Iceland Life in the country
Finding a place to live is one of the most challenging parts of moving to Iceland. To find an apartment or house, people most often use specialized real estate websites and local social media groups.
Among the most popular resources are:
- Bland.is — one of the largest classifieds websites in Iceland;
- Leiga.is—a specialized platform for finding rental housing;
- Mbl.is Fasteignir—a large real estate portal with listings for rental and sale properties;
- Facebook groups for rental housing in Reykjavík and other cities in Iceland.
To sign a lease agreement, landlords may require:
- a passport or ID card;
- proof of income;
- a local identification number (kennitala);
- a security deposit equal to one to three months’ rent.
Before signing the contract, it’s worth clarifying whether utilities are included in the rent and what the term of the agreement is.
If you’ve just moved to Iceland, you might want to consider a short-term rental of an apartment or a room at first, and then look for long-term options once you’ve obtained the necessary documents.
Planning to move to Iceland? The experts at Visit Ukraine can help you navigate the process of legalizing your stay, obtaining the necessary documents, registering your place of residence, and other immigration procedures. You can schedule a consultation with an immigration lawyer online at this link.
Food costs in Iceland are among the highest in Europe. Because the country is an island, a significant portion of goods are imported, which affects the final price of food in stores.
On average, a single person spends between 60,000 and 100,000 ISK per month on groceries (415–690 euros), a couple spends between 120,000 and 180,000 ISK (830–1,250 euros), and a family with a child—180,000 ISK (1,240 euros) or more, depending on their lifestyle and eating habits.
Popular supermarket chains in Iceland include:
- Bónus—one of the most affordable;
- Krónan—a wide selection of goods at moderate prices;
- Nettó—combines a grocery store with household goods;
- Hagkaup—a chain with a wider selection but higher prices.
Average prices for basic food items in 2026:
- bread — 500–800 ISK (3.5–5.5 euros);
- milk (1 L) — 220–350 ISK (1.5–2.4 euros);
- eggs (12) — 700–1,000 ISK (4.8–6.9 euros);
- chicken breast (1 kg) — 2,000–3,500 ISK (13.8–24.2 euros);
- apples (1 kg) — 400–700 ISK (2.8–4.8 euros);
- potatoes (1 kg) — 250–450 ISK (1.7–3.1 euros).
Imported fruits, vegetables, and prepared foods are particularly expensive in Iceland, so locals often choose locally produced goods or buy food during sales.
You’ll need to open a bank account to receive your salary, pay for housing, and use many government services.
To open an account, you’ll typically need:
- a passport;
- a document confirming your right to reside in the country;
- your Kennitala identification number;
- proof of your residential address.
Once the account is opened, customers gain access to online banking and electronic identification, which is used to interact with government agencies and private services. In Iceland, most transactions are conducted electronically, so a bank card is essential for everyday life.
💡Those planning to start a business in Iceland should familiarize themselves in advance with the requirements for company registration and taxation. If necessary, you can seek advice from a Visit Ukraine business lawyer.
Iceland has high-quality mobile coverage and high-speed internet even in many of the country’s remote regions.
The cost of mobile service depends on the carrier and the rate plan, but on average ranges from 4,000 to 12,000 ISK per month (approximately 28–83 euros). To get a SIM card, you usually just need to show a form of ID. Users can choose between prepaid plans and contract plans.
Home internet in Iceland is also known for its high speed and stability. The average cost of a connection ranges from 8,000 to 15,000 ISK per month (approximately 55–104 euros), depending on the provider and the selected plan. Fiber-optic networks are available in most cities, providing fast and reliable connectivity for work, study, and entertainment.
Iceland’s education system is considered one of the best in Europe. Public schools are free for children who are legally residing in the country.
Children can attend:
- preschools;
- elementary schools;
- secondary schools;
- vocational schools.
Many educational institutions offer special support programs for children who do not speak Icelandic. To enroll a child in school or kindergarten, you must contact the local municipality where you live.
In addition to public schools, Iceland has private and international schools that are popular among foreign families. Classes at these schools are typically taught in English or follow international educational programs, such as Cambridge and IB.
Among the most well-known international schools are the International School of Iceland, Reykjavík International School, and the international division of Landakotsskóli.
Tuition at these schools is not free. Annual tuition typically ranges from 1,500,000 to 2,500,000 ISK (approximately 10,350–17,250 euros), depending on the school and the child’s age. At some international schools, tuition may be higher.
Iceland has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. After obtaining resident status and registering with the public healthcare system, residents gain access to medical services on preferential terms.
To receive medical care, you typically need to:
- obtain a kennitala number;
- register with the healthcare system;
- choose a family doctor.
For tourists, students, and those planning a temporary stay in Iceland, health insurance is an important part of preparing for the trip. A policy will help cover the costs of doctor’s visits, treatment, and emergency medical care, which is especially important given the high cost of medical services in the country.
💡 You can purchase insurance for travel or a long-term stay in Iceland online at Visit Ukraine.
Unlike most European countries, Iceland has no rail network or subway system. B Buses are the primary form of public transportation.B
Reykjavík has a well-developed bus network, but in smaller towns and remote regions, a car is often necessary for comfortable travel.
Average public transportation costs range from 6,000 to 12,000 ISK per month (approximately 41–83 euros), depending on how often you use public transportation.
If you are traveling through Europe in a car with Ukrainian registration, you may need a Green Card insurance certificate for international travel. This certificate confirms that the driver has liability insurance while abroad.
Advantages:
- high level of safety;
- high wages;
- high-quality healthcare;
- modern education system;
- clean environment;
- high level of English proficiency among the population;
- well-developed social support system.
Disadvantages:
- one of the highest costs of living in Europe;
- a shortage of rental housing in the capital;
- a harsh climate and long winters;
- a limited selection of goods compared to larger European Union countries.
Moving to Iceland requires careful preparation, especially if you plan to stay for an extended period. The high cost of living, the unique characteristics of the local housing market, and the need to complete paperwork make advance planning a crucial step in the adjustment process.
Before moving, it is recommended that you:
- start looking for housing in advance and familiarize yourself with rental prices in different regions of the country;
- set aside a financial reserve for the first few months of your stay;
- obtain health insurance for your trip or temporary stay;
- check the requirements for opening a bank account and obtaining a kennitala number;
- familiarize yourself with the education system if you plan to move with children;
- obtain a Green Card if you plan to travel to Iceland in your own car;
- if necessary, consult with an immigration or business lawyer regarding legalizing your stay, finding employment, or starting your own business;
- check the current document requirements for entry and residence in the country.
Proper preparation will help you adapt more quickly to life in Iceland and avoid unforeseen difficulties after your move.