Skyline of Höfn
Cost of Living: 80 2,200

Höfn, Iceland

A charming fishing town in southeast Iceland, famous for its lobster cuisine and proximity to Vatnajökull glacier.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 80

Below Average vs Iceland Avg (100)

Housing Index 80

Affordable

Median Income ISK 4,800,000

Household income

Unemployment 1.5%

Job market health

Höfn vs Iceland Average

Cost of Living
Höfn: 80
Iceland Avg: 100
Housing Index
Höfn: 80
Iceland Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Höfn: 31.5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 31.5%
  • Sales Tax: 24.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: ISK 4,800,000
  • Unemployment: 1.5%
  • Population: 2,200

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 115/year
  • Summer High: 55°F
  • Winter Low: 28°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b

Housing

  • Median Home: kr25,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: kr130000/mo

Cost of Living

Höfn's cost of living index is 80 (Iceland average = 100).

CategoryHöfnNational AverageDifference
Overall80100-20.0%
Housing80100-20.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Pricekr25,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)kr130000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)kr162,500/mo
Price per Sq Ftkr16,666

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

kr
%
$90,000 down
%
%
kr

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Höfn:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricitykr10000
Heating & Coolingkr149Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Waterkr3000Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)kr7000Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilitieskr20149Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Höfn scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
80
Rent
kr130000
Sunny Days
115
Tax
31.5%
Unemployment
1.5%
Climate
55°F / 28°F
Safety
0.5 homicides/100k
Population
2,200
Internet Speed
220 Mbps

Climate

Höfn has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January48°F28°F2.5"
April40°F43°F2.8"
July55°F30°F1.5"
October35°F46°F2.2"
USDA Zone 5b

Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Höfn faces the following natural hazards:

Volcano Extreme Risk

Highly active volcanic region with frequent eruptions.

Earthquake High Risk

Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.

Blizzard High Risk

Iceland experiences severe winter storms.

Landslide Moderate Risk

Volcanic terrain with landslides.

Avalanche Moderate Risk

Volcanic terrain with avalanches.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 31.5%
  • Sales Tax: 24%
  • Property Tax: ~0.5% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 1.5%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Academic Year September to June
Term System Semester — Fall (Sep-Jan), Spring (Feb-Jun)
Summer Break June to September (12 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break March/April (1-2 weeks)

Standard academic calendar.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Höfn, Iceland?

The cost of living index in Höfn is 80, which is Lower the Iceland national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Höfn?

The median home price in Höfn is kr25,000,000. The housing index is 80.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Höfn is approximately kr130000/mo.

Does Höfn, SU have income tax?

Höfn is in SU, which has an income tax rate of 31.5%.

What is the climate like in Höfn?

Höfn enjoys approximately 115 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 55°F, while winter lows can drop to around 28°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.