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Keflavik, Iceland
Capital City

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,849
Retiree Score
62.0
Safety Index
—
Healthcare
1 facilities

With a population of just 23,329, Keflavik is a sleepy Icelandic town far removed from the glitz of Reykjavik. The local geography is dominated by bleak fields of basalt rubble, a harsh landscape that mirrors the town's chilly subpolar climate. Winters are moderately cold, with average highs barely scraping above freezing, while summers offer only mild relief with highs around 14°C. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache here, as the town's origins as a Scottish fishing outpost have left a legacy of red tape.

Keflavik is best suited for those drawn to Iceland's rugged natural beauty and tranquil small-town pace of life, rather than urban sophistication. The lack of nightlife and cultural attractions means this town is unlikely to satisfy thrill-seekers or culture vultures.

Can I afford Keflavik?

$

Keflavik

You could save

151/mo

Savings Rate5%

Monthly Costs

Rent $1,329
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,520

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
5/100
Retiree Score
(i)
62/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
—
Safety
1
Healthcare
100
Walkability
20
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$3
Eggs (12) $6
Rice (1kg) *$3
Chicken (1kg) *$25

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$24
Meal (Mid-range) $173
Cappuccino $4
Water (0.33L) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $86
Mobile Plan (mo) $32
Gym (mo) *$81
Cinema Ticket $18

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $531
1BR Outside (mo) *$791
3BR Center (mo) $805
3BR Outside (mo) *$1,055

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Keflavíkurkaupstaður Centrum, Njarðvík
Best For
aviation workers, remote workers, expats transiting Iceland

Expat Life Notes

Keflavík hosts Iceland's international airport and a NATO/US military legacy, giving it a more international character than most Icelandic towns outside Reykjavik. English is universal. A small expat community exists in aviation and tourism.

Pros

  • ✓ International airport hub
  • ✓ English universally spoken
  • ✓ Aviation and tourism jobs
  • ✓ Reykjavik day-trippable

Cons

  • ✗ High cost of living
  • ✗ Windswept and bleak landscape
  • ✗ Small city limitations
  • ✗ Dark winters

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
1422 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Keflavik

Click any question to expand the answer.

Keflavik has a population of approximately 23,329 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $3,322 per month in Keflavik, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1329/month.

The nearest airport to Keflavik is KEF, approximately 4km away.

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