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.
@CeciliaBlomdahl
2 жыл бұрын
Hahahah 🤣
@barbaravyse660
2 жыл бұрын
I hate it. But still go twice a year.
@prinzezze
2 жыл бұрын
@@barbaravyse660 twice a year? That’s a lot! Is it free or something like this that where you live??
@amor2874
2 жыл бұрын
@@prinzezze it’s standard in the US to go every 6 months
@americaneclectic
2 жыл бұрын
My semi-annual visits to dentist in US are covered. If I need expensive work like crowns, I must pay at least 1/2.
@Blonde_Sky_Bunny
2 жыл бұрын
Finally someone who uses actual numbers and not percentages! This is soooo helpful thank you so much 🙏🏻
@CeciliaBlomdahl
2 жыл бұрын
I'm so glad it was helpful!! :D
@carrieannarnold9169
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@CeciliaBlomdahl
2 жыл бұрын
😭😭😭 Thank you so much for this lovely comment 🧡🧡🧡
@saratexas5181
2 жыл бұрын
Here’s another Texan 🐄 who love traveling to Svalbard with every video 🐻❄️. Thank you for being such a great storyteller and for giving us practical info like this video!
@ovehlu
2 жыл бұрын
Amen🙏🏼!
@laurasophie9361
2 жыл бұрын
Great comment; I feel the same :-)
@vbtell
2 жыл бұрын
Feel the same! Thank you so much for your videos!
@versatildoom
2 жыл бұрын
This was very insightful. I've actually been learning Norwegian for the better part of a year in the hopes of visiting and maybe living there one day. Seeing these numbers actually makes the dream seem more realistic for me. It looks so amazing to live there.
@patricepalmer1909
2 жыл бұрын
I started learning Norsk about 1 month ago. Same dream. Best of luck to you!
@mondkindler239
Жыл бұрын
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❤️
@imwhoamike
Жыл бұрын
I’m from USA im 24 we can be friends
@grahampitt4104
2 жыл бұрын
Cecilia, it would be interesting if you did a video about how the people on the island have been affected by Covid and how things are now. For example, because you are relatively isolated on an island has covid not been so much of an issue? I would find that interesting.
@Nickalzz
Жыл бұрын
What a weird question.
@Ellary_Rosewood
2 жыл бұрын
I was honestly quite surprised at the total cost at the end. I was expecting it to be double that amount! Groceries are definitely expensive, but I thought that everything else was pretty decently priced, especially compared to what I was used to spending when I lived in California (don't live in the U.S. anymore and I my living expenses are about $500-$600 USD now). Thank you for another wonderful video! I always look forward to when you upload! 🥰
@MsThePrettiest
2 жыл бұрын
Including rent?! If yes, then wow!
@Ellary_Rosewood
2 жыл бұрын
@@MsThePrettiest Yup! I live in a very affordable country (if you are making U.S. dollars). 🙂
@fluffyMajestic
Жыл бұрын
@@Ellary_Rosewood What country?
@Ellary_Rosewood
Жыл бұрын
@@fluffyMajestic Georgia. 🇬🇪
@moosespeak6140
2 жыл бұрын
What I have living in Montana is mine and I live on $1900 a month. When a gf of mine seen what my budget was and what I make she was shocked. I have nice things but not alot of excess like most people today. She told me"You really live...You don't just survive, your happy". I told her happiness was a state of mind and I'd give it all up to just live and be free in nature. Just me and my dog. I enjoy watching your videos. It's the human element, connection with those we have things in common with. Although your a world away, your still so close. Thank you for sharing all of this info it was very helpful and humble
@dhohum8425
2 жыл бұрын
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!
@Saravon
2 жыл бұрын
The prices are very similar to the SF Bay Area and LA.
@hell-o-kitty24
2 жыл бұрын
Im in Southern California, homes are $800k!! City taxes are 10% and the homelessness is insane. Renting a room in a home or an apartment is $ 700 to $800. An apartment is $1500 to $2000 for studio or 1 bedroom. No parking!!!! For the car!
@mrscuteas
2 жыл бұрын
Americans have very low electricity costs compared to Australia, quarterly for two adults on average between $500-$600 (one working from home full time) I hear of families paying over $1200 every quarter which is why we choose to line dry and not use a dryer
@waldemarsikorski4759
2 жыл бұрын
@@hell-o-kitty24 "Insane", is that standard or metric?
@vk2ig
2 жыл бұрын
@@mrscuteas Put solar on your roof if you can afford the upfront cost - it pulls the electricity bill down, especially when running the air-conditioner in summer. We didn't bother getting solar until we decided we wanted airconditioning.
@craftyShirleyG
2 жыл бұрын
Very interesting. I lived in a remote village in Alaska for two years. For a two bedroom apartment I paid $1700 USD. I also had to pay for internet, electric, phone and groceries. So yeah I think it's very reasonable for such a remote place
@CallieMasters5000
2 жыл бұрын
That makes sense to pay Christoffer to do all the cooking! 😁 You might do another video where you show how to live cheap in Svalbard, like getting a job that includes housing or food, no luxuries, sharing apt., odd jobs, fishing/hunting food, free entertainment & local services, etc.
@ilarious5729
2 жыл бұрын
How to budget travel/live there for short amount of time would definitely be interesting 👍
@SirShiv7
2 жыл бұрын
I've backpacked most of my adult life across the globe and was supposed to go exploring in your country before the world shut down a few years ago and I ended up losing my ticket; I was so upset I didn't get a chance to see everything. Just wanted to thank you for giving such detailed descriptions of your every day life and the culture - some people might not understand but being able to truly experience other people's way of life is a fascinating opportunity to see how different AND how similar we all are!
