Is Akureyri or Almaty cheaper to live in?

Almaty is 56% cheaper than Akureyri. The average monthly cost in Almaty is $1,186, while Akureyri costs $2,670 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Akureyri or Almaty?

For digital nomads, Akureyri offers faster internet at 180 Mbps. Almaty is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Akureyri has a NomadIQ score of 6.3/10 while Almaty scores 7/10.

What is the rent difference between Akureyri and Almaty?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $1,746/month in Akureyri and $747/month in Almaty. Almaty has 57% lower rent.

Is Akureyri or Almaty safer?

Akureyri has a higher safety score of 8/10. Akureyri scores 8/10 for safety while Almaty scores 4.7/10.

Should I move to Akureyri or Almaty as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Almaty if budget is important ($1,186/month). Choose Akureyri for better safety. Akureyri is better for remote work with 180 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Akureyri vs Almaty

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Akureyri

Iceland

$2,670/mo6.3/10

Almaty

Kazakhstan

$1,186/mo7/10

Akureyri

Iceland

$2,670/moNomadIQ 6.3/10

Almaty

Kazakhstan

$1,186/moNomadIQ 7/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Akureyri

Almaty

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$2,670

$1,186

Almaty

Rent (1BR)

$1,746

$747

Almaty

Groceries

$500

$300

Almaty

Transport

$95

$35

Almaty

Healthcare

$170

$90

Almaty

Safety Score

8/10

4.7/10

Akureyri

Internet Speed

180 Mbps

140 Mbps

Akureyri

NomadIQ Score

6.3/10

7/10

Almaty

Overall Winner: Almaty

Based on our comparison, Almaty wins 6 out of 8 categories.Akureyri wins 2 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Akureyri and Almaty, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Almaty

$1,186/mo

Best Internet

Akureyri

180 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Almaty

7/10

Our Recommendation: Almaty is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Akureyri vs Almaty

When comparing Akureyri and Almaty for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Almaty is the more budget-friendly option at $1,186/month versus Akureyri's $2,670/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Akureyri leads with 180 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Almaty offers 140 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 8/10, Akureyri provides a more secure environment than Almaty (4.7/10).

Overall: Almaty's NomadIQ score of 7/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Almaty is 56% cheaper than Akureyri.

• Akureyri rent: $1,746/mo
• Almaty rent: $747/mo
• Difference: $1,000/mo

Safety Comparison

Akureyri has a higher safety score (8/10) compared to Almaty (4.7/10).

8/10

Akureyri

4.7/10

Almaty

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Akureyri offers faster internet at 180 Mbps vs 140 Mbps.

180 Mbps

Akureyri

140 Mbps

Almaty

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Almaty edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.

Akureyri: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Almaty: Best for budget-conscious expats

Akureyri vs Almaty

Akureyri

Almaty

Akureyri

Almaty

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Almaty

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Akureyri vs Almaty

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Akureyri vs Almaty