Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Iceland

Kirkjubaejarklaustur sits in Iceland's southern lowlands, a village of 176 people set at 42 meters above sea level, where the temperate climate brings cool summers and brisk, wind-scoured winters. The settlement is compact, and the only neighborhood expats realistically consider is the village center, where daily life, services, and the few guesthouses cluster together. There is no sprawling suburb or outlying district to weigh; the entire community operates within a walkable core, and newcomers quickly learn that the rhythm of the place is tied to the weather, the light, and the quiet roads that lead out toward the coast and the highlands.

Living here is not cheap, though it is less punishing than Reykjavik. A one-bedroom apartment in the village center runs $766/mo, while the same outside the center drops to $602/mo. A single person's monthly costs, excluding rent, come to $1,022/mo, with utilities at $86/mo and a mobile phone plan at $32/mo. Eating out carries a premium: an inexpensive restaurant meal costs $28 per person, a mid-range three-course dinner for two is $90, and a cappuccino runs $6. There is no wage data to compare against, so the practical question is whether remote income or savings can absorb these figures, especially given the limited local job market.

Safety is a standout feature. The crime index sits at 5/100, which is exceptionally low, and the safety index is 95/100, making this one of the most secure places an expat could choose. Healthcare quality is rated good, and the air quality index is 25, meaning clean air and a healthful environment. The nearest hospital is a drive away, but for routine care and emergencies, the local system is considered reliable, and the overall expat score of 75/100 reflects a strong sense of security and well-being for those who settle here.

For remote workers, the path in is the Iceland Long-Term Visa (Remote Workers), which allows eligible applicants to stay for up to six months while working for an employer abroad. The nearest airport is KEF, 223 km away, so getting here involves a long drive or bus ride from the capital region. English proficiency is limited, and the expat community is very few, so this is not a place for those seeking a social bubble or a fast digital nomad scene; the digital nomad score is 55/100. Instead, it suits retirees and self-sufficient travelers who prize solitude, safety, and a slower pace, and who are willing to learn some Icelandic or rely on translation tools for daily interactions.