Reykjavik vs Tokyo: cost of living for digital nomads
Reykjavik, Iceland and Tokyo, Japan, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Tokyo is about 14% cheaper than Reykjavik for a month of nomad living ($2,800 vs $3,250).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,300 in Tokyo against $1,600 in Reykjavik.
- Tokyo scores higher on safety (10/10 vs 9/10).
- Internet is faster in Tokyo: 230 Mbps typical against 220 Mbps.
- Reykjavik is continental; Tokyo is temperate.
Reykjavik wins 1 of the measured lines; Tokyo wins 7.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Reykjavik or Tokyo?
Tokyo is cheaper: about $2,800/month against $3,250/month in Reykjavik, roughly 14% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Reykjavik or Tokyo?
Tokyo scores higher on safety: 10/10 against 9/10 for Reykjavik.
Which has faster internet, Reykjavik or Tokyo?
Tokyo has faster typical internet: 230 Mbps against 220 Mbps in Reykjavik.
| Line | Reykjavik | Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $3,250 | $2,800 |
| Rent | $1,600 | $1,300 |
| Food | $750 | $650 |
| Transport | $80 | $120 |
| Coworking | $220 | $200 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 220 | 230 |
| Climate | continental | temperate |
| City size | mid | metro |
| Setting | coast | coast |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 6/10 | 7/10 |
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Reykjavik September 10, 2026, Tokyo October 31, 2026.