An expatriate who left the United States for a remote European country shared a notable challenge she has faced. Jewells Chambers, originally from Brooklyn, New York, was drawn to the captivating “Land of Fire and Ice” with its remarkable landscapes featuring volcanoes and glaciers.
Jewells, earning $73,000 (around £54,200) annually, moved to Iceland in 2016 after marrying and later divorcing an Icelander, and landing a marketing role at a local travel company. In 2018, she also launched the YouTube channel and podcast All Things Iceland, focusing on providing insights about the Nordic country, which became her primary endeavor in 2020.
Despite enjoying her life in Iceland, Jewells acknowledged the downside of living there – the country’s high cost of living, ranking as the eighth most expensive globally in 2023, with expenses reportedly 15.8% higher than in the US, according to Business Insider.
In an interview with CNBC Make It, Jewells shared details about living costs in Iceland, emphasizing the high prices, particularly for dining out. She mentioned that dining at a restaurant could cost between $25 to $30 (approximately £18 to £22) for a main course, with a three-course meal totaling around $100 to $120 (about £74 to £89). Additionally, a cup of coffee could range from $7.50 to almost $8 (around £5.60 to £6).
In a video, Jewells’ monthly expenses for June 2024 were outlined, totaling $4,667 (roughly £3,400), with a significant portion allocated to accommodation and utilities, as well as grocery expenses. Her financial burden was somewhat eased by a contract with a local car rental company covering petrol costs and access to Iceland’s free healthcare services.
Iceland, a sparsely populated island known for its geothermal features like hot springs and geysers, along with attractions such as the Blue Lagoon spa, is home to approximately 376,000 residents as of 2024. In the 2025 World Happiness Report, Iceland secured the third position as the world’s happiest nation, following Finland and Denmark.
BBC reported Iceland’s top global rankings for social support, freedom, and generosity, highlighting the country’s positive societal aspects. The stunning natural scenery, including volcanoes, Northern Lights, colorful skies, and snow-covered peaks during winter, adds to residents’ happiness, as noted by US geologist Jessica Poteet, who also moved to Iceland. Poteet expressed gratitude for living in such a picturesque environment, describing it as a “dream” experience.
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