Cost of living in Nuuk

Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is a unique city with a distinct lifestyle influenced by its Arctic location. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this remote yet vibrant city.

The cost of living in Nuuk encompasses various aspects such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of these expenses to help you plan your budget effectively.

People enjoying the surroundings of Nuuk

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $14.18 on average, with a range between $11.34 and $17.02.
Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $99.27, with prices ranging from $78 to $141.81.
Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $15.67, with a range between $14.32 and $17.02.
Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $5.67 to $9.93, imported beer $5.67 to $9.93, cappuccino $4.96 to $7.09, and Coke/Pepsi $1.42 to $4.25.

Grocery Prices

MilkMilk is priced between $1.42 and $3.55 per liter, averaging $2.6.
Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.84 and $3.97, with an average price of $3.45.
Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $3.4 to $6.13, averaging $4.36.
Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $2.84 to $4.25 per kg, while oranges range from $2.84 to $4.11 per kg.
Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $2.84 and $3.55 per kg, and lettuce costs $4.25 to $5.67 per head.

Transportation

Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.84 and $2.98, with a monthly pass priced between $78 and $212.71.
Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $0.62 and $1.42 per liter.
Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $3.26, with a cost of $2.55 to $8.51 per km and $7.09 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $567.24 to $1418.1, averaging $1087.21.
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $400.61 to $1134.48, averaging $889.86.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1205.38 to $3545.24, averaging $2073.97.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $888.01 to $2552.57, averaging $1835.09.
Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1679.07 to $4231.37, averaging $3151.89.
Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $4254.29 to $13993.08, averaging $9123.69.

Utilities

Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $212.71 on average.
InternetInternet services range from $118.98 to $141.81, with an average cost of $130.39.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 26 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2023.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$14.18

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$99.27

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$15.67

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.51

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.67

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.41

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.84

Cappuccino (regular)

$5.91

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$2.60

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$3.45

Eggs (regular) (12)

$4.36

Local Cheese (1kg)

$33.33

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.36

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$20.49

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$5.17

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.55

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$11.34

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$17.94

Apples (1kg)

$3.55

Oranges (1kg)

$3.47

Potato (1kg)

$3.31

Lettuce (1 head)

$4.96

Rice (white), (1kg)

$3.19

Tomato (1kg)

$4.25

Banana (1kg)

$4.02

Onion (1kg)

$3.78

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

$14.18

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

$2.98

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$81.97

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.96

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

$33,963.40

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.26

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

$5.53

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$7.09

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

$10,210.29

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

Avg

Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,616.28

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

4.71%

Childcare

Avg / Range

Childcare

Avg

Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

$538.88

Overview Job Market

Affordability

Very Affordable

About this index

Nuuk Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Nuuk offers a unique living experience with its Arctic charm, but it comes with a relatively high cost of living.
Housing and utilities are significant expenses, especially if you prefer living in the city centre.
Dining out can be costly, particularly in mid-range restaurants, while grocery prices reflect the city's remote location.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and fuel prices being relatively affordable.

Conclusion

Living in Nuuk, Greenland, presents both challenges and opportunities. The cost of living is influenced by its remote location and unique lifestyle.

While housing and dining can be expensive, transportation and utilities are more manageable. Prospective residents should plan their budgets carefully to accommodate these costs.

Overall, Nuuk offers a distinctive lifestyle that balances the high cost of living with the benefits of living in a culturally rich and naturally beautiful environment.