The average for 2021 based on 10 countries was 59.91 index points. The highest value was in Singapore: 118.34 index points and the lowest value was in India: 40.44 index points. The indicator is available from 2017 to 2021. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

South Korea's capital Seoul had the highest cost of living among megacities in the Asia-Pacific region in 2024, with an index score of ****. Japan's capital Tokyo followed with a cost of living index score of ****. AffordabilityIn terms of housing affordability, Chinese megacity Shanghai had the highest rent index score in 2024. Affordability has become an issue in certain megacities across the Asia-Pacific region, with accommodation proving expensive. Next to Shanghai, Japanese capital Tokyo and South Korean capital Seoul boast some of the highest rent indices in the region. Increased opportunities in megacitiesAs the biggest region in the world, it is not surprising that the Asia-Pacific region is home to 28 megacities as of January 2024, with expectations that this number will dramatically increase by 2030. The growing number of megacities in the Asia-Pacific region can be attributed to raised levels of employment and living conditions. Cities such as Tokyo, Shanghai, and Beijing have become economic and industrial hubs. Subsequently, these cities have forged a reputation as being the in-trend places to live among the younger generations. This reputation has also pushed them to become enticing to tourists, with Tokyo displaying increased numbers of tourists throughout recent years, which in turn has created more job opportunities for inhabitants. As well as Tokyo, Shanghai has benefitted from the increased tourism, and has demonstrated an increasing population. A big factor in this population increase could be due to the migration of citizens to the city, seeking better employment possibilities.

In 2024, Singapore's cost of living index was at 81.9, compared to that of New York City as a base of 100. This meant that Singapore was about 20 percent more affordable than New York City. With a local purchasing power index of 103, residents with an average salary in Singapore are able to afford more goods and services compared to the base city of New York City. In that year, Singapore had the highest cost of living index in Asia.

In 2023, Thailand had a cost of living index score of 40.7, indicating a slight decrease compared to the previous year. In the Asia Pacific region, Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, had the highest cost of living index in that year.

In 2023, approximately ** percent of the population in Papua New Guinea were living in rural areas. In comparison, approximately ***** percent of the population in Japan were living in rural areas that year. Urbanization and development Despite the desirable outcomes that urbanization entails, these rapid demographic shifts have also brought about unintended changes. For instance, in countries like India, rapid urbanization has led to unsustainable and crowded cities, with **** of the urban population in India estimated to live in slums. In China, population shifts from rural to urban areas have aggravated regional economic disparities. For example, the migration of workers into coastal cities has made possible the creation of urban clusters of immense economic magnitude, with the Yangtze River Delta city cluster accounting for about a ******of the country’s gross domestic product. Megacities and their future Home to roughly 60 percent of the world’s population, the Asia-Pacific region also shelters most of the globe’s largest urban agglomerations. Megacities, a term used for cities or urban areas with a population of over ten million people, are characterized by high cultural diversity and advanced infrastructure. As a result, they create better economic opportunities, and they are often hubs of innovation. For instance, many megacities in the Asia-Pacific region offer high local purchasing power to their residents. Despite challenges like pollution, income inequality, or the rising cost of living, megacities in the Asia-Pacific region have relatively high population growth rates and are expected to expand.

Mobile Home Rental Market Outlook

The global mobile home rental market size was valued at USD 9.3 billion in 2023, and it is projected to reach USD 17.8 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is driven by the increasing demand for affordable housing solutions and the rising trend of mobile living among different demographics. As urbanization continues to increase and housing prices soar, mobile homes present a viable and cost-effective alternative to traditional housing. The flexibility, affordability, and customization options associated with mobile homes have made them an attractive choice for many, thereby fueling the growth of the rental segment.

One of the primary growth factors for the mobile home rental market is the rising affordability crisis in urban housing. As property prices continue to skyrocket in major cities around the world, more individuals and families are turning to mobile homes as a practical solution. Mobile homes offer a lower cost of living, reduced maintenance expenses, and the ability to relocate easily, making them an appealing option for those who face financial constraints. Additionally, mobile homes are increasingly being designed with modern amenities and high-quality materials, improving their appeal and livability.

Another significant growth driver is the increasing acceptance and popularity of mobile home parks. These parks provide a community-based living environment with amenities such as recreational facilities, security, and maintenance services. This community aspect, combined with the affordability of mobile homes, attracts a diverse range of renters, from young professionals to retirees. Moreover, governments in various regions are also supporting the development of mobile home parks to address the housing shortage, further boosting the market.

The growing trend of minimalistic and sustainable living is also contributing to the market's expansion. Many individuals are prioritizing smaller, eco-friendly living spaces that reduce their carbon footprint. Mobile homes, which often employ sustainable building practices and materials, cater to this demographic. The ability to downsize and live a more sustainable lifestyle without sacrificing comfort is a strong selling point for mobile homes, increasing their popularity among environmentally conscious renters.