@forceninewinds
2 жыл бұрын
Today I learned that cost of living in Svalbard is comparable to my home town in the UK and yet quality of life up there is so much better!
@ed9910
2 жыл бұрын
That's amazing. You get a lot for your money up there. You could not get all of this here. The average salary seemed super low, free healthcare balances it out. In our area a family of 4 could easily pay $2500 on health ins per month and that is on top of your employer paying some. Amazing lifestyle you have creates. Thanks for sharing!
@chutneysmith6469
2 жыл бұрын
Her healthcare isn't free. Her substantial taxes pay for it.
@tekla5487
2 жыл бұрын
I admire how well you plan your expenses (also when it comes to rules on sharing expenses with your partner)!
@michellehurst3797
2 жыл бұрын
When it comes to budgeting our household, and our expenses, I think it's the most fun thing in the world. Girl - I understand! I can't wait to do to the budget for my husband and I when we get paid!
@missmoonstone6260
2 жыл бұрын
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!
@livingintheforest3963
2 жыл бұрын
Be careful what you wish for a lot of people think living in a cabin out in the middle of nowhere is just the most wonderful thing in the world but there are a lot of challenges when you live off the grid or in the country or you have snow it is not as easy as you think. I laugh at people from LA and Arizona who say oh I would love to do that but when you go through some winter storms and tough weather and total isolation you will see it is not so easy. Her videos make everything look beautiful and wonderful but in reality a lot of these harsh environments are a lot of work and very difficult. I have lived off the grid for three years now and it is not easy! It is extremely beautiful but it is isolating and very difficult at times.
@Borderlinegoldenretriever
2 жыл бұрын
😂 same here, trees and sunshine make me happy so I couldn’t live without them
@margietucker1719
2 жыл бұрын
I am the same, I have to be able to garden..I love green grass, trees, all my flowers, etc...the butterflies, dragon flies, hummingbirds, etc. Svalbard has a stark, bleak kind of beauty that's not for everyone. It would be a fascinating place to visit. But for me, only to visit.
@rockermystic
2 жыл бұрын
@@livingintheforest3963 OP said she WOULDN'T want to live remotely. Living in a cabin =/= living "off grid".
@tillwill3232
2 жыл бұрын
@@livingintheforest3963 how did you survive when you live far away from civilization, can you give some details im curious how it works
@lizstewart7113
2 жыл бұрын
Very enjoyable video. I live in America & it is so interesting to see the differences in our monthly expenses. Thank you for showing the amounts in dollars & euros also. I'm like you Cecelia...I love having an organized budget. That way you don't end up accidentally over spending on non-neccesities to the detriment of your monthly bills. Your vlogs are wonderful. It's amazing to be able to see parts of your lives in an area that I will certainly never have the privilege of visiting. Hope you are both enjoying the returning daylight. 🌞💞
@pdxyadayada
2 жыл бұрын
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…
@goqsane
2 жыл бұрын
Watch the US economy collapse in the next 3-4 months, followed by the world economy. No lessons learnt from 2008. Nothing was ever cleaned up. It's time to say bye-bye to Centralized Finance run by Financial Terrorists.
@teutonic7113
2 жыл бұрын
I love these types of real life detail videos, it helps me relate better to life in another country.
@CeciliaBlomdahl
2 жыл бұрын
I'm so glad you liked it! :)
@eo6826
2 жыл бұрын
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! 🤗
@helenakoivisto4459
2 жыл бұрын
I agree.
@weatherandsky
2 жыл бұрын
I was just thinking the same thing!! :)
@lisajackson5577
2 жыл бұрын
I agree!
@batterbury4477
2 жыл бұрын
thank you for a delightful visit with you - such a beautiful home. Yes it was very interesting to get the comparison of costs and see the video snippets of life that corresponds with the your costs. FOOD COST stand out as a surprising difference - in San Diego CA USA , A couple might spend $500 on groceries a month and normally another $200-$300 eating out at restaurants- although not over last couple of years w Covid restrictions closing restaurants here. Another cost we have that is much higher than yours is our cell phone and internet service - this cost could easily be $300 a month. Gasoline for cars is now almost $5 /gallon - shockingly high. And rent for a 1 bedroom apartment is about $2000- yes! San Diego is one of the highest cost real estate markets in the US. Our minimum wage is $15/hr, and the average couple has about $63,000 annual income. You are right - it's crazy!
@lacswe
2 жыл бұрын
That is actually A LOT cheaper than I thought, even +/- 10%. Don't get me wrong, it isn't cheap (what in life is hehe?), but yeah. Considering everything you get from the location, it is very much worth it I bet! When I look at locations to live, or even just traveling, I don't look at the price that much (except to see that I can afford it), I want value. I'd much rather go on a trip or live somewhere for 100.000 SEK if the value I get from it is HUGE, than go on a trip for 5000 SEK, and it is just "meh".
@いちごくん-l6d
2 жыл бұрын
this comment should go to the top
@tok314
2 жыл бұрын
I loved this. When I travel I always check out what a cup of coffee made for me in a cafe costs - it gives you a really good idea of what everything else is going to cost you as a tourist when you compare to your home city.
@Saiya888
2 жыл бұрын
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 =)!
