Pros and Cons of Living in Reykjavik
Last updated on Jul 07, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Reykjavik, Iceland include its stunning natural beauty, its vibrant culture, and its excellent quality of life. Reykjavik is also a safe and secure city with a low crime rate. Additionally, the city is home to a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The cons of living in Reykjavik include its high cost of living, its cold climate, and its limited public transportation options. Additionally, the city is relatively isolated from other major cities, making it difficult to travel to other parts of the world.
What are the pros and cons of living in Reykjavik?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Reykjavik responded:
"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. ," said one expat in living in Reykjavik, Iceland.
"Expats and digital nomads living in Reykjavik, often like the stunning natural beauty of the country, with its unique landscapes, geothermal pools, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and whale watching. They also appreciate the high quality of life, excellent healthcare system, and low crime rates, which contribute to a safe and comfortable living environment. Reykjavik is known for its friendly and welcoming locals, who often speak English fluently, making it easy for expats to communicate and integrate into the community. The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous festivals, museums, and galleries to explore. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may dislike the high cost of living in Reykjavik, as Iceland is known to be one of the most expensive countries in the world. This includes high prices for housing, groceries, dining out, and transportation. The weather can also be a challenge, with long, dark winters and unpredictable weather conditions, which may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, the small size of Reykjavik and its remote location can make some expats feel isolated, with limited options for travel and entertainment compared to larger cities. Finally, the job market in Reykjavik can be competitive, and it may be difficult for expats to find work without specialized skills or knowledge of the Icelandic language," wrote 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.
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