What is the healthcare system like in Iceland?

Iceland has a healthcare quality index of 90/100. A doctor visit is listed as Covered by public healthcare, and private health insurance is listed as Public healthcare coverage. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available.

What is the climate like in Iceland?

Iceland has an average temperature of 1.1. The comparable climate indicator records 36 wet days of at least 10 mm per year. Sunshine hours and preferred travel months are not included in this dataset.

Country research

Retire in Iceland

Retirement planning in Iceland depends on its local cost levels, healthcare coverage, safety record, climate, and residence rules. This page combines comparable national indicators with city-level planning ranges.

At a glance Costs and planning

55.9Overall research score

97.3Safety index

At a glance

The first numbers to check before you compare destinations.

Cost of living91.3/100Relative PPP score; lower is cheaper

Safety97.3/100Safety index

Healthcare90/100Quality index

Average temperature1.1°CYearly average

Why Iceland

A practical starting point for deciding whether the country fits your plans.

Whether Iceland fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.

What stands out

Public healthcare coverage; newcomer eligibility varies
Strong social safety net.

Costs and planning

Monthly essentials, taxes, and residency details in one view.

Housing

One bedroom, city center: 220,000-350,000 ISK
One bedroom, suburbs: 190,000-300,000 ISK
Three bedrooms, city center: 370,000-550,000 ISK

Monthly essentials

Groceries: 85,000-130,000 ISK
Restaurant meal: Varies by city and provider
Utilities: 30,000-45,000 ISK
Health insurance: Public healthcare coverage

Residency and taxes

Visa or permit: No dedicated retirement visa; residence requires another eligible permit
Minimum annual income: Not listed
Processing time: Varies by pathway
Income tax: 46.24% Max. CGT: 22%. Inherit: None.

Safety, climate, and healthcare

The conditions that shape everyday life after the move.

Safety

Safety index: 97.3/100
Intentional homicide: 0.013 per 1,000 (latest comparable national rate)
Police response: Not published as a comparable national statistic; varies by city

Climate and healthcare

Sunshine: Not listed
Rainfall days ≥10 mm: 36 days per year
Doctor visit: Covered by public healthcare
English speakers: Not available as a comparable national statistic

Cities to consider in Iceland

Start with the places that make the country feel real, not just the national averages.

Reykjavik

Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall

Rent: 220,000-350,000 ISK/month
Safety: 95

Read city guide

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about retiring in Iceland

What is the cost of living in Iceland?

The relative PPP price-level score for Iceland is 91.3/100 (lower means lower relative prices). Monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center is listed as 220,000-350,000 ISK, while health insurance is Public healthcare coverage.

Is Iceland safe for expats and retirees?

Iceland has a safety index of 97.3/100. The latest comparable national intentional-homicide rate is 0.013 per 1,000 people; city-level crime can differ substantially.

How is the healthcare system in Iceland?

The healthcare system in Iceland has a quality index of 90/100. A doctor visit costs Covered by public healthcare, and health insurance typically costs Public healthcare coverage per month.

What are the visa requirements for retiring in Iceland?

Iceland lists the route “No dedicated retirement visa; residence requires another eligible permit”. The published minimum-income field is not a single fixed annual amount and processing is Varies by pathway. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the relevant government office.

What is the tax situation for retirees in Iceland?

Retirees in Iceland face income tax rates of 46.24% Max. CGT: 22%. Inherit: None.. Property tax is Municipal property tax varies by municipality and inheritance tax is No inheritance tax. Where applicable, tax treaties can affect double-taxation treatment.

How large is the expat community in Iceland?

Iceland has approximately 98,818 international migrants in the latest comparable estimate. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available. Major city profiles include Reykjavik.