@CeciliaBlomdahl
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! :) Glad it was helpful! 😍
@clareoclareo2626
2 жыл бұрын
Excel-ant video :)
@clareoclareo2626
2 жыл бұрын
Not sure if you have done this already..but a video about how to visit. Travel route , how to book accommodation , what a tourist can do say in a 4 day visit.
@daniellereid01
2 жыл бұрын
This is true. I live in the B.C. interior and the cost of food is high. Thanks for the video 💕
@heatherireland2810
2 жыл бұрын
Hello fellow 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 I’m in central Alberta and prices are nuts right now and that will probably change due to the protests. Sigh…
@nataliebaatjies5233
2 жыл бұрын
This is awesome Cecelia the more I watch your content the more I feel motivated and inspired to live a life full of adventure, intention and gratitude!
@CeciliaBlomdahl
2 жыл бұрын
You can do it! 🧡
@marystuart6180
Жыл бұрын
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 😊🙌🏻
@AlexAmasaOlsen
2 жыл бұрын
Always beautiful shots and a cozy feeling you get, when watching your videos! Had no idea you had to "rent" the land in Svalbard and couldn´t physically own it. Its kinda the same in Greenland, but we dont pay to "rent" the land, its just free. 😎 I also have a similar style video, just about costs in Nuuk, Greenland and it goes to show, that living in the arctic comes at a fairly hefty cost😅 We really are paying a premium for those amazing nights of northern lights and unspoiled nature... Just so you know, I might take some inspiration from all your amazing videos, I really think the internet enjoys getting to know life circumstances in the remote parts of the Artic! Cheers from Greenland🇬🇱
@Sofia-Lala
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@EarlKuOnly
Жыл бұрын
in my country, i am getting a similiar pay like yours after tax, and though i dont pay that much for food and groceries, the rest are bout the same, though ur utilities are way more than mine, but the joy you get out of your life is so much more, the view is one thing i cant get over with
@marieleelee
2 жыл бұрын
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!
@lauracox3297
Жыл бұрын
I so appreciated this video, and your channel! What a beautiful and unique way of life!!
@1969elder
2 жыл бұрын
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.)
@hardtogetnamehere
2 жыл бұрын
I’m in California also. My mortgage is $1830/month. Total home expenses are less than $2500/month. We bought our home 4 years ago. We have several acres and raise a large amount of farm animals. That is less than $500/month. Cost of living varies greatly from areas of the state. I would never live in the Bay Area or the LA/San Diego area.
@Yawnzee_
2 жыл бұрын
@@hardtogetnamehere yea it's very expensive I'm a San Diego native and I pay close to 1000$ per month just for a studio. I'm saving up to leave California it's just to expensive to live here especially if it's just you alone, alot of native californians are leaving for the same reason.
@LindaKayHolevas
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your service to our country. You are appreciated! 🇺🇲 🇺🇲 🇺🇲 🇺🇲 🇺🇲 🇺🇲 🇺🇲
@sanjeevchauhan3613
2 жыл бұрын
Love Texas... most businesses are moving from Cal to Texas. Dems are ruining the cities
@hillaryandmichaelcrymes3702
2 жыл бұрын
Agreed! My parents two bedroom in St. Louis Missouri cost them $55,000 (purchased in 2011) but in places like New York or Los Angeles the same sized house is probably closer to $500,000 which is insane to me
@belindahugheslifestyle
2 жыл бұрын
Your videos are so enlightening, and I look forward to each new one, to see what you have to share, what adventures you went on with Grim and Christoffer, and what's going on on the island. Since the last couple years, I've shifted my lifestyle to order basic pantry staples for the year in one go, shipped directly to the house. Anything else is, as they say, "gravy". That one step has given me back so much time, money, energy and peace of mind. Moreso now, with world events affecting price and availability. Thanks so much for all that you do, Cecilia! Namaste'.
@suemurphy1730
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@Dittotrio
2 жыл бұрын
I love the North and the tranquility it offers, being from Canada having spent time in the North of Canada Svalbard I think I have fallen on love with from what I am seeing.. its peaceful and the way of northern living, which is not for everyone but for this guy is definitely a way of life. :) Svalbard seems like a relaxed place where everyone cares about everyone, so I love the mentality there.
@michaelchandler490
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@stevesharpe3370
Жыл бұрын
How do you make money there? Where do you people work ?
@marksmith9176
2 жыл бұрын
That is very reasonable monthly expenses. I would enjoy seeing the town and the folks who live there.
@redsequins8078
2 жыл бұрын
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!!
@gretardum8286
2 жыл бұрын
I believe they have the same schoolsystem as we have on the mainland in Norway.
@lizstewart7113
2 жыл бұрын
Very interesting questions. I'd love to know about this topic also.
@mrs.boudreaux3331
2 жыл бұрын
@Liz Stewart Yes, this is a great question.
@carochan86
2 жыл бұрын
Also do kids move off the island
@vbtell
2 жыл бұрын
I asked this a month or so ago and would love to know as well!
@sugarbomb26
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Cecilia, just discovered your channel today. This is something that always fascinates me. Here in the USA, I am paying approx $200 per month for 4 cell phones, (mine, my husbands and two daughters). Monthly internet costs $72.00. Netflix monthly is $13.00. As well as a mortgage, we also have to pay 'property tax' here on our home. This pays for town garbage collection, town library costs, town roadworks, all local schools etc etc. This costs us almost $13,000 USD on a house that is only 1100sq ft, (very small. by US standards). In the winter, our gas/electricity costs approx. $300 per month. Don't even start me on health care, or I'll give you a shock. My daughter got metal braces this year, this cost $5500. Hope this gives you some idea of our cost of living:)
@sarah_israel
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Cecilia! I just read that the Svalbard seed vault is being opened up again to store some new seeds. Do they allow people to observe this from the outside and if so, will you be able to go check it out?
