to be more expensive.As for transportation, owning a car in Iceland can be quite expensive due to high gas prices and import taxes. However, since Selfoss is a small town, you can easily get around by walking or biking. If you need to travel to Reykjavik or other parts of the country, there are regular bus services available, which are quite affordable.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you’ll find that prices in Selfoss are generally lower than in Reykjavik, but still higher than in many other countries. To save money, I’d recommend shopping at local supermarkets like Bónus or Krónan, which offer lower prices than the more upscale stores like Hagkaup. As for dining out, there are a few affordable options in town, but you might want to limit how often you eat out to save money.Entertainment options in Selfoss are somewhat limited, especially compared to larger cities. However, there are still plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, like hiking, horseback riding, and visiting the nearby hot springs. These activities are generally affordable and can help you save money while still enjoying your time in Iceland.In conclusion, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Selfoss is definitely possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment options. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, shopping at local supermarkets, and enjoying the many outdoor activities available, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful Icelandic town,” commented an expat living in Selfoss.

Joshua WoodJoshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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