Pros and Cons of Living in Iceland
Last updated on Feb 02, 2024
Summary: The pros of living in Iceland include its stunning natural beauty, with its glaciers, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs, as well as its vibrant culture and friendly people. Additionally, Iceland has a high standard of living, with a strong economy and a low crime rate. On the other hand, the cons of living in Iceland include its high cost of living, its cold climate, and its remote location.
What are the pros and cons of living in Iceland?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Iceland responded:
"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the natural beauty of Iceland, with its stunning landscapes, geothermal pools, and majestic waterfalls. They also enjoy the country's vibrant culture, with its unique music, art, and cuisine. Additionally, Iceland is known for its friendly people and safe environment, making it a great place to live. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the cost of living in Iceland to be quite high, as well as the weather, which can be quite cold and unpredictable," said one member in Iceland.
"Despite my earlier comment about criminal activity, Reykjavik is a wonderful place to grow up and also to raise up children. The education system is great for even the smallest of children. However, as an adult, needing to work, due to language barriers a lot of jobs are not available to me due to the level of Icelandic written and spoken that is needed to get hired. Food is expensive and the national food is not very appealing outside of the dairy products. ," remarked one expat in Reykjavik.
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About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Iceland?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Iceland?
- Will I be able to find a job in Iceland?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Iceland appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Iceland?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Iceland accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Iceland like?
- How are healthcare services in Iceland?
- What are medical services in Iceland like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Iceland?
- What are emergency services like in Iceland?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Iceland?
- How are local medical facilities in Iceland?
- As a foreigner living in Iceland, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?