Here’s How $1000 Monthly Rent Compares Across 25+ Countries
Depending on the place you choose to live and its currency, you can either get quite a lot for your money or really nothing at all. Take a trip with us as we review what a thousand dollars look like in different countries around the world.
Bali, sometimes referred to as the ‘Island of the Gods,’ is a province of Indonesia. It’s widely known for its volcanic mountains, rainforests, beaches, and coral reefs. It’s Indonesia’s main tourist destination being that the sights are absolutely breathtaking and there’s so much to explore. The cost of living really depends on the lifestyle you lead but some say that Bali is fairly cheap. For $1,041 (165,000,000IDR), you can rent out a two-bedroom villa with a private pool. Being that it’s a bit bigger than an apartment, this particular villa is spacious and comfortable.
Merida, Mexico
Mérida, often called ‘The White City, is the lively capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán. It has a rich history of Mayan, Spanish, French, British, and Lebanese influences. The city is a hub of culture featuring plenty of restaurants to choose from, museums, art galleries, and shops. Music and dancing play a really crucial role in people’s daily lives in Mérida. You’d be able to find a three-bedroom house for just $846 a month (15,000MXN). This house, in particular, has two floors and features a swimming pool in the backyard. Not too shabby…
Tavira, Portugal
Here in Tavira, you’ll be able to find a one-bedroom apartment for $952 a month (€857). Although a place like this may feel a little cozy, you can always escape the confines and take a three-minute walk to the island beach.
Hội An, Vietnam
Hội An is a city located on Vietnam’s central coast that happens to also be a melting pot of history and architecture. From French colonial buildings to wooden Chinese shops and temples to even the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge — an 18th-century landmark that features elaborate carvings and a pedestrian walkway — this city is filled with a mix of different eras and styles. Here, you can find a six-bedroom house for $900 per month (₫20,000,000). This specific property has three stories, a killer rooftop, and is just a quick trip to Cua Dai beach.
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.
It’s no secret that NYC is notoriously pricey when it comes to living expenses. Brooklyn, one of New York City’s five boroughs, used to be considered somewhat dodgy but it has since cleaned up and prices have skyrocketed because of that. Brooklyn has basically become home to a generation of hipsters, as it’s somewhat of a breeding ground for indie music, art, and nightlife. Here in this giant borough, you can find a tiny shoebox or studio apartment for $1000 a month. The catch? There’s no kitchen so make sure you like eating out or ordering in.
Ivry-sur-Seine, Paris, France
Ivry-sur-Seine is located in the southeastern suburbs of Paris and is just a five-minute drive to the center of the ‘City of Love.’ This means that you’re really just a few short minutes from so much, from sight-seeing to high-end shopping to eating all the cheese and bread that your stomach can handle. Here in Ivry-sur-Seine, you’ll be able to find a furnished studio apartment for about $776 a month (€705). The studio includes a small living-bedroom area, a cozy kitchenette, and a bathroom with a stand-up shower.
Cairo, Egypt
Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is the largest metropolitan city in the Middle East. Being that Egypt has such a long and rich history, the culture resembles that too. It’s the perfect country for adrenaline or adventure junkies, as well as history lovers. Luckily the cost of living is fairly low, so you could live quite a luxurious lifestyle all for under $1000. Take this fully furnished apartment for instance — not only is it spacious but it also has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. How much does it cost, you ask? $744 a month (12,000EGP).
Beijing, China
Beijing, one of the world’s leading centers, is a social, cultural, and educational hub. Being that it’s one of the oldest cities in the world, Beijing has a rich history. Filled with both modern and traditional architecture, Beijing is a technology-driven city known for its delicious cuisine so it’s the perfect place for anyone that likes a fast-paced lifestyle and yummy food. Here in the capital of China, you’d be able to rent a three-bedroom apartment for $975 per month (¥6,500). An apartment like this usually comes fully furnished and this specific one has two bathrooms!
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is not only the state capital of New South Wales, but it’s also one of the largest Australian cities. It’s home to the harborfront Sydney Opera House that many people from all around the world to see. Being that it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in, it’s no surprise that it tops the charts of expensive cities in Australia. With that being said, you’d be able to find yourself an unfurnished one-bedroom apartment for $1091 per month (1600AUD). The apartment includes one bathroom and one parking spot.
