Renting vs. Buying Abroad
What things actually cost in each country -- and why renting for a year first is usually the smarter move.
Why Rent Before You Buy
Rents reflect Bogota/Medellin averages.
Rents reflect the San Jose metro area.
Rents and buying price reflect Paris. Elsewhere in France, buying averages roughly $2,725/m2.
National blended average. Dublin runs much higher -- often $6,000+/m² to buy.
Rents reflect Rome. Buying price is a national average -- Milan runs much higher, the south much lower.
Rents reflect Tokyo. Buying price is a national average -- Tokyo itself runs closer to $8,000+/m2.
National urban averages.
Rents and buying price reflect Panama City. Nationwide buying averages closer to $1,250/m2.
As of 2026, foreign non-residents pay a flat 7.5% property transfer tax (IMT) in most cases.
Rents reflect Madrid. Buying price is a national median -- Madrid and Barcelona run notably higher.
Rents and buying price reflect Bangkok condos. Foreigners may own up to 49 percent of a condo buildings total area.
Rents reflect Ho Chi Minh City. Buying price is a national average -- Hanoi and Da Nang tourist areas run higher.
What Could You Afford?
Pick a country and a budget, and we will show you which rental sizes fit -- plus what buying looks like there.
Where to Search Listings
Direct links to the major rental and property sites for each country -- a starting point for your own search.