American Woman Swaps NYC for Iceland's Happiness
Jewells Chambers, a 38-year-old American woman, swapped the bustling streets of New York for the scenic landscapes of Iceland in 2016. She initially made the move after tying the knot with an Icelander and securing a job at a local travel company.
Iceland, with a population of around 391,800 in 2025, has been consistently ranked among the happiest countries. In 2025, it secured the third spot in the World Happiness Report, following Finland and Denmark. Jewells, now an Icelandic resident, earns approximately $73,000 (around £45,000) annually.
Life in Iceland, however, comes with its unique expenses. A meal out can set you back between $25 to $30 (about £18 to £22), and a cup of coffee can reach up to $8 (around £6). Despite these costs, Jewells finds joy in sharing meals with others, a practice linked to wellbeing worldwide. In June 2024, she spent a total of $4,667 (£3,400), with £1,500 on housing and utilities and £400 on groceries.
She shares her experiences and insights about Icelandic life and culture through her podcast and Instagram page, 'All Things Iceland'.
Jewells Chambers' move to Iceland, driven by love and career opportunities, has allowed her to immerse herself in a culture that prioritises happiness and wellbeing. Despite the higher cost of living, she finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, like sharing meals with others, and shares her experiences with the world through her platform.
