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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: If you're moving to Akureyri, understanding the the cost of living in Akureyri helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: 120,000 - 150,000 ISK per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: 90,000 - 120,000 ISK per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: 180,000 - 250,000 ISK per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: 150,000 - 200,000 ISK per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: 350,000 - 450,000 ISK
  • Price per square meter outside city center: 250,000 - 350,000 ISK
Transportation
  • One-way local bus ticket: 400 ISK
  • Monthly local bus pass: 10,000 ISK
  • Gasoline (1 liter): 220 - 240 ISK
  • Volkswagen Golf or equivalent new car: 3,000,000 - 3,500,000 ISK
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): 120 - 150 ISK
  • Bread (500g): 300 - 400 ISK
  • Rice (1kg): 200 - 300 ISK
  • Eggs (12): 500 - 700 ISK
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): 1,500 - 2,000 ISK
  • Apples (1kg): 300 - 400 ISK
  • Tomatoes (1kg): 400 - 600 ISK
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): 100 - 200 ISK
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 1,500 - 2,500 ISK
  • Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 8,000 - 12,000 ISK
  • Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald's): 1,200 - 1,800 ISK
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): 900 - 1,200 ISK
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): 800 - 1,200 ISK
  • Cappuccino: 400 - 600 ISK
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: 10,000 - 15,000 ISK per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): 5,000 - 8,000 ISK per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool: 50,000 - 80,000 ISK per month
  • Elementary School: 100,000 - 150,000 ISK per month
  • Middle School: 150,000 - 200,000 ISK per month
  • High School: 200,000 - 300,000 ISK 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 Akureyri

"The cost of living in Akureyri is considered to be high compared to many other cities around the world. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while outside the city center, it is slightly less. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also high. Groceries in Akureyri can be costly, with items such as bread, milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables being more expensive than in many other countries. Eating out at restaurants is also quite pricey, especially for mid-range to high-end establishments. Transportation costs in Akureyri can add up, with gasoline prices being high. However, public transportation is available and is a more affordable option. Healthcare in Akureyri, like the rest of Iceland, is of high quality but can be expensive for non-residents. However, residents are covered by the country's universal healthcare system. Overall, while the cost of living in Akureyri is high, it is somewhat offset by the high average salaries in Iceland," said one expat living in Akureyri.

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

"I've been living in Akureyri 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 Akureyri is no exception. First, you'll need to find affordable housing. I'd recommend looking for a small apartment or a room in a shared house in neighborhoods like Brekkubær, Kjarnaskógur, or Glerárhverfi. These areas are more affordable compared to the city center or the more upscale neighborhoods like Hlíðar or Háaleiti. You can expect to pay around $600-$800 for a small apartment or a room in a shared house in these areas.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your grocery expenses. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Bónus or Krónan can help you save money. Cooking at home and packing lunches for work will also help you cut down on food expenses. Eating out in Akureyri can be quite expensive, so try to limit that as much as possible.Transportation costs can also add up, but luckily, Akureyri is a small town, and it's easy to get around by walking or biking. If you need to use public transportation, consider getting a monthly pass to save money.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you'll have to be selective. Going out for drinks or attending events can be pricey, so try to find free or low-cost activities to enjoy. Akureyri has beautiful nature and outdoor activities like hiking, which can be a great way to spend your free time without spending too much money.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Akureyri is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices. By choosing affordable housing, being smart about grocery shopping, and finding low-cost or free activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Akureyri.

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

"I've been living in Akureyri for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll need to make some adjustments and sacrifices. The cost of living in Iceland is generally high, and Akureyri is no exception. However, it's still more affordable than Reykjavik, the capital.First, you'll need to find a place to live. Rent can be quite expensive, especially in the more popular neighborhoods like Hafnarstræti and Glerártorg. I'd recommend looking for an apartment in more affordable areas like Brekkugata or Þórunnarstræti. You can expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in these areas. Sharing an apartment with a roommate could also help you save on rent.Next, you'll need to consider transportation. Owning a car in Iceland can be expensive due to high fuel prices and maintenance costs. I'd recommend using public transportation or biking around the city. Akureyri has a decent bus system, and a monthly pass costs around $50. Biking is also a great option, as the city is quite bike-friendly with dedicated bike lanes and paths.Groceries can also be pricey in Iceland, but you can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Bónus or Krónan. Cooking at home and packing lunches for work will help you save on food expenses. Eating out can be quite expensive, so reserve it for special occasions or treat yourself once in a while.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable or free options in Akureyri. You can enjoy the beautiful nature and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or visiting the nearby hot springs. The city also has a public swimming pool with geothermal water, which is quite affordable and a great way to relax after work.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Akureyri is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and adjustments. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation or biking, shopping at discount supermarkets, and enjoying free or low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work," said one expat living in Akureyri.

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

"I've been living in Akureyri for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even with 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 Akureyri is generally lower than in Reykjavik, but it's still not cheap. If you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into areas like Brekkubær, Glerárhverfi, or Kjarnaskógur. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to avoid neighborhoods like Hlíðar, Hafnarstræti, or Miðbær, as these tend to be more expensive.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Iceland due to high gas prices and import taxes. However, Akureyri has a decent public transportation system, and you can get around the city quite easily by bus. If you're willing to rely on public transportation and occasionally rent a car for longer trips, you can save a significant amount of money.As for groceries and dining out, prices in Iceland can be quite high, especially for imported goods. To save money, I'd recommend shopping at local supermarkets like Bónus or Krónan, which tend to have lower prices than other stores. When it comes to dining out, there are some affordable options in Akureyri, but you might have to limit how often you eat at more expensive restaurants.Finally, entertainment and leisure activities can also be pricey in Iceland. However, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Akureyri, such as hiking, visiting local museums, or attending community events. If you're willing to be a bit more frugal with your entertainment choices, you can still have a great time without breaking the bank.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Akureyri is definitely achievable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment," commented an expat living in Akureyri.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua 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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