Living on a European island can cost 130% more for housing.

Omissions

• The 130% figure is the upper end of a range ('75-130% higher'), not a uniform or average value; the lower bound is 75%.
• The underlying OECD analysis is based on case studies of Croatia, Greece and Sweden, not on a systematic EU-wide measurement of all island municipalities.
• The figure originates from a 2026 OECD study on the 'cost of insularity' and an accompanying European Commission islands strategy; the claim does not cite the source.
• The other figures in the MEP's statement (transport up to 300% more, public services 30-50% higher) also match the same OECD study and are not the subject of this verification.

Sources

• PrimaryOECD — Policy Pathways Beyond the Shoreline: Estimating the cost of insularityIt finds transport costs can exceed mainland benchmarks by just over 300% in some cases, local government spending per capita can be around 30-50% higher, and housing prices can be 75-130% higher in some island municipalities.
• SecondaryEuropean Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) — Islands in the EUA 2026 report documents the 'cost of insularity' using evidence from Croatia, Greece and Sweden, where transport costs can exceed mainland benchmarks by over 300 % in some cases, local government expenditure per capita can be 30-50 % higher, and housing prices can be 75-130 % higher in some island municipalities.
• SecondaryConsulta Europa — Brussels unveils first-ever dedicated strategy for EU islandstransport costs for island businesses and residents can skyrocket by more than 300% compared to mainland benchmarks. Furthermore, local government spending per capita to maintain basic public services is between 30% and 50% higher, while housing prices in island municipalities routinely inflate by up to 130%.