How much does it COST TO LIVE on Svalbard? | a lot more EXPENSIVE now... 2023 Budget Planning

What does our life on Svalbard cost us? How to budget your life? In this video I go through our budget for 2023, some big changes have been made, so we need to change our finances for 2023 to keep up with the changes. I hope you enjoy this video, thank you for being here and happy new year! 🙏🏻☕️🧡
0:00 Welcome back to Svalbard
0:35 Polar night & Northern lights
04:00 500k!
04:36 Why budget?
05:30 We bought a boat
06:48 Budget 2023 start
07:11 Taxes on Svalbard
08:00 Monthly pay-checks
08:43 Bank Accounts
09:30 Electricity Bill
10:22 Nok vs USD vs Euro
11:02 Food Budget
12:42 Household Breakdown
17:30 Insurance Cost
19:08 Land Cost
19:31 Total Cost for one
20:54 Spending money
23:13 Total Monthly Cost
24:49 You can do it!
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About Cecilia:
Cecilia Blomdahl is originally from Sweden and moved to Svalbard 7 years ago. She works as a photographer and videographer in Longyearbyen, and with her social media channels. Check her out on tiktok and instagram under her handle @sejsejlija! 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!

[@lalakass9041]

I like how down to earth you are, the fact there isn’t any drama on this channel is just refreshing for KZbin

[@claudiuandrei3966]

100% true! This is now one of my favourite channels, despite the fact that i have just found it couple of hours ago!

[@justicefonfara17]

Agree

[@springfauna1465]

Right?!! It's so relaxing to watch these!!

[@TheCelestialhealer]

Agree❤

[@pooielooie1988]

Very true. It's such a nice escape to tune in to Cecilia!

[@CeciliaBlomdahl]

HAPPY NEW YEAR! And thank you so much for 500k subs! You guys are amazing ✨️🧡

[@townsvillestorms]

Love your work Cecilia - Shane.

[@MAYK1NG]

I’ve always Ben curios how much it cost you to import all your main furniture? 🎉 Appy new Years !!

[@f.sense888]

Have a fantastic 2023 full of new friends and beautiful events!!!☃️💖🤝🌌🌈

[@taterpugz]

Happy New Year! 🎉

[@rhondalemley4898]

Where did you get your lights around the top of your wall...Happy New Year

[@roccovallerand3398]

Honestly thanks to you Grimm and Christopher, this was one of the first winters in Northeastern America in 12 years that I thoroughly enjoyed! I made it cozy, had plenty of candles and string lights and your enthusiasm helped me see the beauty! I actually miss the dark! (Our days are growing longer now). So THANK YOU. I no longer dread the dark cold winters!!!!❤❤

[@elisalatinasag]

I value your matter-of-fact transparency in your videos, especially this one. Very informative, not just for Svalbard but simply effective budgeting. Thank you for always opening us to new ways of viewing the world.

[@AlisonRuthless]

I've been curious about Svalbard finances (of course, here in the States its usually considered impolite to ask), so this offers a lot of insight. Thanks for sharing.

[@jenniferreed3113]

I’ve been watching your videos about polar night and winter for about a year now and they have been so helpful in changing my attitude about surviving dark winters. Your content has helped improve my winter quality of life. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@kerra7386]

Omg me and my husband do our finances the SAME exact way!!! Wild! around where I live I’ve never seen anyone else do their finances this way. Pretty neat

[@katiehess4230]

3000-3500 ($300-350) for firewood for a whole year is impressive! We just started using a wood stove and to exclusively buy wood to heat the house would cost probably 10x that much for a year here in the US. Thanks for sharing your budget! Good to get on top of at the start of a new year.

[@soniak2865]

Svalbard sounds great for those who are healthy, young and need no extra services. Suggestion on future episode: what do the old people do ? parents of special needs children? what about emergencies in health? what services does Svalbard not have ? thanks!!!

[@LisainCalifornia]

As someone who lives in the United States (Bay Area) I can tell you the only time I was paid every week was when I was very young and worked in retail. I work in Education, and my husband is in the high tech industry and we only get paid once a month. You are doing a good job taking care of your spending!

