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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Akranes 2024
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Cost of Living in Akranes

By Betsy Burlingame

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Akranes helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Akranes is around $1,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $1,500 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $800 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $1,200 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average price of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Akranes is around $150,000. The average price of a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $200,000. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $120,000. The average price of a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $170,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Akranes is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs around $2.50. A monthly bus pass costs around $50. Taxi fares start at around $5 and increase depending on the distance traveled.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Akranes is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around $2.50. A liter of milk costs around $2. A dozen eggs costs around $4. A kilogram of apples costs around $3.50.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Akranes is relatively low. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around $10. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $20. A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around $50.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Akranes is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity is around $50. The average monthly cost for water is around $20. The average monthly cost for internet is around $30.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Akranes is relatively high. The average annual tuition for preschool is around $5,000. The average annual tuition for elementary school is around $7,000. The average annual tuition for middle school is around $9,000. The average annual tuition for high school is around $12,000.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Akranes

"The cost of living in Akranes 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 Akranes can be expensive, with items such as meat, dairy, and fresh produce often having high price tags due to the country's remote location and harsh climate. Eating out or ordering takeout can also be pricey, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing more than in many other countries. Transportation costs can add up as well, with gasoline prices being high. However, many residents choose to walk or bike due to the town's small size, which can help to offset these costs. Healthcare in Iceland is of high quality, but it is not free. Residents pay a portion of the cost for services, but this is generally affordable. Overall, while the cost of living in Akranes is high, many residents feel that the high quality of life, beautiful surroundings, and strong sense of community make it worth the expense," said one expat living in Akranes.

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

"I've been living in Akranes 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. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable. I recommend looking for a small apartment or a room in a shared house, as these tend to be cheaper. You might want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like the ones near the harbor or the golf course, as rents there can be quite high.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries and eating out. Groceries in Iceland can be expensive, so I suggest shopping at discount stores like Bónus or Krónan, and cooking most of your meals at home. Eating out can also be pricey, so try to limit that to special occasions or opt for more affordable options like hot dog stands or fast food.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Akranes is a small town, so it's possible to walk or bike to most places. If you need to travel to Reykjavik or other parts of Iceland, consider using public transportation like buses or carpooling with friends.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable or free options in Akranes. You can enjoy the beautiful nature by going for hikes, visiting the local lighthouse, or spending time at the beach. There are also community events and festivals throughout the year that you can attend for little to no cost.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Akranes is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By finding affordable housing, cooking at home, using public transportation, and enjoying free or low-cost activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Akranes.

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

"I've been living in Akranes 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, so you'll need to be mindful of your spending habits. First, you'll want to find an affordable place to live. The neighborhoods in Akranes are relatively small, so you won't find a huge difference in prices between them. However, you might want to avoid the more expensive areas near the harbor and the golf course. Instead, look for apartments or houses in the residential areas further from the town center. You can expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 a month for a decent one or two-bedroom apartment.Next, you'll need to be careful with your grocery shopping. Food prices in Iceland can be quite high, especially for imported goods. To save money, try to buy local produce and products when possible, and avoid eating out too often. Cooking at home will be much more cost-effective. Transportation costs can also add up quickly, so consider using public transportation or walking when possible. Akranes is a small town, so getting around on foot or by bike is quite feasible. If you need a car, consider buying a used one to save on costs.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you'll need to be selective. Going out for drinks or dining can be expensive, so try to limit those outings and look for more affordable options. There are plenty of outdoor activities in Akranes, like hiking, swimming, and exploring the beautiful nature, which are either free or low-cost.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Akranes is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being careful with grocery shopping, using public transportation, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," said one expat living in Akranes.

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

"I've been living in Akranes for a few years 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 a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might need to cut back on eating out at fancy restaurants or going on expensive trips around the country. When it comes to finding a place to live, I'd recommend looking for an apartment or house in the more affordable neighborhoods like Breiðholt or Grafarvogur. These areas are still close to the city center and have all the necessary amenities, but the rent is generally lower than in the more expensive neighborhoods like Vesturbær or Miðborg. One thing to keep in mind is that the cost of living in Iceland is generally higher than in many other countries, so you might find that some things, like groceries and utilities, are more expensive than you're used to. To save money, I'd recommend shopping at discount grocery stores like Bónus or Krónan, and try to conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when you're not using them. Another way to save money is by using public transportation instead of owning a car. The bus system in Akranes is pretty reliable, and you can get a monthly pass for a reasonable price. Plus, it's a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment. Overall, I think you can definitely make it work on $5,000 a month in Akranes, as long as you're willing to make a few sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. It's a beautiful place to live, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," commented an expat living in Akranes.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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