Back
Network of 500+ movers
150,000 moves annually
Sirelo Top Mover
33 ratings as "Professional"
Moving
Moving Abroad
Container Shipping
Services
Find a Mover
Moving to Iceland can be an incredible experience if you’re prepared for the challenges. There are rugged landscapes, geothermal baths, and volcanic terrains that you’ll find nowhere else. And their healthcare, social services, work-life balance, and safety are all top-notch. But, the winters can be long, dark, and depressing. If you’re debating whether to move to Iceland from the US, this guide is for you. We’ll talk about everything there is to know before moving to Iceland.
| Volume | Average cost |
| One-bedroom apartment | $1,750 – $6,000 |
| Three-bedroom house | $2,200 – $8,000 |
Disclaimer: The prices above are estimates.
When moving to Iceland from the US, the total weight, distance, seasonality, moving company. and included services all play a role in the final price. To get a better idea of what your moving costs will be, you can use the volume calculator below.
Many American moving companies can help you relocate to Iceland, but how do you know which is the best option? The answer is to compare. Browse Sirelo’s database of trustworthy international movers and read about their services and customer stories. Get started with these top international movers to Iceland from United States:
Bringing pets when moving to Iceland? You can! Moving to Iceland with a dog or cat is a straightforward process, if you know what to do. Let’s dive into the nitty gritty:
Want the unique opportunity to experience Iceland’s rich cultural heritage and gorgeous landscapes? Let’s make it happen! Here’s how to emigrate and get a work visa for Iceland.
You can visit Iceland for tourism or business visits for up to 90 days, but to work in Iceland you’ll need a work permit. As Iceland is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, there are a few requirements to immigrate to Iceland. Your visa or permit depends on the purpose and duration of your stay. Let’s first look at which visas are available for American citizens.
After deciding on the right visa to move to Iceland, prepare all necessary documents and submit your application (or have your employer submit it). The processing times may vary, so start well before your moving to Iceland date.
Most Americans move to Iceland on a work visa by securing a job with an Icelandic employer who can sponsor the work permit application. The employer submits all necessary documents to the Directorate of Labour. Once the visa is approved, you can travel to your new home!
Iceland is expensive, but it also depends on where in the States you’re moving from.
When relocating from New York, the cost of living in Reykjavik, Iceland will be slightly lower in terms of rent and utilities. Moving from Houston to Iceland will be a bigger adjustment. Due to the smaller population, remote location, and mostly imported goods, the prices are higher in Iceland than in Houston.
| Item | Reykjavik, Iceland | New York, USA | Houston, USA |
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $22.81 | $30.00 | $20.00 |
| Pint of Beer | $11.04 | $8.50 | $6.00 |
| Regular Cappuccino | $5.57 | $5.90 | $5.32 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $6.01 | $5.41 | $3.61 |
| Single Transport Ticket | $4.78 | $2.90 | $1.25 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, City Center) | $2,073.89 | $3,872.29 | $1,644.48 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, Outside Center) | $1,875.06 | $2,878.64 | $1,207.17 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $3,871.87 | $5,270.48 | $4,351.24 |
Source: Numbeo
Iceland is all about the outdoors. Locals enjoy hiking, cycling, skiing, hot springs, whale watching, and taking in the quiet nature or spotting the Northern Lights. Reykjavik is the capital but still has small-town vibes. You’ll find cozy cafés with lamb or seafood, live music, and other things that feel “hygge”. Many restaurants focus on fresh, local ingredients, which are much higher in quality than the food you’ll find in the US. Be prepared for tranquillity and early evenings, as most people enjoy quiet time and personal space.
Life in Iceland is wonderful yet quite different from many parts of the States. When moving to Iceland as from the United States, here’s what expats experience:
Many American expats wonder if they can work in Iceland only speaking English, and the answer is yes. The locals know the language well, especially in Reykjavik.
Many Americans are working in Iceland, either employed with a skilled work visa or as an entrepreneur or investor. You can move to Iceland as a self-employed American, but you’ll need a business plan to prove how you’ll support the local economy.
To find work in Iceland, we recommend using these tips:
Moving to this beautiful and unique country from the United States will offer a life-changing experience, but there will be advantages and disadvantages of moving to Iceland. Before committing, here are the things to know about living in Iceland.
Spending all your time outdoors, surrounded by magical landscapes sounds like a dream, but living in Iceland can be challenging too. These tips for moving to Iceland will set your expectations.
