Pros & Cons of Living in Reykjavik

Thinking about moving to Reykjavik? Below we highlight some of the pros and cons of living in Reykjavik.

Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is a place of stark contrasts. It's a city where the old meets the new, where nature meets urban life, and where the sun barely sets in summer and hardly rises in winter. Living in Reykjavik can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of living in this unique city, providing a comprehensive view of what life in Reykjavik is really like.

Pros of Living in Reykjavik

One of the biggest advantages of living in Reykjavik is the access to stunning natural beauty. The city is surrounded by mountains, the sea, and is home to numerous parks and green spaces. For nature lovers, Reykjavik is a paradise. You can go hiking in the nearby Mount Esja, take a dip in the geothermal pools, or simply enjoy a walk along the scenic coastline. The city is also a great base for exploring the rest of Iceland, with its glaciers, waterfalls, and geysers.

Reykjavik is also known for its vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Reykjavik Arts Festival, the Iceland Airwaves music festival, and the Winter Lights Festival. The city is home to many museums and galleries, including the National Museum of Iceland and the Reykjavik Art Museum. For those interested in literature, Reykjavik was designated a UNESCO City of Literature in 2011, and the city's many bookshops and libraries are a testament to its rich literary tradition.

Another advantage of living in Reykjavik is the high quality of life. Iceland consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for quality of life, with excellent healthcare, education, and social security systems. The city is also very safe, with one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Furthermore, Reykjavik is a very clean and environmentally friendly city, with a strong focus on sustainability and renewable energy.

Reykjavik is also a very welcoming and inclusive city. The city has a diverse and multicultural population, and there is a strong sense of community and togetherness. Volunteering is a big part of life in Reykjavik, with many opportunities to get involved in community projects and initiatives. For example, the Red Cross in Iceland offers a variety of volunteering opportunities, from helping refugees to supporting the elderly.

Cons of Living in Reykjavik, Iceland

While there are many advantages to living in Reykjavik, there are also some downsides. One of the biggest challenges is the high cost of living. Everything from housing to groceries to dining out is expensive in Reykjavik. For example, a simple meal at a restaurant can easily cost around 3000 ISK (around 25 USD), and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 180,000 ISK (around 1500 USD) per month.

The weather in Reykjavik can also be a challenge. The city experiences long, dark winters, with only a few hours of daylight each day. The weather can be unpredictable, with frequent changes in temperature and conditions. It's not uncommon to experience all four seasons in one day in Reykjavik. This can make everyday activities like commuting or planning outdoor activities more difficult.

Another downside of living in Reykjavik is the isolation. Iceland is a small and remote country, and while this contributes to its unique charm, it can also make you feel cut off from the rest of the world. Traveling to other countries can be expensive and time-consuming, and the selection of goods and services available in Reykjavik is limited compared to larger cities.

Finally, while Reykjavik is a vibrant and exciting city, it's also a small city with a population of just over 120,000 people. This means that the city can feel a bit small and limited after a while, especially for those used to living in larger cities. The job market is also quite small, and while there are opportunities in sectors like tourism and technology, competition can be fierce.

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Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
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