Skyline of Ísafjörður
Cost of Living: 87 2,600

Ísafjörður, Iceland

The largest town in Iceland's remote Westfjords, a stunning harbor settlement surrounded by dramatic fjords and snow-capped peaks.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 87

Below Average vs Iceland Avg (100)

Housing Index 92

Affordable

Median Income ISK 5,800,000

Household income

Unemployment 2.5%

Job market health

Ísafjörður vs Iceland Average

Cost of Living
Ísafjörður: 87
Iceland Avg: 100
Housing Index
Ísafjörður: 92
Iceland Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Ísafjörður: 31.5%

Taxes

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

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: ISK 5,800,000
  • Unemployment: 2.5%
  • Population: 2,600

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 100/year
  • Summer High: 52°F
  • Winter Low: 27°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b

Housing

  • Median Home: kr38,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: kr150000/mo

Cost of Living

Ísafjörður's cost of living index is 87 (Iceland average = 100).

CategoryÍsafjörðurNational AverageDifference
Overall87100-13.0%
Housing92100-8.0%

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

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Pricekr38,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)kr150000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)kr187,500/mo
Price per Sq Ftkr25,333

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 Ísafjörður:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricitykr10000
Heating & Coolingkr161Estimated 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 Utilitieskr20161Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

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

Remote Work Score

Ísafjörður scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
87
Rent
kr150000
Sunny Days
100
Tax
31.5%
Unemployment
2.5%
Climate
52°F / 27°F
Safety
0.5 homicides/100k
Population
2,600
Internet Speed
220 Mbps

Climate

Ísafjörður has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January47°F27°F2.5"
April37°F42°F2.8"
July52°F27°F1.5"
October32°F45°F2.2"
USDA Zone 5b

Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Ísafjörður 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 2.5%.

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 Ísafjörður, Iceland?

The cost of living index in Ísafjörður is 87, which is Lower the Iceland national average of 100.

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

The median home price in Ísafjörður is kr38,000,000. The housing index is 92.

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

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Ísafjörður is approximately kr150000/mo.

Does Ísafjörður, WE have income tax?

Ísafjörður is in WE, which has an income tax rate of 31.5%.

What is the climate like in Ísafjörður?

Ísafjörður enjoys approximately 100 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 52°F, while winter lows can drop to around 27°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.