Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Saudi Arabia

Iceland
Based on our comparison, Mecca wins 4 out of 8 categories.Selfoss wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Mecca and Selfoss, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Mecca
$1,059/mo
Best Internet
Selfoss
170 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Selfoss
7.8/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Mecca if budget is your top priority, or Selfoss if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Mecca and Selfoss for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Mecca offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,059/month compared to Selfoss's $1,900/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Selfoss provides faster connectivity at 170 Mbps compared to Mecca's 85 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 9.6/10, Selfoss offers better security than Mecca (8.2/10).
Overall: Both cities score similarly on our NomadIQ scale at 7.8/10.
Mecca is 44% cheaper than Selfoss.
Selfoss has a higher safety score (9.6/10) compared to Mecca (8.2/10).
8.2/10
Mecca
9.6/10
Selfoss
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Selfoss offers faster internet at 170 Mbps vs 85 Mbps.
85 Mbps
Mecca
170 Mbps
Selfoss
Based on our analysis, Mecca edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 4 of 8 comparison factors.
Mecca: Best for budget-conscious expats
Selfoss: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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