I moved from New York to Iceland – this is why I’m NEVER moving back to America

Jewells Chambers has lived in Iceland for eight years and says it has become her home. She can’t imagine ever living in the US again.

The 38-year-old, originally from Brooklyn, earns $73,000 a year in one of the most expensive countries in the world, but is much happier abroad and has no plans to move back to America.

Speaking to CNBC Make It, Jewells recounted her trip to Iceland, how she is now debt-free and able to save 10 percent of her salary each month, despite the high cost of living.

Jewells originally moved to the Scandinavian country when she married an Icelander.

“When I moved to Iceland, I felt like there was something magnetic that pulled me in this direction. I still don’t know exactly what it is, but I know it has something to do with nature,” she said.

Jewells Chambers says Iceland is the place she now calls home — and she can’t imagine ever living in the U.S. again

In addition to her move for love, Jewells was also offered a job in the marketing department of a major travel agency.

In 2018, she launched a social media brand called All things Iceland, which gives people an insight into Iceland’s nature, history, culture and travel through the eyes of someone who has moved there, via her podcast and YouTube channel.

Although she initially started it as a side hustle, her business quickly expanded, and in 2020, she was able to quit her full-time job and focus on her social media career.

‘[All Things Iceland] “She gives travel tips, advice and shares fun anecdotes about the country. She also appears in interviews on my podcast,” Jewells explains.

“All Things Iceland has made just over $50,000 in the last six months, and for the rest of the year the projection is $100,000 in revenue and the company is paying me. Essentially I’m paying myself $6,000 a month before taxes and retirement,” she explained.

Jewell’s company makes money from advertising sales, sponsorships, affiliate marketing and content production. She also sells tickets, travel consultations and private tours.

In terms of budget, Jewells has a long-term partnership with a car rental company, which means she only has to pay for gas. She added that Iceland has universal health insurance that is heavily subsidized and she doesn’t pay a monthly health insurance premium.

“Iceland is expensive,” the creator admits. “Especially when it comes to eating out.”

The 38-year-old, originally from Brooklyn, earns $73,000 a year in one of the most expensive countries in the world, but is much happier abroad and has no plans to move back to America.

For Jewells, living in the Norwegian archipelago has had an ‘astonishing’ impact on her mental health

Jewells said she paid off her U.S. credit card a few years ago and has no student debt.

Jewells added that she had an “amazing” experience when she moved, and that it felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders when she didn’t feel like her skin color was the largest part of her identity.

In June 2024, Jewells spent $4,667 on living expenses and eating out. She estimated that a main course at a restaurant would cost between $20 and $30, and a cup of coffee would cost between $7.50 and $8.

Jewells says she paid off her U.S. credit card a few years ago and has no student debt.

“It’s amazing to say I’m debt free, and I’d like to keep it that way,” she joked.[Every month when I pay myself] I automatically put 10 percent into a savings account.’

While she loves Iceland, there are some drawbacks to comparing it to the US, such as the lack of fresh produce. However, there are other benefits as well.

“If you’re wondering about the water in Iceland – it’s pristine,” she explained. “It’s amazing. There’s no reason to ever buy bottled water in Iceland, ever.”

Jewells lives in downtown Reykjavik, in Ward 101, in a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with covered parking for $1,900 a month.

Another shock for Jewells was the weather.

“I love Iceland, but it can be really difficult in the winter because there is much less daylight,” she admitted.

While she loves Iceland, there are a few drawbacks to comparing it to the US, including the lack of fresh produce

While it initially started as a side job, the business expanded and in 2020 she was able to quit her full-time job and focus on her social media career.

Jewells lives in downtown Reykjavik, in the 101 area, in a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with covered parking, where she pays $1,900 a month

‘On our shortest day in winter we have about four hours of daylight, but in summer we have 24 hours of daylight.’

The weather varies from snowy, icy and rainy in winter with wind all year round, to rainy in summer.

“But the temperatures are mild, which is nice. That means that in winter it doesn’t get much below freezing on average and in summer the temperatures are around 16°C, but 5 to 13 degrees is way too high,” she explains.

One thing Jewells finds frustrating is that they can’t order things online for the same price as in the US.

“When I order from Amazon or Iherb, which I have done in the past, the customs charges are often much higher than the value of the item,” she complained.

Although her Icelandic is improving, Jewells still finds it a little scary to speak it.

“Just because I’m afraid of making really big mistakes, and I’m working on that. So my understanding is pretty high,” she said.

For Jewells, living in the Norwegian archipelago has had a “tremendous” impact on her mental health.

‘The nature aspect has helped me in so many ways, letting go of this idea that it always has to be about the color of my skin,’ she admitted. ‘Being a person of color has many different layers in Iceland and everyone’s experience is different.’

Jewells is currently looking for an apartment to buy with her boyfriend, who is Icelandic, and says Iceland is now her home for the ‘foreseeable future’

“The biggest thing I miss about the US is my family,” she reflected. “I visit the US once or twice a year, and I have family members who visit once or twice a year.”

Jewells added that she had an “amazing” experience moving and that it felt like a weight was lifted off her shoulders when she no longer felt like her skin color was the largest part of her identity.

“I felt like people were most interested in New York when we were talking about it, and I loved that,” she enthused. “I loved just being Jules from New York.”

‘[There was] “Certainly nowhere near the burden I felt in the United States because of the systematic oppression and racism,” the creator said.

She adds that racism certainly exists in Iceland, but she has not experienced it in the same way.

Jewells is currently looking for an apartment to buy with her boyfriend, who is Icelandic, and says Iceland is now her home for the “foreseeable future.”

“The biggest thing I miss about the US is my family,” she reflected. “I visit the US once or twice a year, and I have family members who visit once or twice a year.”

“I’ve been an Icelandic citizen for a number of years,” she continued. “Iceland is my home – I’ve felt that way ever since I moved here.”