Iceland: housing

How fast are rents rising in Iceland?

The rent index in Iceland's consumer price index rose from 98.8 in September 2025 to 106.2 in September 2026, about 7.5% in a year, according to Statistics Iceland's CPI breakdown table. The index of imputed rent for owner-occupiers rose from 98.2 to 104.7, about 6.6%.

Both rose faster than overall prices, which were up 5.9%. Actual rent tracks what tenants pay, while imputed rent reflects owners' housing costs. House price and rent surveys from the Housing and Construction Authority (HMS) could not be read because its site blocked automated access.

Official sources: Statistics Iceland: CPI breakdown and contribution to monthly price changes

What share of Iceland is urban?

The UN Population Division puts the share of people living in urban areas in Iceland at 94.2% in 2025. That is the highest since at least 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 69.6%; Iceland is 5th highest of 52. World rank, highest first: 12th of 193.

How common are informal settlements in Iceland?

In 2022, the share of city dwellers living in slums in Iceland was 0.0%, according to UN-Habitat. It has not changed since 2006. It is 33rd highest of 43 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 0.3%. World rank, highest first: 155th of 170.

What share of people in Iceland have electricity?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2024, is 100.0%. The figure has been the same every year since 2005. It is 1st highest of 52 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 100.0%. World rank, highest first: 1st of 193.

What is access to safe water in Iceland?

According to WHO and UNICEF, the share of people using safely managed drinking water in Iceland was 100.0% in 2024. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 96.7%, and Iceland placed 1st highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 1st of 134.

What is access to clean cooking in Iceland?

The WHO puts the share of people using clean cooking fuels in Iceland at 100.0% in 2024. No year since 2005 has been higher. Europe & Central Asia median: 99.0%; Iceland is 1st highest of 51. Of 192 countries with 2024 data, 1st highest.