In 2025, the median one-bedroom rent in Hong Kong is $2,421.
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Finding the right place to rent or buy can be daunting for first-timers or even repeating real estate investors, considering the impact it has on your wallet. This is especially true in large metropolitan areas where real estate prices tend to be on the higher side.
In addition to the popular “30% rule,” which suggests that tenants should spend more than 30% of their pre-tax income on their homes, another common strategy is the “triple-fold annual income” rule. Home buyers should limit their total mortgage to the maximum amount of annual mortgage income on their annual mortgage.
Based on 2025 data from local real estate portals and government websites in each country, researchers from Global Property Guide have compiled a list of median household rentals and purchase prices across several major cities in Asia.
According to the Global Property Guide, the numbers listed below, updated in August, are based on the median monthly asking price for renting and purchasing one-bedroom homes in each city in 2025.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Median monthly asking price for renting a 1 bedroom: $275
Median asking price for buying a one bedroom: $106,000
Mumbai, India
Median monthly asking price for one bedroom rental: $387
Median asking price for purchasing a one bedroom: $122,000
Jakarta, Indonesia
Median monthly asking price for renting a 1 bedroom: $400
Median asking price for buying a one bedroom: $46,000
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Median monthly asking price for renting a 1 bedroom: $550
Median asking price for buying a one bedroom: $100,000
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Median monthly asking price for one bedroom rental: $562
Median asking price for buying a one bedroom: $151,000
Tokyo, Japan
Median monthly asking price for renting a 1 bedroom: $700
Median asking price for buying a one bedroom: $279,000
Bangkok, Thailand
Median monthly asking price for renting a 1 bedroom: $722
Median asking price for purchasing a one bedroom: $120,000
Taiwan, Taiwan
Median monthly asking price for renting a 1 bedroom: $973
Median asking price for purchasing a one bedroom: $641,000
Hong Kong
Median monthly asking price for one bedroom rental: $2,421
Median asking price for buying a one bedroom: $968,200
Singapore
Median monthly asking price for one bedroom rental: $2,740
Median asking price for buying a one bedroom: $900,000
During the apartment hunt, there are several strategies that future tenants can use to negotiate prices. According to experts, one of the best things is to arm yourself in research. For example, you can compare list prices for similar units in your neighborhood.
Additionally, you can negotiate additional fees and ask to supply furniture when you move. Another strategy that is often forgotten is that people can negotiate monthly rents even if they already live in apartments.
On CNBC, the video was created and author and television host Ramit Seti proposed that tenants could approach their landlord and say.
“Based on the data, it looks like the apartments in this neighborhood are down x%… I was a good tenant. I’ve been here for years. I’m going to be here for so many years. I don’t cause unnecessary problems or damage.
The landlord may still say “no,” but if tenants can successfully negotiate a new contract, they can save thousands of people a year, Seti added.
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