Which countries have an affordability crisis?

In 2025, numerous countries found themselves in an affordability crisis, characterized chiefly by increased costs of housing and other living costs that significantly exceeded household income growth. An affordability crisis occurs when a considerable portion of an individual’s or family’s income is used to pay for basic needs such as housing, food, energy and transportation. This can leave little to no disposable income available to individuals and families, which can lead to extreme financial stress, decreased quality of life and in some cases, even civil unrest. Urbanization, policies that restrict the supply of housing (both residential and commercial), inflation and large economic disparities between individuals were among the factors that contributed to these affordability crises globally. Based on available global reports, surveys, and indices, this article will highlight several major countries experiencing this type of crisis as it relates to housing and cost of living. Cost of Living In 2025, the ability to afford a home became worse for many areas of greater size. Most areas reviewed do not have any major communities that are classified as being affordable. According to Demographia’s report on housing, the implementation of urban containment policies (greenbelts & growth boundaries) was a major factor in……