Hong Kong
You can find the most expensive apartments in the world in Hong Kong, located in the south of China, situated south of the province of Guangdong (Canton). In 2021, an apartment at Mount Nicholson on Hong Kong’s Peak sold for $82.2 million, recorded as one of the most luxurious apartments in the world. Purchasing an apartment in Hong Kong is quite expensive, and the cost highly depends on the property’s location. The price per square meter is approximately $26,365 in the city center and $16,150 outside. Additionally, Hong Kong is regarded as the most expensive rent in the world, with an average rent of around $2,089 for a one-bedroom apartment and $4,518 for a three-bedroom apartment within the city center.
Singapore
Singapore is famous for its diverse cuisine, cleanliness, and lively shopping areas. The skyline is filled with impressive skyscrapers, and despite its small size, Singapore offers a wide range of attractions that are easily accessible via its efficient, world-class public transportation system. Many foreigners are purchasing properties in Singapore because of its high living standards. Additionally, Singapore is known for having some of the most expensive apartments in the world. An apartment inside Singapore’s city center can cost $22,081 per square meter and $14,342 per square meter outside. Moreover, rent in Singapore is averagely priced at $2,921 for a one-bedroom and $5,846 for a three-bedroom apartment.
Switzerland
Switzerland also offers the most expensive apartments in the world, specifically those found in Geneva, Zurich, and the Swiss Alps. In the first quarter of 2024, Geneva had the highest apartment prices in Switzerland, averaging around $16,419 per square meter. In contrast, Bern’s apartment prices were significantly lower, at approximately $10,910 per square meter. The average apartment price in the country is $16,113 inside the city center and $12,652 outside the city center. Moreover, monthly rent costs an average of $1,851 for a one-bedroom and $3,308 for a three-bedroom apartment.
South Korea
South Korea ranks top for having one of the most expensive apartments in the world. The Penthouse Cheongdam in southern Seoul has been ranked South Korea’s most expensive apartment complex for the fourth consecutive year since its launch in 2020, with a publicly disclosed price of 16.4 billion won ($12.2 million) and a floor area of 407.71 square meters. In South Korea, the cost of purchasing an apartment in the city center averages $12,687 per square meter, while flats outside the city center are priced at approximately $8,587 per square meter.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg is the wealthiest country per capita in the European Union, offering its citizens a high quality of life. It serves as a key hub for private banking, with its finance sector being the most significant driver of the economy. There is no denying that Luxembourg also has the most luxurious apartments in the world, such as the La Cloche d’Or Residences in Gasperich and the Royal-Hamilius Apartments located in the city center. In Luxembourg, the cost of purchasing an apartment averages $10,980 per square meter in the city center, while properties outside the city center are priced at approximately $7,805 per square meter. This high cost makes Luxembourg one of the countries with the most expensive apartments in the world.
China
China is globally known as “the world’s factory” due to its low labor costs, well-developed business ecosystem, flexible commercial regulations, low taxes and tariffs, and strategic currency policies, which make it highly competitive in global manufacturing. Nonetheless, China is also home to some of the most expensive apartments in the world. The average price to purchase an apartment in China’s city centers is $6,753 per square meter. Meanwhile, apartments outside the city center cost approximately $3,348 per square meter.
Taiwan
Taiwan is an island located in the western Pacific Ocean, approximately 100 miles (160 kilometer) off the southeastern coast of China. It has a population of 23,112,793 people and experiences a high cost of living, which reached a recorded high of about 45.2 as of January 2025. Moreover, Taiwan has one of the most expensive apartments in the world, costing an average of $8,877 per square meter inside the city center and $5,560 outside the city center. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $467 in the city center and $333 outside the city center. Meanwhile, a three-bedroom apartment costs around $1,130 in the city center and $806 in areas outside the city center.
Israel
The most expensive apartments in the world can also be found in Israel, a country in the Middle East located at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. Generally, the cost of living in Israel is 2.9% higher than in the United States (without rent). This influences the high cost of apartments, with the cost per square meter to purchase an apartment in the city center being approximately $8,726, while outside the city center, the price averages $7,444 per square meter. Additionally, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,198 in the city center and $984 in areas outside the city center.
Australia
In Australia, the estimated monthly costs for a single person, excluding rent, are $1,016, while for a family of four, they are $3,615. Additionally, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,354 per month, while the same type of apartment outside the city center costs around $1,068 monthly. Australia offers the most expensive apartments in the world, costing per square meter for about $6,493 in the city center, whereas, outside the city center, it costs around $4,822.
Germany
The last on our list of the countries with the most expensive apartments in the world is Germany. It is known for its long and rich history, putting it at the forefront of European thought and politics. Cities across Germany, including Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, offer the most luxurious apartments in the world that can cost anywhere from $950,000 to $4,760,000. The cost of an apartment varies by location in Germany, with prices averaging $5,855 per square meter in the city center and $4,640 per square meter outside the city center. Additionally, rental prices average $930 monthly for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center and $705 outside, making it a great location to start Airbnb rentals. A three-bedroom unit costs around $1,747 in the city center and $1,330 outside.
Valuable insights and practical advice, distilled from years of expertise and real-world experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most expensive apartment in the world?
The most expensive apartment in the world is the “Penthouse at Central Park Tower” in New York City, priced at over $250 million.
What are the most expensive countries in which to live in the world?
Some of the world’s most expensive countries to live in include Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Singapore, and Luxembourg due to the high costs of housing, goods, and services.
Which countries have the highest cost of living?
Countries with the highest cost of living typically include Switzerland, Singapore, Iceland, Norway, and the United States, particularly cities like New York and San Francisco.
How much is the most expensive house in the world?
The most expensive house in the world for sale is the “Villa Les Cèdres” in France, listed at approximately $450 million.
Which countries have the most expensive housing markets in the world?
The countries with the most expensive housing markets in the world include Hong Kong, which offers 22 square meters for the same amount, and Singapore, which offers 32 square meters per $1 million.
