2026 Edition

Global Housing Index

Data-driven rankings revealing where buying builds wealth and where renting is the smarter financial move.

How We Rank

We use the Price-to-Rent Ratio (home price divided by annual rent). A ratio above 20 typically favors renting; below 15 favors buying. This metric is used globally by economists to assess housing affordability.

🏖️

The Renters' Paradise

In these cities, home prices are disconnected from reality. Renting is mathematically superior — you'll build more wealth investing the difference than tying capital up in an overpriced property.

Rank	City	Avg. Home Price	Avg. Rent	Ratio
1	Zurich	CHF1,800,000	CHF2,800/mo	53.6
2	Geneva	CHF1,650,000	CHF2,600/mo	52.9
3	Basel	CHF1,350,000	CHF2,200/mo	51.1
4	Stockholm	kr6,500,000	kr14,000/mo	38.7
5	VancouverBritish Columbia	$1,250,000	$2,900/mo	35.9
6	Munich	€750,000	€1,800/mo	34.7
7	Gothenburg	kr4,500,000	kr11,000/mo	34.1
8	SydneyNew South Wales	$1,300,000	$3,200/mo	33.9
9	Malmo	kr3,800,000	kr9,500/mo	33.3
10	TorontoOntario	$1,100,000	$2,800/mo	32.7

🏠

The Buyers' Market

In these markets, mortgage payments are often comparable to (or cheaper than) rent. Buying builds equity instead of paying a landlord — if you plan to stay 5+ years, ownership likely wins.

Rank	City	Avg. Home Price	Avg. Rent	Ratio
1	ChicagoIllinois	$320,000	$2,100/mo	12.7
2	MiamiFlorida	$550,000	$2,800/mo	16.4
3	DallasTexas	$380,000	$1,900/mo	16.7
4	Manchester	£280,000	£1,400/mo	16.7
5	AustinTexas	$450,000	$2,200/mo	17.0
6	Birmingham	£250,000	£1,200/mo	17.4
7	Cork	€320,000	€1,500/mo	17.8
8	New YorkNew York	$750,000	$3,500/mo	17.9
9	Dublin	€450,000	€2,100/mo	17.9
10	Limerick	€280,000	€1,300/mo	17.9

Want to see the full analysis for your city?

Our calculator factors in closing costs, property taxes, opportunity cost, and 30-year projections.

Browse All 46 Cities

Disclaimer: Rankings are based on publicly available data and estimates. This is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always consult local real estate professionals and financial advisors.