@CGermanB
2 жыл бұрын
no, it's OFF limits
@suzannes5888
2 жыл бұрын
Never - no civilians allowed for security reasons.
@jeffharper6259
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Cecilia, this was a very informative and enjoyable video. More like this please.
@AmericanEnglishBrent
2 жыл бұрын
Awesome! My wife, my dog, Hank, and I are addicted to your videos. Thanks so much! Say hello to Grim for us, please. 😀
@CeciliaBlomdahl
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!! :):)
@aruvielevenstar3944
2 жыл бұрын
That is a lot of money for food. Food in the Netherlands is getting more expensive this year, but still not as expensive as for You. I spend 800 euro per month for three people on food. And we eat a lot of vegetables because we are vegan. The electricity and butane gas is very high at the moment. 1000 per month( but I live in a Castle and that’s very much not avererage),have a lot of cost on the morgage and the costs for renovating this mediëval building. The healthcare is very expensive nowadays, we pay 130 euro’s a months for insurance and when we visit a specialist it will costs us around 400 euro’s
@tuirevalkonen1462
2 жыл бұрын
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!
@jonash5555
Жыл бұрын
Great, it seems like you enjoyed your time there. I am thinking about going there next year for 6-8 months with family....in your opinion, is it safe to live there?
@citar13
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you ! I'm planning to apply to UNIS in the near future from Canada and this video is very helpful for figuring out the general cost
@CeciliaBlomdahl
2 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful! :)
@nadinekore6308
2 жыл бұрын
I had assumed it was triple the cost it is... but no, it is pretty affordable to live in the forever snow & darkness. My favorite season beside summer is Fall, when the leaves on trees turn red and the nights are windy and slightly rainy... Here's hoping you travel around Spain or France in December so you get to see Fall (our winter is in Jan/March 😂)
@taariqkhanoflegend4622
2 жыл бұрын
Wow this is a great share Cecilia, really insightful. Jeez 11000 NOK on food...quite expensive there...but that total monthly cost appears quite reasonable for both of you, very interesting.
@ljcharie
2 жыл бұрын
It would be great to learn more about how you plan journeys to the cabins, how you choose routes and know where is safe? How do you learn this?
@melisiayoung2925
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing this topic! It's very interesting... I am in the Pacific Northwest Washington State, USA... yesss, it's very expensive here... just to live let alone all of the taxes.
@Brian_Moser1118
2 жыл бұрын
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 !
@CeciliaBlomdahl
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! :):)
@patilashish
2 жыл бұрын
Nice i asked lot of questions on your other video. lot of them are answered here. Yes it is very interesting. Please share your life goals, like economically what are you planning about your career. And yes superb editing skills. Like you are way underrated on youtube right now. I wont be surprised if this channel gets 5 million subscribers if you do daily or even 3 times weekly vlog.
@casia25
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Cecilia, could you talk more about people who live on Svalbard? Were they born there, or maybe imigrated at some point? Who actually chooses living on Svalbard? I love that place but we all agree that it's quite remote and gives this senses of being separated from the rest off the world. And thanks for your amazing videos!
@Elliethewanderer
2 жыл бұрын
There is no native population on Svalbard, and pregnant women travel to mainland Norway to give birth, but there are children who grow up there. As for the population, a lot of Norwegians and other Scandinavians. But also a few from other parts of the world. There are some russians living there too, but not as many as it used to be when they were mining coal more there.
@prinzezze
2 жыл бұрын
People aren’t allowed to give birth there so nobody is born there.
@maryannebrown2385
2 жыл бұрын
@@prinzezze I wonder why?
@cookiemonster59263
2 жыл бұрын
@@maryannebrown2385 the hospital is not equipped for it and they want to ensure that the women get the best healthcare possible in case anything happens. She covered this in a video before but I can't remember how long ago it was, unfortunately - I do remember she discusses it briefly in her tour of Svalbard videos!
@magnusb6311
2 жыл бұрын
Officially, they have to go to the mainland because of the capabilities of the hospital. Naturally, sometimes babies dont always follow the schedule so to say that no-one is born there is wrong. It happens that babies come a bit to early and is actually born on Svalbard. I cant seem to find when last someone was born there but I think it was in 2019 or 2018. There may be a number of reasons why one would want to live in Svalbard. Usually it is a combination of things that might attract one to live there. I list some below. - Some people take a temporary job and find that they love the place and continue on living there. - Nature lovers that love the the different nature to what they are used too. - You mentioned it is remote and separated from the rest of the world. Well, for some of us, that may just be the thing we search or need. - "Tax haven", there is no doubt about it that Svalbard has extremely low taxes compared to most countries in the world. Current levels is as low as 8% (if you are not a citizen of a Nordic country (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Aaland Islands, Faroe Islands or Iceland). Basically one pays 8% up to 12 folketrygdens grunnbeløp which means the 12 times to national insurance amount. This is currently 106,399 NOK. Take that X 12 and we are up to 1,276,788 NOK which equals in todays value of US$ 143,399. After an individual reaches this amount they will start paying 22% on the amount over that. Few people in Svalbard is making more than 1275K NOK a year Now, add to this, if you have your own company in example Sweden and you would be able to make equal to 1275 NOK a year you would pay probably near 70% in total income tax and social fees. Svalbard don't even have social fees. If you are a WFM contractor or you run your own business where you don't have to be where you conduct your services you never pay more than 22%. - Your the type of person that wants to get away from the hustle and bustle. - You are different and don't feel that you belong in your own culture or society. Most people in Svalbard tend to be very open minded and non-judgmental. Anyone seem to be welcome no matter ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity/gender roles, persuasion and so on. Everyone seem to be welcome. - Some people come from poorer countries or countries where it is hard to get a job that pays enough for self reliance and still have a good quality of life. These are mainly from Asia, Oceania, Africa. There is quite - Effective isolation from relatives. - Want to experience something different. - Studies.
