Living in Húsavík as an expatriate

Visa requirements

Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland do not require a visa to live and work in Iceland. Other citizens will need to apply for a work or residence permit through the Icelandic Directorate of Labour.

Language resources

While many Icelandic people—including those in Húsavík—speak English, it's still highly recommended that expats take advantage of local language courses in order to better connect with the community and navigate day-to-day life in Iceland.

Housing

The cost of housing in Húsavík can vary widely depending on location and type of accommodation. Expect to pay around ISK 200,000 (approx. USD 1,500) per month for a shared house or small one-bedroom apartment, while a larger two-bedroom apartment or house can cost between ISK 320,000 (approx. USD 2,300) and ISK 500,000 (approx. USD 3,600) per month.

Groceries

As a coastal town with a thriving fishing industry, Húsavík offers a wide range of fresh seafood and local produce at moderate prices. A basic monthly food budget for a single person could range from around ISK 80,000 (approx. USD 580) to ISK 150,000 (approx. USD 1,050), depending on dietary preferences and cooking skills.

Transportation

Getting around Húsavík and the surrounding area is relatively inexpensive thanks to the town's small size and good public transportation network. Running a car may cost around ISK 300,000 (approx. USD 2,100) per year, while regular bus services cost around ISK 25,000 (approx. USD 180) per month.

Húsavík has a subarctic climate with long, cold winter nights and mild summers marked by 24-hour daylight. Temperatures typically range from -3°C (27°F) to 10°C (50°F) in winter and 5°C (41°F) to 15°C (59°F) in summer.

With its proximity to some of Iceland's most stunning natural landscapes, Húsavík's economy has traditionally revolved around fishing, tourism, and related industries such as boat manufacturing and food processing. There are a range of job opportunities in these fields, as well as in healthcare, retail, and the growing technology sector.

Húsavík has a modern healthcare system and partner hospital just one hour away in Akureyri. Patients in Húsavík primarily receive basic medical care from a local medical center staffed by a team of general practitioners and nurses. Specialized medical care is available in Akureyri, as well as in nearby Reykjavík.

Húsavík is well connected to other major towns and cities in northern Iceland via a network of paved and gravel roads. It's also served by regular bus services that connect it with Akureyri, as well as nearby towns such as Blönduós and Þórshöfn.

Overall, Húsavík is considered a safe and low-crime town. However, as with all rural areas, it does require exercise of general caution and sensible behavior in certain situations, such as when hiking in isolated areas or avoiding bother with excessive alcohol consumption.