[@dontbesuspicious3531]

Whenever I watch your videos, I think “let’s check in on Svalbard!” … I am from Australia and love watching people who live life differently, I watch channels from Alaska, Korea, Japan, Ghana, Russia, Italy, other parts of the US, the UK. Every day I check in on those different parts of the world and think wow, there’s so many ways to live!

[@dontbesuspicious3531]

@Pretty Subliminals lol fair point, I guess I should say "other parts of the US"

[@wildlifewarrior2670]

Me to

[@Pp4Gd]

Yes! I am enjoying watching a video from Kuhn B of Siberia right now. I did watch one from Italy. Any recommendations for Australia?

[@violetviolet888]

Lola from Australia: What channels do you recommend watching per country?

[@dontbesuspicious3531]

@@violetviolet888 ​ @Violet Simple Living Alaska, Victoria Terekhina, campingG, Life in Yakutia, wildshegoes, TAKASUTILE, Tatiana Haina off the top of my head :)

[@robbarron4066]

not at all surprised that your channel has grown so much. Your vids are great and just a great balance against all the 'other' stuff we are bombarded with. HAPPY NEW YEAR

[@drb3nway]

Greetings from Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA! New subscriber here! Congratulations on the 500k! Love your content! Keep up the great work!

[@laurelmolin4558]

I’m terrible with budgeting and have tried getting motivation from videos before but to no avail. This is the first video that has really helped me to see the benefits to it and to see it so simply done. Thank you! Love your videos!!

[@wildlifewarrior2670]

I have an idea give me your paycheck I'll hold onto it for you so you're not tempted to spend any money

[@susanchappell796]

Dave Ramsey app if your in the usa. it might work elsewhere too

[@carolannfox1644]

A wonderful new year to you, Christoffer, and Grim, and many more hours of beautiful content creation!

[@katherinefitzpatrick446]

Wow! What an awesome way to start the New Year! Congratulations! Enjoy!

[@cactus23]

How do you estimate your monthly income. Is it the same every month? Do you have steady clients who pay the same amount monthly. I’m a fund development officer and have many clients. I have a hard time estimating how much I will bring in monthly.

[@joybranch-londesborough6617]

Wow, you packed up Christmas fast. I had done that for years until I learned more about the 12 nights of Christmas. We all celebrate Christmas so early by the time it comes, its over. Yet it's when it should start....woo hoo! Happy New Year!

[@FavoriteThemeSong]

True, we’re only at “ten lords a leaping” 😆. These mellow days of Christmas are the best part.

[@FavoriteThemeSong]

No, wait, we’re on “eight maids a’ milking!” 😂😂 Seriously though, it’s so wonderful to get lost in these beautiful days of Christmas. Thanks, Joy, for pointing this out. ❤

[@joybranch-londesborough6617]

@@FavoriteThemeSong Yes...I really just came to that realisation these last few years and have completely enjoyed the peace and true joy of Christmas. I also have not felt the sadness that can follow the Christmas rush. I'm so happy others remember the more peaceful side of the holiday as well. Here's to "nine drumers 🥁 drumming" I think 🤔 😊

[@shelliebancroft4145]

Happy new year of 2023. We wait for you to post. I'm not sure what it is about you or your little town. But it bring peace to our souls here and we can not wait for the next post. You guys are loved 😍 ❤️. Hugs from across the country.

[@gailreed7601]

I think what I like about your videos is that they are both exotic and familiar. I've lived in snowy winters all my life, but I've only seen polar bears in zoos, and the northern lights only in videos. Your way of life is both fascinating and comfortable. Thanks! With ❤️ from Chicago, Illinois, USA ❤️❤️❤️

[@josephdow5428]

I could gaze at those skies forever. Thanks!

[@hoasivilay]

Hello from Minnesota. We don’t have polar nights, however, our winter can be brutal. Love your polar night videos. 🥰

[@sarahjordann]

It’s always a good morning when you post☺️

[@daveengen6068]

Happy New Year from Minnesota, USA. I look forward to your Vlog every Sunday morning. Thank you!

