Here's how much it costs to rent a 1-bedroom unit across 10 major cities in Asia in 2025
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:
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $275
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $106,000
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $387
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $122,000
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $400
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $46,000
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $550
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $100,000
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $562
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $151,000
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $700
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $279,000
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $722
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $120,000
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $973
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $641,000
Median monthly asking price to rent a 1-bedroom: $2,421
Median asking price to buy a 1-bedroom: $968,200
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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Instead, use automatic payments to guarantee that funds regularly go toward your balances. First, make sure you're automatically paying the minimum on everything to avoid late or missed payments. Next, set up a larger payment each month for your current target debt. Sethi suggested scheduling these payments soon after you get paid so that you don't splurge on something else. Free Up Cash Without Excessive Sacrifice According to Sethi, getting rid of debt fast doesn't have to mean extreme sacrifice, like cutting out everything you love or eating disappointing meals. He recommended focusing on cutting expenses in three specific areas and putting the savings toward debts. These include getting rid of unnecessary subscriptions, finding cheaper insurance and avoiding impulse purchases. He added, 'In my experience talking to tons of people, I found that most people can free up at least $500 a month by methodically going through those steps.' Unlock the Cheat Code to Faster Progress An important cheat code for faster progress is to boost your earnings while you reduce expenses. The extra money you make could help you become debt-free years sooner. Sethi mentioned many options, so consider what might be right for you. An obvious step is getting a raise at your current job, but a second income source is also smart. You might offer freelance services, take on local side gigs or monetize hobbies. Sethi also recommended selling unwanted household items. The income boost will vary, but any amount will help as long as you actually use the money for debts. Gamify Paying Off Debt If you're someone who needs excitement to stay motivated, you'll need to combat the boredom that comes with debt payoff. Reminding yourself to regularly look at your progress is key. 'A weekly check-in, not just monthly, keeps you engaged and helps you catch unnecessary expenses before they drain your spending,' explained Sethi. For example, you might find you're unnecessarily paying for a $60 gym membership and a $15 streaming service. Cutting those costs would save you $75 per month or $450 in six months. Sethi outlined a simple weekly routine that involves using an app or spreadsheet where you track your debt payoff progress, looking for any hidden expenses in your statements to eliminate and then celebrating your progress. Watch Out for Debt Traps While handling your debt, watch for traps that can keep you stuck or even leave you in a worse place. Sethi warned about moving debt using balance transfers, which often lure you with attractive promotional rates that eventually go up. Other traps include not changing your spending habits and making minimum payments, which leaves you in debt longer with more interest charged. Plus, watch out for debt consolidation scams, which Sethi said can leave you with a longer repayment timeline and large fees. According to the Federal Trade Commission, debt relief scams often involve questionable promises and little actual help. Avoid Going Back After your debt is gone, plan to never get back in the situation. Sethi gave three tips that can help. First, consider forgetting credit cards and trying cash envelopes, which will each have a label for your expense and the budgeted cash amount inside. Once you spend the allocated money, you can't spend any more. If you feel disciplined enough to keep using cards, avoid carrying a balance from month to month. This will require carefully monitoring your spending, including not buying things just to maximize rewards. Finally, Sethi encouraged having an emergency fund of three to six months of your fixed expenses. Since many people go into debt for emergencies, this cash will help protect you. More From GOBankingRates 5 Ways Trump Signing the GENIUS Act Could Impact RetireesHow Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Your State? This article originally appeared on Ramit Sethi: 8 Steps To Pay Off Debt in 6 Months
