Iceland vs Sweden: Cost of Living, Safety & Quality of Life Comparison 2026

Sweden is ahead on the overall index (7.9/10 vs 7.5/10 for Iceland). That headline score still hides trade-offs in specific areas.

On cost of living, Sweden scores higher than Iceland.

Key scores at a glance

Sweden wins 11 of 16 categories we track; Iceland wins 2, with 3 tied.

Safety — Iceland 9.4/10 · Sweden 9.1/10
Healthcare — Iceland 9.1/10 · Sweden 9.4/10
Cost of living — Iceland 4.5/10 · Sweden 6.2/10

See the full breakdown below.

Country guides: Iceland · Sweden

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