[@kathyv3909]

Thank you for the motivation. Time for me to grab my coffee and update my budget too. 🤑

[@CeciliaBlomdahl]

😍😍👏👏

[@meghanmorningstar4394]

I love the budgeting tips on how to break everything down into categories! You are so organized, I’m definitely going to be using these tips!!

[@EarlyRiser--]

Congrats on 500K! Knowing where your money flows out is a great step in learning how to save. I retired from a US University and was paid once a month. It was suggested that I take off the top a percentage into a savings/retirement account (and if needed I could borrow against myself but never did). It was the best advice for me rather than waiting till the end of the month to see what I had left. I was forced to learn how to budget during the month and while I lived frugally, I did everything I wanted learning how not to waste. As life changes, you will learn to change and flow with your needs. Blessings to you, Christoffer and Grim. I knew nothing about Svaldbard before finding your channel. 💖💖💖

[@jenniferfreel1728]

Not everyone in US gets paid weekly. It all depends on the job. I used to get paid monthly but changed it to bi-monthly. Happy New Year! Love your channel

[@CeciliaBlomdahl]

Ohhh interesting! 😊

[@KatrinVB89]

I’d say the majority gets paid semi-monthly (24 payments a year) or bi-weekly (26 payments). Other options are pretty rare.

[@matthewluck9077]

Yeah. Typically lower-paying service jobs that are paid wages by the hour are paid weekly or bi-weekly (such as working at a grocery store or a garage). Whereas, if you have a professional job where you are paid a fixed income or salary, you get your checks usually monthly or sometimes semi-monthly (the government often pays bi-monthly).

[@KatrinVB89]

@@matthewluck9077 and it is not true. My husband is a police officer and he is on bi-weekly direct deposits. I work in IT and my current company direct deposits money semi-monthly, all my previous companies paid bi-weekly. His previous departments always paid bi-weekly. When he was in military they paid bi-weekly too. Pretty sure that lower-paying jobs are the same OR on WK schedule.

[@MsLilacLover1]

My employers get paid monthly. I have always been paid weekly. But now I get paid bi weekly.

[@annramirez8156]

After a long hard day, I watch your vlogs and it brings me such peace. You have no idea how much you have helped with my most anxious days

[@oxymoronassoc]

Buffer account is a "contingency fund" for like if a pipe bursts but also if you know you need to re-roof in 4 years.

[@katiecummings6464]

I love seeing how someone else does a budget. Thank you!! Love the cozy vibes, as always in polar night!

[@TheperfectfrenchwithDylane]

Happy New Year to you and your little family! And congratulations on 500k!

[@janepilkington9293]

There are a lot of unnecessary items, which you could cancel if needed, but I congratulate you on your organization. Very impressive for your age.

[@danabuck6461]

Not sure if anyone commented this, but paydays differ widely in the US. Depending on the employer, pay is made either daily..for day laborers..., weekly, every other week or monthly.

[@jtekholm]

I saw an article about you in UK's Daily Mail! You, Christoffer and Grim deserve all the views!

[@MsBritishwoman]

You're making a wonderful home for you and Christopher. The colours, scale or furniture, and textures are coming together beautifully. When Grim enjoys the space, that's when u know it's got his 🐾 print of approval. Continue to enjoy your utopia ❤ your channel newly subscribed

[@thaliad6759]

Congratulations! I am in Colorado, U.S.A. and having been watching you grow for a couple years now..how exciting!!

[@TravelsWithKy]

Happy new year to you, Christoffer and Grim! I love this time as well. There is a whole year of adventures ahead of us! 🎆🥳

[@pattyburge655]

Happy 2023 New Year to you, Cecilia, Christoffer and Grim. Best wishes that you're blessed with many wonderful things and an abundance of health to enjoy them all. Thank you for the run down on setting up and maintaining a budget for the new year. Your pointers and past knowledge is most helpful. My prayer is that 2023 will entail far less stress, sickness and financial worries that has plagued so many over the last few years. I think we all could appreciate a collective sigh of relief for all our brothers and sisters everywhere . Much love to you and your community there on Svalbard! 💞🙏🥳🎊🥰

[@AliceLupin1]

You deserve every single subscriber and more! I'm so proud of you!!

