Cost of living in Iceland compared to China
Currency:
Food | + 343% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Iceland is 343% more expensive than in China | ||||
Iceland | China | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | 7,596 kr (438元) | 41元 | + 955% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | 2,977 kr (172元) | 38元 | + 349% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | 1,608 kr (93元) | 15元 | + 530% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | 253 kr (15元) | 14元 | + 4% | |
12 eggs, large | 1,036 kr (60元) | 16元 | + 280% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | 774 kr (45元) | 10元 | + 327% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | 1,658 kr (95元) | 50元 | + 91% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | 606 kr (35元) | 16元 | + 115% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | 466 kr (27元) | 6元 | + 315% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | 563 kr (32元) | 7元 | + 384% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | 4,329 kr (249元) | 89元 | + 181% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | 385 kr (22元) | 8元 | + 175% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | 448 kr (26元) | 13元 | + 106% | |
Housing | + 305% | |||
Housing in Iceland is 305% more expensive than in China | ||||
Iceland | China | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | 415,163 kr (23,919元) | 11,256元 | + 113% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | 344,698 kr (19,859元) | 5,248元 | + 278% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | 222,135 kr (12,798元) | 450元 | + 2746% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | 340,133 kr (19,596元) | 6,564元 | + 199% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | 252,240 kr (14,533元) | 3,518元 | + 313% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | 31,740 kr (1,829元) | 296元 | + 518% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | 11,660 kr (672元) | 100元 | + 574% | |
40” flat screen tv | 135,104 kr (7,784元) | 1,460元 | + 433% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | 24,394 kr (1,405元) | 553元 | + 154% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | 2,814 kr (162元) | 43元 | + 278% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | 5,651 kr (326元) | 50元 | + 556% | |
Clothes | + 175% | |||
Clothes in Iceland is 175% more expensive than in China | ||||
Iceland | China | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | 13,152 kr (758元) | 418元 | + 81% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | 18,714 kr (1,078元) | 302元 | + 257% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | 26,530 kr (1,528元) | 553元 | + 176% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 25,574 kr (1,473元) | 705元 | + 109% | |
Transportation | + 145% | |||
Transportation in Iceland is 145% more expensive than in China | ||||
Iceland | China | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | 6,086,940 kr (350,694元) | 137,169元 | + 156% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | 300 kr (17元) | 8元 | + 130% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | 10,800 kr (622元) | 228元 | + 172% | |
Personal Care | + 142% | |||
Personal Care in Iceland is 142% more expensive than in China | ||||
Iceland | China | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | 1,367 kr (79元) | 45元 | + 76% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | 3,085 kr (178元) | 59元 | + 200% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | 19,528 kr (1,125元) | 114元 | + 889% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | 750 kr (43元) | 67元 | - 36% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | 665 kr (38元) | 57元 | - 33% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | 948 kr (55元) | 25元 | + 118% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | 863 kr (50元) | 6元 | + 706% | |
Tube of toothpaste | 577 kr (33元) | 15元 | + 117% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | 7,963 kr (459元) | 64元 | + 613% | |
Entertainment | + 149% | |||
Entertainment in Iceland is 149% more expensive than in China | ||||
Iceland | China | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | 9,486 kr (547元) | 169元 | + 223% | |
2 tickets to the movies | 5,796 kr (334元) | 100元 | + 235% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | 17,961 kr (1,035元) | 1,179元 | - 12% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | 11,715 kr (675元) | 320元 | + 111% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | 3,700 kr (213元) | 81元 | + 163% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | 811 kr (47元) | 28元 | + 69% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | 1,366 kr (79元) | 19元 | + 312% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | 172,430 kr (9,934元) | 3,680元 | + 170% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | - | 0.34元 | - | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | 25,228 kr (1,453元) | 394元 | + 269% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | 1,827 kr (105元) | 25元 | + 325% | |
TOTAL | + 223% |

These prices were last updated on June 15, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.05761
CNY
/
ISK
Cost of living in Iceland is 223% more expensive than in China
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