How much it costs to live on Svalbard? Detailed Breakdown of our Expenses in the Northernmost Town

How much does it actually cost to live on Svalbard? In this video I go through all of our monthly expenses to give you an idea of what living in Longyearbyen, the World's Northernmost Town costs. Let me know if you like this video, and want me to do more sit down chats like these! :)

0:00 Introduction
00:40 Why I wanted to make this video
01:36 Explaining
04:08 Skillshare
05:27 Housing on Svalbard
06:50 Snowmobiles
08:20 Our Monthly Budget
08:25 Common Wage in Longyearbyen
09:25 Monthly Expenses Breakdown
15:18 Monthly Insurance Costs
16:31 Total Costs
18:40 Outro

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About Cecilia:
Cecilia Blomdahl is originally from Sweden and moved to Svalbard 6 years ago. She works as a photographer and videographer in Longyearbyen, and with her social media channels. Check her out on tiktok and instagram! Here on youtube she posts videos about her daily life in her cabin with her boyfriend Christoffer and her dog Grim, living just outside of Longyearbyen. Subscribe for videos about her daily life as well as adventures on an island close to the North Pole. They have polar bears there!

[carrieannarnold]

If only one person can tell you that you are doing a great job, then I want to be that person. I can’t imagine how hard it must be to keep motivated to put out content as much as you do. It’s a lot of hard work. I want you to know that I appreciate it. I look forward everyday to seeing a new vid. Makes my day and enjoy my morning coffee and watching. I understand that no one tells you often enough that you are appreciated. I’m all the way in Texas and want you to know how much your channel means to me.

[mondkindler]

Cecilia, you truly inspire me so much. I am 22 years old and have been struggling a lot with depression, anxiety and all that good stuff in the last months. Ever since finding your channel your videos provide me with peace. Your warmth, your energy, your loving nature and just the way you take us into your life is so kind! I dearly appreciate it and it shows me what kind of life I want to build for myself. Thank you for your content and your presence! Much love from Germany❤️

[dhohum]

Today I learned that Svalbard is more affordable than where I live in the US 🤯

The two expenses that stood out to me were: food costs (of course) and electricity. The cost of electricity shocked me!

[Blonde_Sky_Bunny]

Finally someone who uses actual numbers and not percentages! This is soooo helpful thank you so much 🙏🏻

[alanholck]

The unusual thing isn’t that she lives in the most northern settlement in the world; the truly unusual thing is that she loves going to the dentist.

[marystuart]

It's so helpful and affectionate that you're showing us your expenses and living costs and living conditions in general on Svalbard. Most people shy away from finances and find it kinda unsuitable to talk about. So as a young adult it's so important to find people like you from whom we can learn to break the taboos and profit from your experience 😊🙌🏻

[missmoonstone]

I couldn’t live anyplace that didn’t have trees and daily sunshine, but I’m fascinated by your life. I find your videos so relaxing. I would love to live in a cabin, but one with great water pressure 😀. Hi Grim!

[michaelchandler]

My comment is not about the content of this particular episode, but rather how your channel made me feel good to see other northern living peoples. I’ve lived for over 30 years on Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic and the northern landscape and way of life is not often reflected on You Tube. It was just nice to see another part of our circumpolar community.

[tuirevalkonen]

I just came back from Svalbard. I was working there for a month. I watched your videos before arriving at the Svalbard. It was easy to travel there because I already knew a lot about Svalbard. Thanks for you videos. Now, after the trip, it’s also nice to watch updates and videos. At the same time, I remember how wonderful a month I had there.Thank you!

[redsequins]

Being a teacher, I would love to know more about the school system. How do the kids get to school? Are they bussed? Do you guys ever have snow days? Do they go year-round? Or do they get the summers off? Do they go until 12th grade? Are there any behavior issues? How much do teachers make? Thanks!! I love your videos so much!!

[elder]

In the US, cost of living differs greatly depending where you live. I’m in Texas and in a small town. A family of 4 can make it on about 2500 to 3500 a month depending on your lifestyle and size or type of house you have. A friend of mine lives in California and has a smaller house yet pays about 7000 a month just on basic living expenses. He also pays a lot more in taxes as we don’t have a state tax and he does. We included monthly maintenance fees, no perishable items like toilet paper paper towels female needs, etc. it’s funny how all over the world (basing this from my Navy days) how much cost of living changes based in where you live. BUT…. It is always higher to live near any military base. Love your videos and thank you for sharing. This Texan tips his hat to ya!

(The most unique thing I have found watching your videos is how well your accent is compared to us in the states. It would be hard for anyone around here to guess where you come from unless you aren’t speaking English. Just an observation.)

[suemurphy]

You are speaking my language (literally)! Your costs of living aren't all that different from ours in northern New England. The food costs may be a bit higher, but considering everything has to be shipped by boat or air, they are quite reasonable. I think for many folks, having a clear picture of yearly expenses is a good way to avoid financial trouble (and turmoil in a relationship). It is especially important to do before any big decisions - like buying a house or vehicle, contemplating retirement, etc.

[eo]

It’s hard to express how much I enjoy your videos. It *almost* doesn’t even matter what you’re talking about (although all of your topics are so interesting!) I always just appreciate how calming and inspirational they are! 🤗

[Sofia-Lala]

Fun fact re minimum wage, we don't have it in Norway!!🤯 And I guess it goes for Sweden too??
It's because we have way way stronger unions than the US. It's normal to talk about salaries among colleagues at a workplace, so if someone's salary is off, you talk to your employer. If they don't agree, you go to your union and they fix it for you.

[pdxyadayada]

I fully agree. Cost obfuscation is commonplace in our ‘credit driven’ economy (in the states). It’s a sad state of affairs. Corporations and banks would prefer to keep us from discussing this…

[havard]

I just have to say this, and this is 110% true: you really are the best youtuber ever in my opinion!
I have been subscribed for some years, and I feel watching you is so relaxing. I hope you and your beautiful family doing well! I am very grateful to watch you, and your family! Much love to you, Grim and Christoffer, from North-Norway😜🥰

[Saiya]

Cecilia, your videos are super helpful and insightful. I stumbled upon a couple of other videos about Svalbard a while ago and thought that the cost of living was crazy expensive because everything has to be shipped over from the mainland. After watching your videos, I have to say, the cost of groceries isn't that much different from where I live (Canada). As always, thanks for all the effort your put into your content =)!

[marieleelee]

Like you said, considering everything you have to pay for and the place you live in I don't think it's that bad. I imagine getting rid of the car/snowmobile would make your life significantly more difficult which makes no sense. I'm glad you did this, you were right this was very interesting!

[Brian_Moser]

this is actually a great video, not only for your channel but also for the economy of the region that was a low population that is actually in decline and its a good video for those looking to visit or relocate. you are the pioneer of Svalbard !

[robertmcdonald]

Good morning from the frozen north of Canada. I sympathize with the remoteness, costs ect. Coffee is a mental savior. Love your channel!