Reykjavik

IcelandGMT+0

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

49.4/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

1,000+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$3,236/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

160Mbps

About Reykjavik

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a vibrant city located on the southwestern coast, known for its stunning natural surroundings and high quality of life. With a metro area population of around 249,054, it offers a blend of urban convenience and easy access to nature, making it appealing to digital nomads and expats seeking both work and adventure.

The city boasts exceptional infrastructure, including high-speed internet with a median download speed of 160 Mbps in public spaces, supported by four major providers. It’s home to approximately 10 coworking spaces and a growing expat community, bolstered by English being widely spoken, which simplifies daily life and networking for newcomers.

While the cost of living is high, averaging $3,200 monthly for a nomad lifestyle, Reykjavik compensates with safety, walkability, and efficient public transport. The digital nomad visa, allowing stays up to 180 days, further enhances its appeal, catering to remote workers looking for a longer-term base in Europe.

Beyond work, Reykjavik offers unique leisure opportunities, from its cafe culture to outdoor activities like visiting the Blue Lagoon or exploring volcanic landscapes. Its subpolar oceanic climate brings cool summers and mild winters, providing a refreshing backdrop for both productivity and relaxation.

Demographics

Population249,054
LanguagesIcelandic, English

Location

CountryIceland
TimezoneGMT+0
Airport to City45 minutes
TransportBus, Taxi

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay90 days
Visa CostFree
Digital Nomad VisaAvailable

Cost of Living

$3,236
/mo
82.2% higher than average

The total monthly cost of living in Reykjavik, Iceland is $3,236, which is 82.2% higher than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$1,894
58.5% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$216
6.7% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$415
12.8% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$76
2.3% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$483
14.9% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$152
4.7% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Reykjavik’s internet infrastructure is top-tier, with a median download speed of 160 Mbps in public work-friendly spaces, as per Speedtest data. Four major providers—Símmin, Ljósleiðarinn, Nova, and Sýn—offer fiber-optic connections, ensuring reliability. Mobile networks support 4G and 5G, providing seamless connectivity. Weather-related disruptions are rare, making it a dependable choice for remote work.

Reykjavik’s digital nomad community is estimated at around 1,000, growing due to the digital nomad visa and city appeal. With 10 coworking spaces and active expat groups like InterNations, nomads find ample networking opportunities through meetups and events. The social scene thrives in cafes and extends to outdoor activities, fostering a tight-knit yet welcoming community.

160Mbps
5G
4providers
1,000
Nomads
10+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Polar/Cold
Reykjavik experiences a subpolar oceanic climate, with cool summers peaking at 11°C in July and mild winters averaging 1°C from December to February. Rainfall is consistent year-round, ranging from 25 mm in May to 65 mm in January, influenced by its coastal location and the North Atlantic Current. Seasonal changes bring long summer days and short winter daylight, with occasional strong winds impacting outdoor plans.
Temperature Range
1°C - 11°C
Avg: 5°C
Annual Rainfall
564mm
Monthly Avg: 47mm
Jan
01
1°C
🥶
65 mm
Feb
02
1°C
🥶
51 mm
Mar
03
2°C
🥶
46 mm
Apr
04
4°C
🥶
33 mm
May
05
7°C
25 mm
Jun
06
9°C
28 mm
Jul
07
11°C
38 mm
Aug
08
10°C
46 mm
Sep
09
7°C
51 mm
Oct
10
5°C
🥶
61 mm
Nov
11
3°C
🥶
56 mm
Dec
12
1°C
🥶
64 mm
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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