An American expat, Jewells Chambers, left the United States to settle in a secluded European country known for its captivating natural beauty. Jewells, who earns around $73,000 (approximately £54,200) annually, moved to Iceland in 2016 after marrying and later divorcing an Icelandic citizen. She landed a job in the marketing department of a local travel company.
In addition to her marketing role, the 38-year-old founded the YouTube channel and podcast All Things Iceland in 2018, focusing on providing insights into the Nordic nation. By 2020, Jewells had transitioned to making this venture her primary occupation.
Despite her apparent enjoyment of life in Iceland, Jewells acknowledged a notable drawback of residing there – the country’s high cost of living, ranking as the eighth most expensive globally in 2023, with expenses reportedly 15.8% higher than those in the US according to Business Insider.
During an interview with CNBC Make It, Jewells discussed the expenses she incurs living in Iceland, highlighting the high costs of dining out, with main courses at restaurants typically ranging from $25 to $30 (approximately £18 to £22), and a three-course meal costing between $100 to $120 (about £74 to £89). Even a cup of coffee can set you back $7.50 to nearly $8 (around £5.60 to £6) depending on the location.
A breakdown of Jewells’ monthly expenditures for June 2024 revealed a total outlay of $4,667 (approximately £3,400), with $2,030 (about £1,500) allocated to accommodation and utilities, and $545 (around £400) spent on groceries. However, she benefits from a deal with a local car rental company that covers her petrol expenses and utilizes Iceland’s free healthcare system.
Iceland, an island nation in the North Atlantic, is renowned for its geothermal hot springs, geysers, and attractions like the Blue Lagoon spa. With a population of 376,000 as of 2024, Iceland ranked third in the 2025 World Happiness Report, trailing only Finland and Denmark. The country excelled in social support globally and achieved high scores for freedom and generosity.
Residents’ happiness in Iceland is further enhanced by its stunning landscapes, including volcanoes, the Northern Lights, pink skies, and snow-capped mountains in winter. Geologist Jessica Poteet, another American who moved to Iceland, emphasized the surreal beauty of the country’s natural features, describing it as a dream she cherishes daily.
