Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Spain

Iceland
For digital nomads choosing between Alicante and Selfoss, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Alicante
$1,495/mo
Best Internet
Selfoss
170 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Selfoss
7.8/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Alicante if budget is your top priority, or Selfoss if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Alicante and Selfoss for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Alicante offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,495/month compared to Selfoss's $1,900/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Selfoss provides faster connectivity at 170 Mbps compared to Alicante's 150 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 9.6/10, Selfoss offers better security than Alicante (6.3/10).
Overall: Selfoss's NomadIQ score of 7.8/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Alicante is 21% cheaper than Selfoss.
Selfoss has a higher safety score (9.6/10) compared to Alicante (6.3/10).
6.3/10
Alicante
9.6/10
Selfoss
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Selfoss offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 150 Mbps.
150 Mbps
Alicante
170 Mbps
Selfoss
Both cities are excellent choices for expats, with each having unique strengths.
Alicante: Best for budget-conscious expats
Selfoss: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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