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Pros and Cons of Living in Iceland | Expat Exchange
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Pros and Cons of Living in Iceland

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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 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. ," explained one expat in Reykjavik.

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What do expats in Iceland appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats in Iceland appreciate the country's strong sense of community and the welcoming attitude of the locals. They also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the country, with its majestic mountains, glaciers, and geothermal hot springs. Additionally, they appreciate the unique culture of Iceland, with its rich history, vibrant music and art scene, and delicious cuisine. Finally, expats in Iceland appreciate the country's commitment to sustainability and its efforts to protect the environment," said a person living in Iceland.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Iceland often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the cost of living in Iceland can be quite high, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local economy. Furthermore, the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable and harsh, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the climate. Finally, the cultural norms in Iceland can be quite different from those of other countries, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local customs," explained one expat living in Iceland.

About the Author

Joshua Wood 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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