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

By Betsy Burlingame

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: If you're moving to Egilsstadir, understanding the the cost of living in Egilsstadir 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: $800 - $1,200 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $600 - $1,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $1,500 - $2,500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $1,200 - $2,000 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: $2,000 - $3,500
  • Price per square meter outside city center: $1,500 - $2,500
Transportation
  • One-way local bus ticket: $3.50
  • Monthly local bus pass: $70 - $100
  • Gasoline (1 liter): $1.80 - $2.20
  • Toyota Corolla or equivalent new car: $30,000 - $35,000
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): $1.20 - $1.80
  • Bread (500g): $2.50 - $4.00
  • Rice (1kg): $2.00 - $4.00
  • Eggs (12): $4.00 - $6.00
  • Cheese (1kg): $10.00 - $20.00
  • Chicken breast (1kg): $12.00 - $18.00
  • Beef round (1kg): $15.00 - $25.00
  • Apples (1kg): $2.50 - $4.50
  • Bananas (1kg): $1.50 - $3.00
  • Oranges (1kg): $2.00 - $4.00
  • Tomato (1kg): $3.00 - $5.00
  • Potato (1kg): $1.50 - $3.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): $1.00 - $2.50
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $15 - $25
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $60 - $100
  • McDonald's combo meal: $10 - $15
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $7.00 - $10.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $7.00 - $10.00
  • Cappuccino: $3.50 - $5.00
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): $2.00 - $3.50
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): $1.50 - $2.50
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: $100 - $200 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): $0.10 - $0.20
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $50 - $80 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: $800 - $1,200 per month
  • Elementary school tuition: $1,000 - $1,500 per month
  • Middle school tuition: $1,200 - $1,800 per month
  • High school tuition: $1,500 - $2,500 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 Egilsstadir

"The cost of living in Egilsstadir is relatively high compared to other parts of the world. This is largely due to the fact that most goods have to be imported, which increases their price. Housing is one of the biggest expenses, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center being quite costly. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, are also a significant expense.Groceries in Egilsstadir are expensive as well, with basic items such as bread, milk, and eggs costing more than in many other countries. Eating out is also pricey, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing more than one might expect.Transportation costs can also add up, with gasoline prices being high. However, public transportation is available and is a more affordable option. Despite these high costs, salaries in Egilsstadir, and Iceland in general, are also higher than the global average, which helps to offset the high cost of living. Additionally, the quality of life in Egilsstadir is very high, with excellent healthcare, education, and social services," said one expat living in Egilsstadir.

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

"I've been living in Egilsstadir 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, so you'll need to be mindful of your spending. First, you'll want to find affordable housing. I'd recommend looking for a shared apartment or a small studio in the more affordable neighborhoods like Fellabær or the outskirts of Egilsstadir. You might have to compromise on the size and quality of your living space, but it's doable. Avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like the town center or areas with newer developments, as the rent there can be quite high.Next, you'll need to be smart about your grocery shopping. Food can be expensive in Iceland, so try to shop at the more budget-friendly stores like Bónus or Krónan. You'll also want to cook most of your meals at home and limit eating out, as restaurants can be pricey. Transportation is another area where you can save money. Egilsstadir is a small town, so you can walk or bike to most places. If you need to travel outside of town, consider using the local bus system or carpooling with friends or coworkers.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you'll need to be selective. Going out for drinks or attending events can add up quickly, so try to find free or low-cost activities like hiking, visiting local parks, or attending community events. In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Egilsstadir is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By finding affordable housing, being smart about groceries and transportation, and choosing low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Egilsstadir.

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

"I've been living in Egilsstadir 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. I'd recommend looking for an apartment in the more residential areas of Egilsstadir, rather than the town center. The rent prices can vary, but you should be able to find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $1,000 to $1,200 a month. You might also consider sharing an apartment with a roommate to cut down on costs.When it comes to groceries, you'll want to shop at the more affordable supermarkets like Bonus or Kronan, rather than the more expensive ones like Hagkaup. Cooking at home will save you a lot of money, as eating out can be quite pricey in Iceland. You should budget around $400 to $500 a month for groceries.Utilities, including electricity, heating, and internet, can cost around $200 a month, depending on your usage. You'll want to be mindful of your energy consumption, as electricity can be expensive.Transportation costs can be kept low if you walk or bike around town, as Egilsstadir is relatively small. If you need to travel to other parts of Iceland, you can use the public bus system, which is reasonably priced. Owning a car can be expensive due to high gas prices and maintenance costs, so I'd recommend avoiding it if possible.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you'll need to be selective about what you spend your money on. Going out for drinks or dining at restaurants can add up quickly, so try to limit those outings. Instead, take advantage of the beautiful nature and outdoor activities that Iceland has to offer, like hiking, swimming in geothermal pools, or exploring the stunning landscapes.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Egilsstadir is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, shopping at budget-friendly supermarkets, and prioritizing free or low-cost activities, you can make it work," said one expat living in Egilsstadir.

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

"I've been living in Egilsstadir 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, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, housing can be quite expensive in some areas, so you'll want to avoid the more upscale neighborhoods like Midgardur and Austurvegur. Instead, consider looking for a place in more affordable areas like Fellabær or Norðurvegur. You can find decent apartments or houses in these neighborhoods without breaking the bank.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll find that prices can be quite high in Iceland. To save money, I recommend shopping at discount supermarkets like Bónus or Krónan, and cooking at home as much as possible. If you do want to eat out, there are some affordable options like the local pizzeria or the N1 gas station, which offers decent fast food at reasonable prices.Transportation can also be a significant expense, especially if you're planning on traveling around the country. Gas prices are quite high, so I'd recommend using public transportation whenever possible. The local bus service, Strætó, is reliable and affordable, and you can also consider carpooling with coworkers or friends to save on costs.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Egilsstadir. You can enjoy the beautiful nature by going for hikes, visiting nearby waterfalls, or exploring the stunning landscapes of the East Fjords. There's also a local swimming pool, which is a popular and affordable way to relax and socialize with locals.In conclusion, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Egilsstadir is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing affordable housing, shopping smartly for groceries, and taking advantage of the many free or low-cost activities available, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," commented an expat living in Egilsstadir.

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.


Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

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SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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