[@annemariechambers2435]

Great job sharing important information. You are so matter of fact which is very rare in our society today. Love it! Congratulations on 500K

[@dougedwardsyachts]

As an English person I’ve always had a Buffer! When I was employed it was so that I could always walk away from a job that I didn’t enjoy. It was my comfort blanket effectively. 😉

[@jackleonard575]

Making money is an action. Keeping money is behavior. Growing money is knowledge.🎄

[@kerrylim6058]

I just looked him up on google and he's a licensed broker, I am contacting him right away, thanks.

[@patboury6730]

Happy New Year to you both, and to Grimm ! So happy to be one of your 500k fans. Your videos are calming and introspective at times. They are funny and informative at times and show us in the US Midwest that a different climate has its own beauty. Keep posting , maybe someday I will see those beautiful Northern Lights before my time on this wondrous planet is done

[@veeemit9719]

The skies are so amazing….I would be out there watching for as long as I could take the cold! Congrats on 500k+. We budget in a similar way, and when we have extra in a budgeted account, like electricity because of mild weather, we just let it ride, because we know it will eventually be needed.

[@1821femina]

Hello from California! My husband and I vacationed in Iceland last year and we loved it. The views on Svalbard are amazing. Thank you for bringing that part of the world to the rest of us and for sharing your budget. I got a few tips I can use to manage my money.

[@csolczi]

Happy New Year from Austria! I have spent the first day of this new year with you, Christoffer and Grim! I am have been binging through your videos and I am in awe of you, your sunny spirit, Christoffer's calm and down to earth demeanour, Grim's unconditional love and the breath-taking landscape and scenery. Wishing you abundance in everything you do!

[@janadawn68]

Happy New Year, Cecilia & your fellas😄. Congrats on 500k and thanks for sharing your personal expenses and detailed savings. I think some of us need that as motivation to look at our own spending and the need to save up 😊. I wish for a wonderful 2023 for you and your family as well as all of us who love your channel and appreciate this community that you and Christoffer have created. Hugs 💙 to y’all and see you soon 🐾🌟

[@jeffcoopersghost5159]

I first read The Year Long Day some ten years ago and always thought about living on Svalbard for a year the way Ivar Ruud did! I would love a video discussing how much that would cost and how to go about that as an american!

[@briwalker499]

Congratulations 🎉 on 500k subscribers!! Love watching you, Cristopher & Grim. I live in Texas where it is much different… so interesting to see your lives… YT has expanded our cultural perspective! Happy 2023 to you all ❤

[@Alexia13]

This is such a great idea, and more people honestly need to do this. Everywhere around the world things are increasing wildly and budgeting is so important. Here is Canada we also have to wait on the weather to figure out our heating costs. We have had a very mild winter and hardly any snow (which is weird) but we have saved a bit on our heating.

[@allywell5579]

Thanks Cecelia! You reminded / inspired me to set up a new budget for the year, and I sat down with my laptop and did mine whilst watching your vid! Happy New Year to you, Christoffer and Grim ❤

[@emily_coco]

Your channel has quickly become my morning go to while drinking coffee and having breakfast 😊 you feel so grounding to watch and listen to. This was a great video! I love how you break down the budget for the whole year! I feel like I’ve mostly just seen people break it down by the month. But this way allows room to save for those “what ifs” like unexpected car services. Thank you for sharing! Sending love from across the pond

[@sherrystrawn7628]

These videos are soooo calming. I love the music in the background and the crackling fire. ❤😊❤

[@conniezakhary321]

Wishing you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR from Canada! Congrats on your 500k milestone!

[@lisajel52]

Congrats on your amazing growth! So happy for you and all the best in 2023!🎉❤

[@michaelhollandsr]

Happy New Year to you, Christoffer and Grim. I so much enjoy your vlogs and your videos are absolutely wonderful.

