These 5 countries have the most affordable housing and the reason is...

Housing affordability varies widely around the globe. One widely used measure is the Price-to-Income Ratio (median home price divided by median household income). Lower ratios suggest that homes cost relatively less compared to what people earn, making homeownership more accessible. The World Population Review rankings show countries currently offering some of the most affordable housing markets worldwide. Here are five of the affordable countries according to World Population Review rankings:

Image Credit: Canva

In global affordability analyses, Oman stands out as one of the Gulf’s most accessible housing markets. While not the cheapest country overall, Oman’s housing prices relative to incomes remain lower than in many neighbouring states, and the cost of living, including rent, is often significantly more manageable across cities like Muscat. The country’s emphasis on balanced development, rental controls and economic stability supports long-term residential affordability.

Image Credit: Canva

Saudi Arabia regularly appears among the more affordable nations for homebuyers when housing price is compared to average household income. Despite being a high-income economy, the Kingdom’s domestic property prices (especially outside major urban nodes) scale with local incomes, helping keep the price-to-income ratio relatively low. This creates greater accessibility for many families seeking homeownership.

Image Credit: Canva

South Africa is among the most affordable countries in Africa in terms of housing relative to income. Analyses of the price-to-income ratio show that home prices require only a moderate multiple of annual earnings to afford, making ownership more realistic than in many European or Asian markets. This relative balance between wages and house prices positions South Africa favourably on global affordability lists.

Image Credit: Canva

Although known for high living standards and strong incomes, Qatar’s housing remains comparatively affordable when measured against average earnings. The nation’s robust economic base and high wages help offset relatively higher property values producing a modest price-to-income ratio that makes homeownership attainable for many residents. This places Qatar among countries with better housing affordability outcomes.

Image Credit: Canva

The United States also features on the World Population Review Affordable Housing by Country list, with a lower price-to-income ratio than many other high-income economies, meaning homes cost relatively less compared to local incomes overall. While some regions remain very expensive for housing, the country overall has a lower price to income ratio.

Affordability of housing is a complex issue that depends on various factors, including incomes and market and government policies. These five countries are spread across various regions of the world where housing is relatively affordable relative to local incomes, according to data from World Population Review.

​

Image Credit: Canva