@butterpecanrican_
2 жыл бұрын
My husband and I pay about the same in the northeastern US for our lives. We have a house on roughly 1 acre of land, and 2 cars and all the various other expenses of life add up to about the same as you.. this was so interesting!
@orclovesprince
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Cecilia! Thank you so much for making this video! I was wondering about this recently. It's incredible how surprisingly affordable it is to live in Svalbard, contrary to what one might think. Cost of living keeps rising everywhere, and it is truly outrageous in some places.
@jimmyzhao2673
2 жыл бұрын
Excellent video. Where I live, I pay about $17 USD per month for electricity, $80 USD per month for Internet, $30 USD for cell phone service. I'm surprised that your satellite phone is only $17 USD per month, and internet is only $68 USD. I wonder if those are subsidized by the government to make them affordable to all?
@adriennelee26
2 жыл бұрын
I can tell you you've got a great deal on pet insurance! I'm in the US and I pay $122 per month for my two dogs. And that doesn't even cover well visits. My grocery bill for our family of 4 (plus dogs and cats) is ridiculous.
@michkim2
2 жыл бұрын
I find this topic super interesting since I live in the SF Bay Area in California. Thanks for sharing this information Cecilia! And as always, LOVE your videos!!
@thecraftyfeline
2 жыл бұрын
I thought it was much higher! The US is just as expensive with no perks aka health insurance
@CeciliaBlomdahl
2 жыл бұрын
Interesting! :)
@margietucker1719
2 жыл бұрын
Not true...California and a few other states, yes. But many states such as the one I live in....cost of living is much lower than Svalbard. Our states are very different from each other...many are very reasonable.
@chutneysmith6469
2 жыл бұрын
They pay for their healthcare through high taxes. It's not a "perk."
@norm5785
2 жыл бұрын
Very interesting, thank you for sharing this with us today from Henrico County Virginia
@jenniferbonutti2158
2 жыл бұрын
This is fascinating. I live in the USA in Michigan. I am raising 3 boys and we own a small home in metro Detroit. I have to say that your monthly expenses are WAY less than I would have expected. Raising three boys is expensive especially with college looming just a year away. Our expenses are way above yours and I always thought it was much more expensive to live across the pond! But…just in health insurance every year we pay $8,000 out of pocket. That does not include any alternative care doctors that insurance doesn’t cover at all. Somehow we make it work. Thank you for sharing your expenses, it was super interesting. 😊❤️-Jen
@crystalw8050
2 жыл бұрын
Keep in mind that she’s averaging each of their weekly income to just under $800US. So they don’t make as much and their expenses are less. It’s relative.
@dione6388
2 жыл бұрын
Europe, mostly, is much cheaper than the US. Healthcare is, mostly, free.
@jampuppy
2 жыл бұрын
I enjoyed this. People are very private about their expenses. Now I am inspired to make an excel sheet and do this too. Future videos: I am interested in the arts - local handmade things, artists, music, … Is there any native culture there? Religions/philosophy… is there a church, temple, synagogue, …? Music festivals? Craft fairs? Do people tend to keep to themselves or do you know everyone and their business? Lots of questions! 😄
@suje8032
2 жыл бұрын
It’s so refreshing to see someone so open abut their income and spending. In the USA everything is a secret.🤐 Also, $4000 a month for 2 people is substantial considering the remoteness of the place. You can live with that amount in certain places in US.
@ankiking
2 жыл бұрын
It also would depend on the income….
@keldon1137
2 жыл бұрын
considering how remote svalbard is and that everything needs to be shipped there imo its actually quite cheap, esp considering fact that wages in such remote places are usually higher due to isolation etc.
@williamardenjr116
Жыл бұрын
No clue where all of you live, but I haven't made 4000 a month since I was in the Navy. Everything here where I'm at is about 2k
@brennanbourne
2 жыл бұрын
For me, there will never be enough money, because I can't imagine anything worse than (essentially) year long winter. I can appreciate the culture and how adorable this place may be, but that is why others live there and I do not. :)
@justmyopinion2
2 жыл бұрын
The cost of health insurance in the US is *outrageous.* At one point, we were paying $1,800 US dollars per month for four people. I am curious to know in the end how much money is paid in Norway for insurance and how much cheaper it is than the US, or isn't. You have a beautiful and simple life there, no chaos or crowds of people fighting for space.