[@kimmberlie573]

Exceptional videos! Beautiful landscape. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. 500k! So well deserved!!❤

[@msmacmac1000]

Happy New Year from Milwaukee, WI❤

[@crucitacalvin7523]

Happy New Year! 🎉 This was super interesting and helpful! Can’t wait to what’s in store as your channel continues to grow 🥳

[@hr4118]

Happy New Year ! I Can't wait for new and more content and years more of adventures . Your channel is calming and refreshing to watch with our world so upside down it is just what we need. Peace to you both. and Grim

[@kenziecherry5849]

I love the warm cozy cabin and the feeling of snow. I live in the deep south and never see a real cold winter. It's all so beautiful!

[@suzannegagne8692]

Happy new year and keep doing what you do so well. Look forward to seeing more from you.

[@JustClaireGrace]

Well done on 500k subs Cecilia! I love your videos, i find them so relaxing.

[@dancourt4792]

I love all your vlogs......thank you. Happy New Year to you, Christopher & Grim x

[@4evelyn734]

Happy New Year to you! Congrats on your milestone!

[@lisaweiss681]

Happy new year Cecilia, Christopher and Grim. Congrats Cecilia on reaching your milestone of 500K subscribers. I think reviewing your budgeting yearly and making tweaks where needed is a great idea. I look forward to seeing what the new year has in store for you.

[@TPeres45]

Congratulations, Cecilia and Christoffer! Absolutely love the content you guys work so hard on and allow us to experience… This video was so informative and enlightening. Very cool to understand how life works on Svalbard. Thanks!! Happy New Year!!!💕

[@Malember]

Happy New Year and thank you for all the videos!

[@kristiN1214]

I really enjoyed this, I’m getting ready to do my first spreadsheet budget and will be needing to help my parents with theirs that they have already been keeping for years…so I needed a crash course lol! Thank you, and Happy New Year…that’s wonderful news about reaching 500k subs!! ♥️

[@latmcb9863]

Congratulations on reaching 500K subscribers - well done!! I really appreciate that you actually showed the real budget numbers. There are a lot of clickbait videos that don't show real numbers. This was very interesting. I'd love to hear a little more about how you determined those expenses where you each pay very different amounts, such as for food. (I understand completely if you don't want to share that much information.) Wishing you a wonderful New Year!

[@KingsMom831]

Here for it!❤

[@ruth_ruth]

Happy new year! A budgeting video with encouragement is very nice at the beginning, and of course the footage outdoors is stunning! (And the cabin is so cozy) Thank you! "The sky shows us there is nothing dark about the polar nights."

[@draupne]

I love videos like this. So informative and motivating. I also love your energy and how natural you are. There is no bad vibes here, just good honest ones. Which I feel we need more of these days!🙌🏻 And congrats on 500k! Skulle bare mangle! 🎉

[@lululovestoplan5401]

Happy New Year Cecilia to you and your family! Huge congratulations on reaching your +500k subscribers - very well deserved 🎉

[@itsjaynee7548]

Happy New Year Cecilia and Christoffer! 🥳🎉 Congratulations on hitting 500k Subs. I can’t wait for this year’s content. Keep up the great work and breathtaking footage. ❤️

[@JF-vo3ck]

Happy New Year! I love how much joy you have with everything in your life. You even make budgeting look fun! lol Thank you for all your work and bringing us so much joy! xo

[@KoriZunino]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I discovered your channel a couple of months ago and I love it so much! Wishing you, Christoffer, and Grim a prosperous and beautiful 2023! ✨🎉💛🐻‍❄✨

[@heathersteinmetz9215]

Congratulations on 500k!! Happy New Year to you and your family! Can't wait to see what the new year will bring.

[@sammyzimmermann]

Happy New Year Cecilia, Christoffer & Grim. Great tips for budgeting and congrats breaking the 500k!!

