Inflation Iceland 2016

Average inflation: 1.7%

Inflation in 2016

Inflation is low at 1.7%, below the ECB target of 2%.

Peak and Trough

The highest inflation was in February at 2.2%. The lowest inflation was in August at 1.0%.

Highest month
February: 2.2%
Lowest month
August: 1.0%
Difference
1.2 percentage points
Months with data
12 of 12

Category Insights

The highest price increase was in Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels with an average of 6.6%. The lowest price increase was in Communication with an average of -12.9%.

Highest increase
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels: 6.6%
Lowest increase
Communication: -12.9%

Historical Context

Inflation is 1.2 percentage points lower than the 5-year average of 2.9%. This approaches the lowest level since records began (1.6% in 2015).

5-year average
2.9%
10-year average
5.4%
All-time high (2008)
12.6%
All-time low (2015)
1.6%

Trend

Over the period 2014-2016, inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 2015, inflation has risen by 0.1 percentage points.

Change vs. previous year
+0.1 percentage points
Largest monthly swing
February: +1.4 percentage points

ECB Target

Inflation is 0.3 percentage points below the ECB target of 2.0%. Too low inflation may indicate economic weakness.

Purchasing Power

At this inflation rate, purchasing power gradually decreases. The impact on daily expenses is relatively limited.

What you could buy for ISK 100 this year will cost approximately ISK 102 next year at this inflation rate.

Multi-year trend

Monthly figures 2016

Inflation by category

Food and non-alcoholic beverages
1.3%
-0.4 vs avg.
More details →
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics
1.7%
+0.0 vs avg.
More details →
Clothing and footwear
-3.7%
-5.4 vs avg.
More details →
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels
6.6%
+4.9 vs avg.
More details →
Furnishings, household equipment and maintenance
-1.4%
-3.1 vs avg.
More details →
Health
2.1%
+0.4 vs avg.
More details →
Transport
-3.6%
-5.3 vs avg.
More details →
Communication
-12.9%
-14.6 vs avg.
More details →
Recreation and culture
1.2%
-0.5 vs avg.
More details →
Education
5.3%
+3.6 vs avg.
More details →
Restaurants and hotels
5.9%
+4.2 vs avg.
More details →
Miscellaneous goods and services
3.1%
+1.4 vs avg.
More details →

Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.

Month overview

Month Inflation Difference vs. 2015
January 2.1% +1.3
February 2.2% +1.4
March 1.5% -0.1
April 1.6% +0.2
May 1.7% +0.1
June 1.6% +0.1
July 1.1% -0.8
August 1.0% -1.2
September 1.8% -0.1
October 1.8% 0.0
November 2.1% +0.1
December 1.9% -0.1
Average 1.7%

Data source

Data from OECD. Last updated: 13/01/2026.

See also