@dnmurphy48
2 жыл бұрын
In Norway it is a state system and you pay state-mandated insurance, typically 7-8% of salary. US healthcare is managed so differently, there is no real comparison. eg in the US premiums rise with age and pre-existing conditions, not in Norway. Norway's system is pretty similar to most European ones. American costs are so high for two main reasons - millions choose to not have insurance or can't afford it, so the cost falls on to those who do have it; then you have malpractice insurance which can be as much as 25% of a doctor's income in some states, especially for paediatricians. A comprehensive national system \+ tort aw reform would change the picture quite a bit in the US. Norway spends about 10% of GDP as healthcare, the US about 16% (and has worse outcomes)
@maryannebrown2385
2 жыл бұрын
@@dnmurphy48 Does the Norwegian system also include dental care?
@hell-o-kitty24
2 жыл бұрын
Blame Obama care! Before Obama care, my monthly insurance was $150 a month. Your current payment is paying for the people that can't afford insurance payments.
@vk2ig
2 жыл бұрын
@@dnmurphy48 As an outside observer, I think it would take a brave President to try introducing a comprehensive national system \+ tort law reform ... it would be just as suicidal as introducing gun laws - they'd be lucky to last to the mid-terms! Too many people have their fingers in the existing pie, and will fight tooth and nail to keep things the way they are.
@lm5608
2 жыл бұрын
Yayy another video. Hope you enjoyed your weekend out and about ❄️😍
@sianswinton4623
2 жыл бұрын
This was super interesting! I’m soooo terrible at budgeting so this level of preparation is mad to me but I want to get there! This is actually a lot less than I thought it would be!
@debbiesmith9714
2 жыл бұрын
You are so amazing; I love your videos!!! I live in Canada and groceries are really expensive but living in on island on the top of the world; must be really crazy!!! You are doing a great job with your budgeting and a real inspiration to many!!! God bless!!!
@kaydublin5164
2 жыл бұрын
Enjoyed this video, I’m in the US, we are taxed to death, unless you budget or our well off you can go into debt very easily, cost of living is insane. Your home and country look so beautiful and relaxing. 🤗
@dnmurphy48
2 жыл бұрын
hahahahaa, in the US total tax take across all sources (Fed, State, Local) is about 25% of GDP. The OECD average is about 33% and Norway about 38%. You might think you are over taxed, but you have some of the lowest rates. But you have the worst government services, you have to pay more for yourself that the state covers in many other countries (eg health). It's very difficult to compare countries when their system of government are so different.
@margietucker1719
2 жыл бұрын
Taxed to death in the US? You have no idea about taxes. Europe and Scandinavian countries are taxed MUCH MORE heavily than we are! That's why they have "free" health care. Those high taxes pay for it. I know many Europeans who have moved to the US, mainly to escape the taxes, which in some countries amounts to 50-60% of their income.
@vk2ig
2 жыл бұрын
Reading the comments on this video from people in the USA, it seems the tax rates must vary substantially. During my visits to various parts of the USA I noted that there are different state and "city" taxes, so maybe that's the cause of the variation? I would think that the European countries would have higher tax rates than the USA as they have to fund the government services provided to the people. Here in Australia, on my income I pay about $5100 base tax rate then 32.5 cents in every dollar above $45k, so someone on $100k gross per annum will pay about 23% tax (i.e. $23,000) which means they get $77,000 net over the year. But then we have 10% GST (Goods & Services Tax) which applies to almost everything except fresh produce. So if someone buys, say, a packet of biscuits (cookies in US speak) then there is an extra 10% added in. If someone spends all of their net income then they're likely to pay another 10% or $7000 in GST (they buy $70k of goods or services and pay another $7k in tax on it as GST), which pushes the overall tax to $30k or 30%. There are some added bits and pieces depending on what you buy, e.g. there are some taxes buried in petrol (gas in US speak) but that varies on a state-by-state basis. So it's probably closer to that OECD average of 33%.
@WernerSchroeder
2 жыл бұрын
US$2000 is not bad at all. We live in Auckland, New Zealand and we need much more than that to survive here. Thank you for sharing!
@adelelouisecarroll7578
2 жыл бұрын
Could you do a yearly update on the cabin? Like things you would of done differently.. if any etc
@moehansen6858
2 жыл бұрын
Budgeting videos are always interesting. Especially from other countries.
@Richard_Barnes
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your openness and honesty 🙏🏻 I keep an Excel spreadsheet for us both too 🙂 We live in 🇬🇧 in a small 2 bedroom house and I think for your costs, you are doing very well 😃 Considering what you ‘own’ in terms of being able to live in such an incredible place on our Earth, it’s well worth paying for. I can’t even imagine how it must feel to live there when the sky lights up like it does. Just incredible.
@normasnockers323
2 жыл бұрын
very interesting, many thanks, i was shocked at the price of food in norway, in stavanger i paid 36 pounds for a six pack of beer in a supermarket, amazing.
@kasivarrestakasin5087
2 жыл бұрын
could you ever visit a local family with children. describe their daily lives and tell what the life of a family with children is like there. It would Be so nice. T: Jenni from Norra Finland😊
@Moorandmist
2 жыл бұрын
This was so interesting! It’s fascinating to see how things compare in different countries. I live in a cottage in SW England and I live verrry frugally. My groceries are around £80/95 euro a month. But my rent for a 2 bedroom cottage to myself is £750/897 euro. My cat’s insurance is £12/14 euro a month. So that seems to be similar prices to Svalbard. In England the cost of rent differs INSANELY depending on where you are. I used to live in a trendy warehouse in east London sharing with 4 others and paid the same as I do for my whole cottage!
@dinarusso3320
2 жыл бұрын
That's how it is in America. Each state and area differ greatly in living cost. However, more expensive areas have better paying jobs.
