With increasing urbanisation and continued pressure on the real estate market, the cost of renting and buying a home remains a key issue for both individuals and investors. This is especially true in major Asian megacities, where demand for real estate consistently exceeds supply, and prices are among the highest in the world.
According to data for 2025, the median cost of renting and buying a one-bedroom apartment in the ten largest cities in Asia shows a significant range. The study, based on information from national real estate portals and official government sources, identified both affordable and extremely expensive locations.
In Hanoi (Vietnam), the average rental price of a one-room apartment is $ 275 per month, while the purchase will cost $ 106 thousand. A similar pricing policy is observed in Phnom Penh (Cambodia) - rent at $ 550, and purchase — about $ 100 thousand. Jakarta (Indonesia) remains one of the most affordable destinations: rent will cost $ 400, and purchase-only 46 thousand dollars.
Higher values are shown by the capitals of the developed economies of the region. In Tokyo, the rent of one-bedroom housing reaches $ 700 per month, and the purchase — $ 279 thousand. In Taipei, the average rental rate is $ 973, and the purchase of real estate is about 641 thousand dollars.
Hong Kong and Singapore remain the most expensive markets. In Hong Kong, the average rental price is close to $ 2,421, and buying an apartment requires an investment of over $ 968,000. In Singapore, the figures are even higher: rent is estimated at $ 2,740 per month, and the purchase price is about $ 900 thousand.
Against this background, the classical principles of financial planning are particularly relevant. According to the generally accepted "30% rule", rental expenses should not exceed 30 percent of pre-tax income. For buyers, the "3 annual income" rule applies, when the mortgage loan amount should not be higher than three times the total family income per year.
In addition, experts recommend that landlords and renters take into account market dynamics and not be afraid to enter into negotiations. If there is information about price reductions in the area of residence, tenants can offer a review of the terms of the contract. It is also possible to adjust additional payments or re-issue terms in case of a long lease term. In some cases, such steps can reduce housing costs by thousands of dollars a year.
The real estate market in the Asian region remains one of the most complex, requiring a systematic approach and in-depth analysis. Investors and tenants need to take into account not only current rates, but also the macroeconomic situation, legal regulation, availability of financing and long-term trends in the urban development segment.