[@youtooaromatherapyyoga2991]

Happy New Year to you, Christofer and Grim! Love your channel so I'm not at all surprised that you've just hit 500K so congratulations my lovely. I'm inspired to tidy my house as yours is super clean and tidy xz

[@rachellucky]

I have recommended your channel to so many people! I just love watching your adventures and learning about life in Svalbard!

[@staceypiper3319]

Congrats on over 500.000 subscribers! Amazing how your channel has grown. Happy New Year and love to Christopher and Grim!

[@TimWhild]

Happy New Year Cecilia and congratulations on the 500k! My kids and I want to visit Svalbard for a holiday next Winter...you have sold the polar life so well 😁

[@sherelynwhite4130]

Congratulations Cecilia on your 500K subscribers!🥳 Wishing you Christoffer and Grimm all the best in 2023 and most of all much peace in your hearts.🌈💞🌺🙏🙋‍♀️

[@patti8000]

Thank you Cecila. I'm so happy that I found you here on KZbin. I so much enjoy watching your videos. So thank you very much for all your content :-)

[@hollylandis2282]

I’m working on completely redoing our budget tomorrow so this was perfectly timed!

[@MellyNicky]

Happy New Year!!! Thank you so much for sharing your budget. A budget is very personal, and of course you're giving a lot of personal information. However, I think it's good to see examples and see where and how people put money, or share bills, or share expenses and savings. That was very helpful!

[@jessicaperlove4715]

Thanks for sharing that with us! It's so helpful to know how much different things cost.

[@Clouds144]

Loved this video! super helpful and motivating 💕

[@motherofone1]

Congratulations on 500k subscribers! That's awesome. I've been watching your channel for some time now and I laugh to myself every time I see a posting from someone else, about Svalbard or Longyearben. I say to myself, "No, no, no, no, that's Cecilia's and Christoffer's channel, how dare you!?!" I have no idea why I feel so protective of you both and Grim, of course....Happy New Year, much love from Canada💖🤣

[@11kathleenanne]

Good morning Cecilia and happy new year 🎊 thank you for all you do ❤

[@lulujayne8580]

Hi Cecilia and family, Merry Christmas and I hope you guys had a lovely New Years! I love watching your content, especially the cooking vids! I just wanted to say it’s been an absolute pleasure watching your content last year and I can’t wait for more! Stay safe! And I’m so jealous of the snow… I’m in Australia. LJ

[@sabrinacrook8532]

Happy New Year! 🎉love love your videos. Thank you.

[@annesweeney5552]

TIME … It Goes faster the older you get ! Happy New year to you and Christopher and Grimm

[@jenniferkelley2715]

Happy New Year from snowy Colorado! You’ll soon be at 1 Million! Your content is wonderful. Blessings to you and Christopher and Grim!

[@lenybouwman5062]

First of all I want to wish you, Christoffer and Grim a very happy New Year. Secondly I want to congratulate you with 500.000 subscribers, I’m so happy for you. Thank you for sharing your finances with us. You inspired me to make a spreadsheet like this because I don’t know where my money goes to. 😊 with the rising prices it’s getting out of hand so thank you.

[@kathyparrow1390]

Happy new year🎉 and thanks for sharing. My husband and I were just wondering about this a couple days ago! You read our minds.

[@EvaLovesDisney]

Cecilia, happy New Year and congrats on 500k, I’m not surprised and I’m sure you’ll hit 1M+ followers. Your content is my escape and I appreciate the beauty you share with us. Thank you for capturing the northern lights. This video helped me prepare mentally for my budgeting for 2023 (which I’m getting ready to do). I’m going to use excel rather than a “budget template”, I’ll make my own. You are very mater of fact and natural which is what I think brings us in. I wish you guys the best for 2023 and I look forward to your next vlog! ❤🙂👍🏻

[@carolinem.9965]

Happy 🎉 New Year to you, Christopher and Grim 🎉!

[@happybuddhabear1155]

Happy New Year. Very inspiring!

[@AmyLStLouis]

Happy New Year! Thank you so much for this very informative video. I'm working on my budget today. This video was perfect timing!