Regionally, North America holds the largest share of the mobile home rental market due to the high demand for affordable housing solutions and the presence of well-established mobile home communities. Europe is also witnessing significant growth, driven by similar affordability concerns and an increasing preference for flexible living options. Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period, fueled by rapid urbanization, population growth, and government initiatives supporting affordable housing. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa regions are also showing promising growth potential, albeit at a slower pace.

Type Analysis

The mobile home rental market can be segmented by type into Single-Wide, Double-Wide, and Triple-Wide homes. Single-Wide mobile homes are the most traditional and common type, featuring a narrow and elongated structure that is easy to transport and set up. These homes are highly popular among individual renters and small families due to their affordability and simplicity. Despite their smaller size, many single-wide homes are equipped with modern amenities, making them a comfortable living option. The demand for single-wide homes remains strong, particularly in regions where affordable housing is scarce.

Double-Wide mobile homes consist of two sections that are joined together to create a larger living space. These homes offer more interior space and design flexibility compared to single-wide models, catering to families and individuals who require more room. The growing preference for spacious living environments without the high costs associated with traditional homes is driving the demand for double-wide mobile homes. Additionally, double-wide homes often feature more advanced amenities and higher quality finishes, further enhancing their appeal.

Triple-Wide mobile homes represent the largest and most luxurious segment within the mobile home rental market. These homes consist of three joined sections, providing a spacious and comfortable living environment that can rival traditional houses. Triple-wide homes are designed to offer maximum comfort and luxury, often featuring multiple bedrooms, large kitchens,

At **** U.S. dollars, Switzerland has the most expensive Big Macs in the world, according to the January 2025 Big Mac index. Concurrently, the cost of a Big Mac was **** dollars in the U.S., and **** U.S. dollars in the Euro area. What is the Big Mac index? The Big Mac index, published by The Economist, is a novel way of measuring whether the market exchange rates for different countries’ currencies are overvalued or undervalued. It does this by measuring each currency against a common standard – the Big Mac hamburger sold by McDonald’s restaurants all over the world. Twice a year the Economist converts the average national price of a Big Mac into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at that point in time. As a Big Mac is a completely standardized product across the world, the argument goes that it should have the same relative cost in every country. Differences in the cost of a Big Mac expressed as U.S. dollars therefore reflect differences in the purchasing power of each currency. Is the Big Mac index a good measure of purchasing power parity? Purchasing power parity (PPP) is the idea that items should cost the same in different countries, based on the exchange rate at that time. This relationship does not hold in practice. Factors like tax rates, wage regulations, whether components need to be imported, and the level of market competition all contribute to price variations between countries. The Big Mac index does measure this basic point – that one U.S. dollar can buy more in some countries than others. There are more accurate ways to measure differences in PPP though, which convert a larger range of products into their dollar price. Adjusting for PPP can have a massive effect on how we understand a country’s economy. The country with the largest GDP adjusted for PPP is China, but when looking at the unadjusted GDP of different countries, the U.S. has the largest economy.

The global condominiums and apartments market is experiencing robust growth, driven by factors such as increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing preference for urban lifestyles. The market's Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 3.00% indicates a consistent expansion, projected to continue throughout the forecast period (2025-2033). Key market drivers include government initiatives promoting affordable housing, increasing tourism and associated hospitality needs, and the growing popularity of mixed-use developments integrating residential and commercial spaces. Emerging trends such as smart home technology integration, sustainable building practices, and the rise of co-living spaces are further shaping market dynamics. However, constraints such as rising construction costs, stringent building regulations, and limited land availability in prime urban locations pose challenges to market growth. The market is segmented geographically, with North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific representing significant market shares. Analysis of production, consumption, import/export volumes and values, and price trends provides a comprehensive understanding of the market's dynamics across these regions. Major players like Christie International Real Estate, Lennar Corporation, and Savills PLC are actively shaping the market through their developments and innovations. This competitive landscape necessitates continuous adaptation and innovation to remain successful. The projected market size for 2025 serves as the base for forecasting future growth. Considering the CAGR of >3.00%, a reasonable estimation of the market size can be derived for subsequent years. Regional variations in growth rates will exist depending on factors such as economic conditions, urbanization rates, and governmental policies. While precise figures for each segment and region are not provided, the analysis clearly points to a positive trajectory fueled by ongoing urbanization and evolving consumer preferences, with significant opportunities and challenges within this dynamic market. A deeper regional analysis will reveal nuanced differences in market performance, influencing strategic decisions of players in this competitive landscape. Recent developments include: October 2022: City Developments Ltd. (CDL), controlled by billionaire Kwek Leng Beng, is proceeding with the launch of a suburban residential condominium project in Singapore's western region, indicating its confidence that property demand will be sustained despite the government's new property curbs., June 2022: ALTIDO, a European property management company, has announced two mergers and acquisitions, including Flatty and A&A Apartments & Boats. It comes less than four months after ALTIDO was acquired by Italian living company DoveVivo, ensuring it emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic with a large injection of financing under its belt and the ability to expand its inventory by 51 properties through the combined acquisitions.. Notable trends are: Increasing Demand for Condominiums in Several Regions Driving the Market.