5 Affordable Housing Countries Across the Globe in 2026
Housing affordability remains a critical concern for families worldwide, with significant variations across different nations. One of the most reliable metrics for evaluating this is the Price-to-Income Ratio, which compares median home prices to median household incomes. Countries with lower ratios generally offer more accessible homeownership opportunities, as housing costs represent a smaller proportion of earnings.
According to the latest World Population Review rankings for 2026, several nations stand out for their relatively affordable housing markets. These countries span multiple continents and economic profiles, demonstrating that affordability can be achieved even in high-income economies through balanced policies and market conditions.
Oman: The Gulf's Accessible Housing Market
Oman emerges as one of the most accessible housing markets in the Gulf region, despite not being the absolute cheapest country globally. What makes Oman particularly noteworthy is how housing prices relate to local incomes, remaining lower than many neighboring states. Cities like Muscat offer significantly more manageable living costs, including reasonable rental rates.
The country's commitment to balanced development, effective rental controls, and overall economic stability creates a supportive environment for long-term residential affordability. These factors combine to make Oman an attractive option for those seeking homeownership in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia: Affordable Homeownership in a High-Income Economy
Saudi Arabia consistently ranks among the more affordable nations for homebuyers when comparing housing prices to average household income. As a high-income economy, the Kingdom demonstrates that prosperity doesn't necessarily translate to unaffordable housing.
Property prices, particularly outside major urban centers, scale appropriately with local incomes, maintaining a relatively low price-to-income ratio. This careful balance enables greater accessibility for families pursuing homeownership dreams within the Saudi market.
South Africa: Africa's Most Balanced Housing Market
South Africa represents one of Africa's most affordable countries in terms of housing relative to income. Analysis of the price-to-income ratio reveals that home prices require only a moderate multiple of annual earnings to afford.
This creates more realistic homeownership opportunities compared to many European or Asian markets where housing costs have significantly outpaced wage growth. The favorable balance between wages and property prices positions South Africa prominently on global affordability rankings.
Qatar: High Standards with Attainable Housing
While Qatar is renowned for its high living standards and strong incomes, the nation maintains comparatively affordable housing when measured against average earnings. The country's robust economic foundation and substantial wages help offset relatively higher property values.
This combination produces a modest price-to-income ratio that makes homeownership attainable for many residents, placing Qatar among nations with better housing affordability outcomes despite its wealth.
United States: Affordable Housing in a Major Economy
The United States features prominently on the World Population Review's Affordable Housing by Country list, boasting a lower price-to-income ratio than many other high-income economies. This means homes cost relatively less compared to local incomes across the nation as a whole.
While certain regions like coastal cities remain expensive, the country overall demonstrates that large, developed economies can maintain reasonable housing affordability through market mechanisms and policy interventions.
Housing affordability represents a complex issue influenced by multiple factors including income levels, market dynamics, and government policies. These five countries, spread across different global regions, illustrate diverse approaches to maintaining accessible homeownership relative to local economic conditions.
The World Population Review data for 2026 highlights how nations with varying economic profiles can achieve favorable housing affordability outcomes through different combinations of market conditions, wage structures, and policy frameworks.
