Nanjing vs. Reykjavik: Detailed 2026 Comparison

# Nanjing vs. Reykjavik: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Overview

Climate Index

80.6 / 68.8

Cost of Living Index

30.5 / 100.6

Nanjing   Reykjavik

Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province in China, is a sprawling metropolis with a population exceeding four million, making it one of the country's major economic and cultural hubs. It blends ancient historical significance with rapid modernization and development. Reykjavik, conversely, is the vibrant capital and largest city of Iceland, situated in a fjord on the southwestern peninsula of the island nation. With a population of around 140,000, it is Iceland's main center for business, government, and culture, characterized by its unique Arctic climate and stunning natural surroundings. These two cities represent vastly different environments, economies, and lifestyles, differing significantly in scale, cost structures, and quality of life metrics.

Economy and Housing

Health Care Index

75.2 / 69.6

Pollution Index

70.7 / 15.6

Nanjing   Reykjavik

Reykjavik boasts a significantly higher GDP per capita compared to Nanjing, reflecting its position as Iceland's economic engine. The Icelandic króna (ISK) is much stronger purchasing power-wise against major global currencies than the Chinese yuan (CNY). This translates into a higher average monthly net salary in Reykjavik (ISK 259,900 ≈ €200, USD 250) compared to Nanjing (CNY 11,000 ≈ €1,500, USD 2,000). However, Reykjavik's property prices are substantially higher in absolute terms (€500-€1,000/m²) than Nanjing (€300-€600/m²). Despite this, Reykjavik's Property Price to Income Ratio (8.02) is considerably lower than Nanjing's (15.37), indicating that housing costs, while high, are proportionally more manageable relative to the average income in Reykjavik. Nanjing, as a major Chinese city, offers a lower cost of housing, aligning more closely with its overall lower cost-of-living index (59.2 vs. 100.57 for Reykjavik). While the absolute property prices are lower, the income levels in Nanjing are also significantly lower than in Reykjavik. The city benefits from China's rapid economic growth, offering diverse job opportunities, particularly in technology, manufacturing, and services, though salaries generally lag behind Reykjavik's levels. The lower property price ratio in Nanjing (15.37) suggests that housing represents a larger proportion of income for residents compared to Reykjavik, despite the lower absolute cost.

Quality of Life

Property Price to Income Ratio

17.8 / 8

Purchasing Power Index

118.9 / 118.3

Nanjing   Reykjavik

Reykjavik consistently scores higher on international quality-of-life indices, achieving a top-tier Quality of Life Index score of 197.0

Quality of Life Index

158.4 / 197.1

Safety Index

87.5 / 75.5

Nanjing   Reykjavik

Traffic Commute Time Index

43.8 / 20.6

Nanjing   Reykjavik