The Global Expat Hub
Iceland
The safest country in the world, with geothermal pools, volcanoes and near-universal English; tiny, remote, expensive and windy.
Your plan for Iceland checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Iceland
Costs and character vary significantly within Iceland. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
The world's most northerly capital — quirky, safe and stunningly beautiful
Iceland's second city in the north — much smaller and more affordable
Iceland by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Cool oceanic, milder than the latitude suggests: winters around 0°C, summers 10–15°C, constant wind, near-24-hour daylight in June and 4 hours in December.
Mean temperatures for Reykjavík.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 800 mm (31 in) a year.
Snow Regular in winter.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationAlthingi (Law collection) ↗
OverviewLaw of Iceland on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the right. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax Municipal ~0.2–0.6% of assessed value.
Local & regional income tax Municipal income tax ~14.5% within the 31–46% total.
🎓 University
Near-free: University of Iceland ~$600/yr registration fee for all.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers Síminn, Vodafone, Nova.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $25/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $20 for 10 GB.
Sponsored
🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- Remote Work visa
- Near-free university
- Geothermal heating keeps energy bills low
- Safest country in the world
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Iceland embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Iceland faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Iceland: remote work you can do from Reykjavík, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Iceland and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Iceland safe for expats?
Iceland scores 96 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 65 out of 100 for liveability — #43 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in Iceland?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in Iceland from around $2,750 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to Iceland?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for Iceland include: Remote Work visa; near-free university; geothermal heating keeps energy bills low; safest country in the world. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in Iceland for expats?
The top cities for expats in Iceland profiled on this page are Reykjavík and Akureyri. Reykjavík is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.