In 2025, the median rent for a 1-bedroom in Hong Kong is $2,421.
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Finding the right place to rent or buy can feel daunting for first-timers or even repeat real estate investors, considering the impact it can have on your wallet. This is especially true in big metropolitan areas, where property prices tend to be on the higher side.
Besides the popular “30% rule” which suggests that renters should spend no more than 30% of their before-tax income on housing, another common strategy is the “3x annual income” rule — home-buyers should cap their total mortgage at three times their annual household income.
Based on 2025 data from local property portals and government websites in each country, researchers at the Global Property Guide compiled a list of median rental and purchase prices of homes across several major cities in Asia.
The numbers listed below, updated in August, are based on the median monthly asking price to rent and buy a one-bedroom residential dwelling within each respective city in 2025, according to Global Property Guide:
Hanoi, Vietnam
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $275
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $106,000
Mumbai, India
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $387
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $122,000
Jakarta, Indonesia
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $400
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $46,000
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $550
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $100,000
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $562
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $151,000
Tokyo, Japan
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $700
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $279,000
Bangkok, Thailand
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $722
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $120,000
Taipei, Taiwan
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $973
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $641,000
Hong Kong
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $2,421
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $968,200
Singapore
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $2,740
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $900,000
During the apartment hunt, there are a few strategies that prospective renters can use to negotiate the price. One of the best things to do is to arm yourself with research, experts say. For example, you can compare the listing prices of similar units in your neighborhood.
In addition, you can try to negotiate any additional fees or ask for the place to be furnished when you move in. Another strategy that is often forgotten, is that people can still negotiate their monthly rent even if they’ve already been living in the apartment.
In a CNBC Make It video, author and television host Ramit Sethi suggested that renters can approach their landlords and say:
“Based on the data, it appears that apartments in this neighborhood are trending down by X%… I’ve been a good tenant, I’ve been here for X years. I plan to be here for many years more. I never cause unnecessary problems or damage. I’d like to negotiate for a lower rent, here’s what I propose.”
While a landlord may still say “no,” renters can end up saving thousands a year if they are able to successfully negotiate a new deal, added Sethi.
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