@dirtyjeepgirl3774
2 жыл бұрын
Loved hearing that Grim has his own insurance! Such a key thing to have for your pet 🐾
@klaire74
2 жыл бұрын
In The Netherlands is usual to have insurance for our pets. Medical costs are huge if you don't have. I pay for my 2 cats 45 euro per month . For dogs also we must pay a sort of tax to the city hall, every year (but I guess is normal- we have parks for dogs, special places where they can do their business and other useful things for dog owners)
@performance_testing
2 жыл бұрын
What is a grim? Cannot translate this word
@vald9698
2 жыл бұрын
@@performance_testing, it`s the name of their dog, the one who appears briefly in the video in the beginning.
@bedtimeread
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info Ceci! I wanted to take my family to Svalbard for a year and this is tremendously informative! ❤❤
@alhelimartinez3256
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing all of this! I'm also always curious what a normal lifestyle costs in different places. I'm shocked at the cost of groceries! 😳 Recently food costs have been increasing where I live, (and probably all across the US) but I still can't imagine spending that much on regular grocery trips. Even if you're trying to budget and keep costs down. It's not like you can really have a garden on your property to help. Thank you for all your interesting and beautiful videos! I always find your narraration so soothing. 😊 Lots of love from Washington state!
@janet5551
2 жыл бұрын
I loved this video and I will never complain about the cost of living here in Australia again. That is a lot more expensive than us. We are a family of 3 adults and our monthly expenses wouldnt be half what you are paying.. obviously depending on what your mortgage is etc..
@DarleneMW
2 жыл бұрын
I envy your cost of living in Svalbard. My hubby and I retired from New Jersey to North Carolina where he is from and we are saving TREMENDOUSLY. I honestly believe we wouldn’t have been able to live in New Jersey on what we get in retirement benefits because every State in the U.S. is different in terms of cost of living.
@margietucker1719
2 жыл бұрын
True! I moved from Illinois to Texas...things are MUCH better here.
@morellana908
2 жыл бұрын
Completely agree. I live in NJ however plan on moving to Ga next year. The cost of living in the Garden State is too much.
@shamelesshussy
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for carpetbagging and making things too expensive for Southern people.
@philenabetz2547
2 жыл бұрын
Very interesting. I love these type of videos. Thank you for sharing your budget.
@AC-cg3bv
2 жыл бұрын
Really interesting! Can't believe you think it's fun budgeting though!! I live in a Cardiff and my total expenses for bills (no food) including rent, car is about €993! Rent and food quite a bit more there but had expected that. Really interesting to see the differences! No need for a snowmobile here!!😁
@GingerKral
2 жыл бұрын
Very interesting Cecilia. Thank you for sharing.
@royconnell2506
2 жыл бұрын
Found this very interesting. Always loved your wood stove , was wondering how much you would spend on firewood per month?
@barbaravyse660
2 жыл бұрын
I love it too! It’s so cozy looking. And I’m so envious cause I live in Miami where it is already too hot for me!
@Moorandmist
2 жыл бұрын
I reckon a fair amount as I assume the wood has to be shipped in? I heat my cottage in SWA England purely with a wood stove and mine costs around £200 every 3 months. But I only use it in the winter. And that’s only heating it in the evenings and a handful of verrrry cold days.
@johnjanota7724
2 жыл бұрын
i just came across your videos! i love them! makes me want to come and visit!
@LStottmann
2 жыл бұрын
Actually I was thinking you spent much more than that for everything you have. That’s awesome! I would love to visit Svalbard one day, what a dream!
@MDobri-sy1ce
2 жыл бұрын
My brother said almost the same thing today, “don’t judge me, I am having another coffee after Tim Horton’s!” I don’t care what you do. I had to limit the amount because, I read people with food sensitivities or IBS can get bothered by the acidity in coffee. I tried substitutes but most, I didn’t like. It tastes like drinking grass to me. I need the real thing!
@evruffles7447
2 жыл бұрын
That was super interesting, I am always so curious how people live/save/spend in different part of the world👍
@ckerspilo
2 жыл бұрын
I have a niece who married a Dane and moved to Denmark about 5 years ago. She's always telling us about her expenses compared to the US. So it's interesting.
@Excitable67
2 жыл бұрын
Definitely a LOT more expensive to live there than where I live. What you pay for things in the US really depends on where in the country, and even the state, you live. Your one bed apartments are expensive, but I recently found that rents here have gone way up since my renting days. But, you can find cheaper rent. You just have to go looking for it. So, if something is available in your budget, you can get a nice place much cheaper. Our insurance options (house, car, etc.) are customizable, so they can be relatively affordable. You can shop around to different companies to find the price and coverage that suits your needs. The amount you have to pay in electric is astronomical! I almost choked when I saw the amount you pay! Gas for heating seems pretty expensive, but you also live in a MUCH colder climate than I do (though, during winter, it doesn't seem like it. I am in Northern IL near Lake Michigan) and would be using it a lot more then other places. Food costs are astronomical there compared to here, too. But, here, costs can be due to the types of foods eaten, size of household, etc. We have the choice of stores to go to and can control costs by getting cheaper brands (if they suit our needs) and some stores are cheaper than others for the same items. All in all, if nothing else, this video made me feel a LOT better about MY bills! LOL Very interesting information. It is interesting to see the comparisons of costs of someone living in a different country.
