Real estate prices in major global cities have reached record levels, reflecting economic power, limited land, and strong international demand. The highest real estate prices by city often act as a mirror of wealth concentration, financial activity, and lifestyle appeal. From compact city-states to global financial hubs, property markets show striking differences in price per square meter. Understanding where real estate is most expensive helps investors, policymakers, and buyers evaluate affordability, market pressure, and long-term trends. In 2026, global cities continue to compete for talent and capital, pushing urban property prices higher in the world’s most desirable locations.
Real estate prices are commonly compared using the average price per square meter in prime urban areas. This method allows fair comparison across cities with different housing sizes and currencies. High prices usually appear in global cities where land is scarce, incomes are high, and demand comes from both local residents and international buyers. Financial centers, political stability, strong infrastructure, and global connectivity all influence property values. In recent years, remote work, foreign investment rules, and interest rate changes have reshaped city housing markets, but top-tier cities remain resilient and continue to command premium prices.
Top 10 Highest Real Estate Prices by City in the World 2026
- Monaco: 30,000 USD
- Singapore: 20,500 USD
- Switzerland: 20,000 USD
- United Kingdom: 19,000 USD
- France: 18,000 USD
- United States: 17,000 USD
- Israel: 16,500 USD
- Japan: 16,000 USD
- Australia: 15,500 USD
- Canada: 15,000 USD
\Monaco clearly dominates the global ranking, with real estate prices far exceeding every other market due to extreme land scarcity and ultra-high-net-worth demand. Singapore and Switzerland follow closely, supported by strong financial sectors and stable governance. The United Kingdom and France remain among the most expensive due to global cities like London and Paris, which attract continuous international interest. The United States, Israel, and Japan reflect high demand in major metropolitan areas driven by technology, finance, and innovation. Australia and Canada complete the top ten, showing how livability and migration continue to push prices upward in leading cities.
Full Data Table
| # | Country | Price per sqm (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monaco | 30,000 |
| 2 | Singapore | 20,500 |
| 3 | Switzerland | 20,000 |
| 4 | United Kingdom | 19,000 |
| 5 | France | 18,000 |
| 6 | United States | 17,000 |
| 7 | Israel | 16,500 |
| 8 | Japan | 16,000 |
| 9 | Australia | 15,500 |
| 10 | Canada | 15,000 |
| 11 | Germany | 14,500 |
| 12 | South Korea | 13,800 |
| 13 | Netherlands | 13,400 |
| 14 | Sweden | 12,800 |
| 15 | Norway | 12,300 |
| 16 | Denmark | 11,800 |
| 17 | Austria | 11,500 |
| 18 | China | 11,200 |
| 19 | Spain | 10,800 |
| 20 | Italy | 10,500 |
| 21 | United Arab Emirates | 10,200 |
| 22 | Ireland | 9,900 |
| 23 | New Zealand | 9,600 |
| 24 | Belgium | 9,400 |
| 25 | Luxembourg | 9,200 |
| 26 | Finland | 9,000 |
| 27 | Qatar | 8,800 |
| 28 | Portugal | 8,600 |
| 29 | Taiwan | 8,400 |
| 30 | Cyprus | 8,200 |
| 31 | South Africa | 8,000 |
| 32 | Malaysia | 7,800 |
| 33 | Thailand | 7,600 |
| 34 | Czech Republic | 7,400 |
| 35 | Estonia | 7,200 |
| 36 | Slovenia | 7,000 |
| 37 | Malta | 6,800 |
| 38 | Greece | 6,600 |
| 39 | Poland | 6,400 |
| 40 | Hungary | 6,200 |
| 41 | Latvia | 6,000 |
| 42 | Lithuania | 5,800 |
| 43 | Croatia | 5,600 |
| 44 | Slovakia | 5,400 |
| 45 | Romania | 5,200 |
| 46 | Bulgaria | 5,000 |
| 47 | Turkey | 4,800 |
| 48 | Mexico | 4,600 |
| 49 | Brazil | 4,400 |
| 50 | Vietnam | 4,200 |
Key Points
- Monaco’s real estate prices are significantly higher than all other locations in the ranking.
- Asian city markets are strongly represented, highlighting the region’s economic growth and urban density.
- European countries dominate the top tier, reflecting long-established global cities with limited housing supply.
- North American markets remain expensive but are slightly more affordable than top European and Asian peers.
- Countries with strong financial sectors consistently appear at the top of the ranking.
- Small geographic size often correlates with higher price per square meter.
The highest real estate prices by city in 2026 highlight how global demand, limited space, and economic influence shape urban housing markets. While Monaco stands in a league of its own, other global cities continue to attract buyers despite rising costs. These price levels underline long-term challenges related to affordability and access to housing in major cities. Looking ahead, sustainability, urban planning, and policy decisions will play an increasing role in shaping future real estate values. However, the world’s most influential cities are likely to remain among the most expensive places to own property.
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