Housing cost overburden more prevalent in cities

In 2021, 10.4% of the EU population in cities were living in a household affected by housing cost overburden, while the corresponding rate for rural areas was 6.2%. 

The highest housing cost overburden rates in cities were observed in Greece (32.4%), Denmark (21.9%) and the Netherlands (15.3%). On the other hand, cities in Lithuania, Malta, and Hungary recorded the lowest shares (1.6%, 2.9% and 3.1%, respectively). 

In rural areas, rates were highest in Greece (22.0 %), Bulgaria (13.3 %) and Romania (10.8 %). The lowest housing cost overburden rates in rural areas were recorded in Cyprus (1.3%), Ireland (1.6%) and Hungary (2.2%).

In 2021, the housing cost overburden was higher in cities than in rural areas in all EU countries except Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Lithuania and Latvia.

Source dataset: ilc_lvho07d

This indicator is part of the Housing in Europe – 2022 interactive edition, which has been updated recently. Visit this publication and get to know more about housing in Europe, including details on the construction sector, quality of housing and environmental impact.