@GrannaMary
2 жыл бұрын
Love your videos. You are truly a beauty. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
@Ardux1
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing very insightful! So the average job is paying $40k-45k USD a year? Sounds pretty good and it should be that way in the US as well. In the US, the average income per person is like $32k USD (I know many who earn less) and I think young people especially tend to struggle to get beyond that unless they have tenure with their employer or specialized skills/knowledge. I also think the reason you get a lot of questions about the minimum wage from Americans is because it’s a concern here and is necessary to have, otherwise employers wouldn’t pay people enough to live (they still don’t). In Norwegian countries, I’ve gathered that a minimum wage, though it may exist, isn’t of anyone’s concern as much because people are simply paid fairly to start with and are in general paid a livable wage, which is often not the case in the US unfortunately.
@dnmurphy48
2 жыл бұрын
Depends ifn you want a free market system like the US or socialist societies as most of Europe.
@vk2ig
2 жыл бұрын
It's safe to say that the divide between the top 10% and everyone else in the USA is much higher than it is in much of Europe. But, the ongoing situation in the USA suggests that many people must be "happy-ish" with it, as there is not sufficient numbers of people voting for any government which will change it. Many people decry the current government as "socialist" but compared to governments in so-called "communist" countries (Scandinavia, all of Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, just to name a few) it is right wing, so not much will change in that regard. The previous one was going to "drain the swamp" but not much changed in those four years either. The USA is a very conservative-thinking country (e.g. in parts of it, a guy still has to ask a girl's father's permission to marry her ... and the various forms of the Christian religion are quite strong), and there is a genuine fear held by many people of any form of socialist policy (such as subsidised health care) being introduced due to an overwhelming fear of "the government" and possible control of people's lives. So, change will be resisted by both sides of politics and much of the general population.
@magnusb6311
2 жыл бұрын
I would say that it is less than US$ 40-45K a year in Svalbard. First, she did not mention she has average wage. Also, she said she earns more than Kristoffer but at the same time she listed him also at 28K NOK. Doing a little googling it says median salary/wage in Svalbard is 26100 NOK a month. This is the gross number and equals to US$2935 a month or annual of about 23,215 US$. The average salary/wage various a lot pending field of work. In Europe the salary/wage is calculated what you get monthly, not annual.
@geirstianaaslund7141
2 жыл бұрын
@@magnusb6311 In Norway we usually calculate the income annually, Sweden monthly, not sure if monthly is an EU thing
@magnusb6311
2 жыл бұрын
@@geirstianaaslund7141 Well I guess it depends. Calculate taxes is of coerce made on an annual basis. What I mean and was perhaps not clear about was what an offer is made off or what you get each time you are paid as weekly or biweekly payments are getting less and less common. Most people I talked salary and wages with from Norway has talked about their monthly payment or their offer what they would be paid monthly so I guess I assumed that was the case.
@pesha00
2 жыл бұрын
I love all your videos! Where do you shop for your regular day to day items like cleaning products, makeup, toiletries, house decor, house items, etc? Also what other entertainment does the village have besides restaurants and shopping? Movies, dancing, shows, sports, etc?
@rhoadestraveled
2 жыл бұрын
I feel my anxiety subside when I can watch your videos of you tucked away in a cabin living your best life. Thank you for sharing. My living expenses are $8550 per month USD.
@CeciliaBlomdahl
2 жыл бұрын
Oh wow! That feels like a lot 😶🧡
@rhoadestraveled
2 жыл бұрын
@@CeciliaBlomdahl it is! I have a family of 4.
@crystalw8050
2 жыл бұрын
Can I ask what your combined income is per month? How can you afford that! I feel for you :(
@jeffr985
2 жыл бұрын
That is insane....Makes no sense to me. Where do you live? I do not want to make assumptions here but that seems extreme to me unless you make a lot money and choose to live to that standard. My wife and I make pretty good money but our expenses per month are about half that amount and we have 2 kids as well.
@YeshuaKingMessiah
2 жыл бұрын
That’s a huge monthly amt u choose to expend.
@kellyc2425
2 жыл бұрын
WOW! My wife and I could live there VERY comfortably! (assuming we could even find suitable available housing) You guys have literally everything one could need or want there too! Amazing. 😁👍🏼
@SaHayes-it2uw
2 жыл бұрын
How do you feel about the polar night? Would you live there year round?
@danapertile106
2 жыл бұрын
Hi, I have a question. Svalbard is pretty close to the place where the former Soviet Union dropped the largest atomic bomb ever detonated - the Tsar Bomba. It was dropped over the Novaya Zemlya Island and it was so incredibly large that it broke windows even as far as in Finland! So my question is how radioactive Svalbard is. I believe that quite a bit of the radiation must have hit Svalbard as well. Aren't you afraid of the radiation there? Thank you in advance for your answer.
@RichieRouge206
Жыл бұрын
A very interesting video Cecelia! Really fascinating insight to living on Svalbard! To be fair, the costs were sort of what I had in mind, especially with food and electricity costs! The costs for insurance are fairly similar to those here in the UK. I'd love to see a video about different types of properties and buying there and also cars and driving/owning a car in Svalbard. Cheers, Richie
@abigat0r
2 жыл бұрын
We’re Northern UK and per person we spend around £1,100 (13,231 NOK) a month for everything which I think is pretty low here! & we put the rest into savings 😊 our tax is automatically deducted from our pay check each payday! I’m soooo intrigued into living in Svalbard, looks so dreamy
@roachtoasties
2 жыл бұрын
Interesting. I'm not that organized. I could tell people my income, but for individual expenses I'm not the type of person who keeps good track of that stuff. Good video.
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