Delhi, India
Delhi, located in the northern-central part of India, is a city and union territory of the country that contains New Delhi. After Mumbai, Delhi is the wealthiest city in India. It’s also the second-largest urban area, which could explain all the intense traffic jams. Enriched with culture and history, Delhi is a city full of vibrant people. For $982 per month (₹63,000INR), you’d be able to rent out a three-bedroom apartment featuring three bathrooms, three balconies, and a ‘servant’ room. It seems as though it doesn’t take a lot of money in India to live like royalty.
Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi is not only the capital city but it’s also the largest in Kenya. It’s home to several architectural landmarks and educational institutions. With an ample amount of wildlife and nature, Kenya is definitely the go-to place if you’re into safari tours and outdoor hiking. Nairobi is much more affordable than cities like New York City or Paris, however, it can still get a little pricey. With that being said, it’s possible to find an unfurnished three-bedroom apartment for $970 a month (100,000KES). This apartment building, in particular, includes amenities like a swimming pool and workout center!
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, which translates to ‘Fair Winds’, is the capital city of Argentina. It’s a melting pot of multiple ethnic and religious groups, making it one of the most diverse places in the Americas. The quality of life here happens to rank as the 91st in the world, being one of the best in all of Latin America. Buenos Aires is a reasonably affordable city depending on the type of lifestyle you have. You can find a decently spacious, furnished studio for $1,100 a month (18,939ARS); WiFi is included in the cost of the rent.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is a global city located on the Persian Gulf coast of the United Arab Emirates. It’s a business hub of sorts and boasts one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. It’s a center for regional and global trade. In 2018, Dubai was ranked the eighth-safest city in the world as it has one of the world’s lowest crime rates. The center of Dubai is the most desirable location for living as it has various different landmarks. It’s possible to find a furnished studio apartment for $976 a month (3,585AED).
Alajuela, Costa Rica
Alajuela is the second-largest city in Costa Rica and a bustling hub for cattle trading and the sugar industries. Traveling in and out of the area really isn’t a problem as there are plenty of bus routes with easy access. It’s a laidback city with lots of nature and architectural sites to explore. Here, you can find a one-bedroom apartment for $932 a month (545,302CRC). Though flats usually come unfurnished, it’s pretty inexpensive to invest in a few pieces. This particular apartment is located right near a tropical dry forest, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and gardens.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Germany’s capital, happens to be the largest city in the country both by area and population. Berlin is home to some of the world’s most renowned universities. It also happens to be a melting pot of a city that’s known for its culture, politics, media, and science. There’s plenty to do here, especially that the city is so easily walkable. The cost of living in Berlin is rising, though you can snag a furnished, one-bedroom apartment for $875 per month (€795EUR). This particular flat is extremely spacious and is situated in Berlin’s most central borough…
Split, Croatia
Split, known for its breathtaking beaches, is the second-largest city in Croatia. The city is a mix of modern life and ancient history, so there’s plenty to see and explore. Aside from the sight-seeing attractions, Split is known for its fresh and delicious cuisine of seafood and different types of fish. The cost of living here is reasonably inexpensive. In fact, you can find a furnished, two-bedroom apartment with a balcony for about $1,025 a month ( €899). Not only is the view spectacular, but this particular building offers amenities like a hot tub and trampoline.
Geylang, Singapore
Geylang, Singapore, is overflowing with culture and cuisine. The Geylang Serai Market plays a big role in the cultural communities of Singapore including Muslim and Indian-Muslim groups. While exploring the area, you might also fall upon some historical landmarks like the Former Queen’s Theater and pre-war shophouses. Here in Geylang, you can find a cozy, brand new apartment for just $992 per month (1,350SGD). This particular flat comes fully furnished and features one bedroom, a small kitchen, a bathroom, and a balcony.
