An American expatriate, Jewells Chambers, who left the United States for a secluded European country, shared a notable challenge she has faced. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Jewells felt drawn to the stunning landscapes of the “Land of Fire and Ice,” known for its striking mix of volcanoes and glaciers.
Having a yearly income of $73,000 (about £54,200), Jewells moved to Iceland in 2016 after marrying an Icelander (later divorced in 2023) and landing a job in the marketing department of a local travel company. In addition to her job, the 38-year-old founded the YouTube channel and podcast All Things Iceland in 2018, focusing on providing insights into the Nordic country. By 2020, Jewells had transitioned to making her brand her primary focus.
Despite enjoying her time in Iceland, Jewells acknowledged a 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.
During an interview with CNBC Make It, Jewells discussed the expenses in Iceland, highlighting the high costs associated with dining out. She mentioned that a single course at a restaurant could range from $25 to $30 (about £18 to £22), and a three-course meal might cost around $100 to £120 (about £74 to £89). Even a cup of coffee could cost as much as $7.50 to nearly $8 (about £5.60 to £6).
In a recent video, Jewells detailed her monthly expenditures for June 2024. Her total spending amounted to $4,667 (about £3,400), with a significant portion allocated to accommodation and utilities, as well as grocery expenses. However, she benefitted from a deal with a local car rental company that covered petrol expenses and took advantage of Iceland’s free healthcare system.
Iceland, an island in the North Atlantic with a population of 376,000 as of 2024, was ranked as the third happiest nation in the 2025 World Happiness Report, following Finland and Denmark. The country’s stunning geothermal hot springs, geysers, and attractions like the Blue Lagoon spa contribute to its allure.
Moreover, Iceland received top scores globally for social support and ranked impressively in freedom and generosity, reflecting its residents’ contentment. The beautiful natural scenery, including volcanoes, Northern Lights, pink skies, and snow-capped peaks during winter, adds to the happiness of residents like US geologist Jessica Poteet, who emphasized the dream-like quality of living in such a picturesque environment.