Reykjavik vs Edinburgh

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Edinburgh is roughly 16% more affordable than Reykjavik (index 42 vs 50, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Edinburgh
More affordable overall
16% cheaper than Reykjavik · Cost index: 42 vs 50

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

50Cost Index42
4,652Median Income /mo2,650
76Safety Index78
31.49Income Tax %29
95Internet (Mbps)67
250Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

ReykjavikCategoryEdinburgh
$2,222/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
30% ← cheaper
$1,545/month
$1.77/liter
Meal for One
24% ← cheaper
$1.35/liter
$28.14/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
18% ← cheaper
$23/meal
$78.9/month
Monthly Transit Pass
12% cheaper →
$90/month
$182.55/month
Utilities (Monthly)
45% cheaper →
$330/month
$86.59/visit
Doctor Visit
100% ← cheaper
$0/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Reykjavik

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability78/100

Edinburgh

Internet67 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitysmall
Walkability72/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Reykjavik cheaper than Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is cheaper than Reykjavik. Edinburgh has a cost of living index of 42/100 compared to 50/100 for Reykjavik (New York = 100), making it roughly 16% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Edinburgh than Reykjavik?

Edinburgh is approximately 16% cheaper than Reykjavik based on cost index scores (42 vs 50, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Reykjavik could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,528/month in Edinburgh.

What is the rent comparison between Reykjavik and Edinburgh?

In Reykjavik, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,222/month. In Edinburgh, the equivalent is around $1,545/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Reykjavik or Edinburgh?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Reykjavik offers 95 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Edinburgh offers 67 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Edinburgh has a cost advantage of 16%.

What is the average income in Reykjavik vs Edinburgh?

The median net monthly salary in Reykjavik is approximately $4,652 USD, compared to $2,650 USD in Edinburgh.

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