Abuja, Nigeria
Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, is a planned city that was mainly built in the ’80s. It’s perfect for families and being that the city is situated in Nigeria, there’s plenty to do. After all, Nigeria is known for its natural landmarks and wildlife reserves. Although Abuja is known to be expensive, it’s not unheard of to find a reasonably-priced house. For $921 per month (332,941NGN), you can rent a spacious four-bedroom duplex apartment. Although it will usually come unfurnished, every room in this particular flat has an en-suite bathroom and an extra toilet for guests.
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is not only the capital of Sweden but it’s also the most populous urban area in the Nordic countries. It sprawls out across fourteen islands so it’s no surprise that Stockholm is one of the most photogenic cities imaginable. It’s a great place to explore, with ferries and sightseeing boats shuttling passengers from island to island. It’s unfortunate that the cost of living in Sweden, and especially in Stockholm, is quite high but it’s fairly easy to find an inexpensive apartment. For $876 a month (8,525SEK), you can rent out a furnished one-bedroom apartment.
São Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo is not only the vibrant hub of culture and architectural tradition, but it’s also Brazil’s financial center. It’s a melting pot of different ethnic groups and diverse backgrounds, so it’s a given that the city has a bunch to offer when it comes to different cultural events and entertainment opportunities. The cost of living has declined over the last few years so it’s pretty easy to find a spacious place for under $1000 a month. In fact, this particular villa is fully furnished with three rooms and two bathrooms. It only costs $992 a month (4,149BRL).
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has a population of over eight million people so it’s no surprise that it’s the most populous city in the country. It’s the perfect combination of modern and traditional — urban city life mixed with rituals that go many years back. Consumption of Western goods is part of the daily routine, as it has become a way to display economic and social status. It’s not uncommon to find a furnished apartment in this area for a reasonable price. This particular flat has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, for just $827 per month (25,000THB).
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo — the bustling capital of Japan. Despite what people may think, Tokyo isn’t so outrageously expensive. Take this apartment for instance: a spacious two-bedroom apartment that costs $940 (112,000 yen) a month. While it may not be in the center of Tokyo itself, it lies right outside the Yamanote line within the Takasago neighborhood in the Katsushika ward of northern Tokyo. This means that it’s just a quick direct ride to Uneo, a well-known sightseeing area with museums and parks. Basically, you’re getting more bang for your buck here as apartments within the Yamanote line are significantly pricier.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, often nicknamed ‘the City of a Hundred Spires,’ is the capital of the Czech Republic. It’s a European center of politics, culture, and economics. Prague is jam-packed with things to do, from museums to historical exhibits to theaters and galleries. It’s also the perfect city for foodies because as of 2018, there are two Michelin-star restaurants in Prague. As far as living expenses are concerned, you can find a partially furnished studio apartment for $990 a month (23,000CZK). This particular flat features a kitchen that includes a microwave, a hot plate, and a dishwasher.
Greater Toronto Area, Canada
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) happens to be the most populated metropolitan area in Canada. It’s a large urban center full of excitement and diversity, and there are plenty of things to do — break up some of the traffic and ride your bike, participate in cultural and recreational activities, or visit art galleries. For $906 (1200CAD), you can rent out a perfectly spacious two-bedroom apartment in Toronto. While it may not come furnished, it does include other amenities (five energy-efficient appliances), not to mention that the view from the balcony is absolutely stellar.
Florence, Italy
Florence, the capital city of the Tuscan region, is an enchanting place full of Renaissance art and architecture. There are tons of iconic sights and gourmet Tuscan cuisine to fill your tummy with. With that said, it’s no surprise that this is a go-to destination for millions of tourists each year. It’s possible to snag a furnished apartment for around $992 per month (€900). The apartment includes a large bedroom, living room, dining area, kitchenette, bathroom, and a little balcony. It’s also located in one of the most beautiful areas of the historic center.
London, England
London — the capital of England. Like most of the other cities that we mentioned before, London is rich with culture, history, and architecture. Over the years, it has become a buzzing center for tourists and business people. There’s plenty to do in this city, from sight-seeing to restaurant hopping to shopping. With all of this being said, though, you should remember that London is a pretty expensive city to live in. For $946 a month (737GBP), you can rent yourself a tiny studio with limited space. You’d also have a shared bathroom in this specific apartment.
