Global Relocation Explorer: Housing Affordability Map

The Global Relocation Explorer is an interactive housing affordability map that shows you where you could realistically afford to buy a home. Instead of scrolling through endless property listings, you enter what you have saved and how much you set aside each month, and the map scores cities around the world by how within-reach a 20% down payment actually is for you.

It is built for anyone weighing a move: remote workers deciding where to base themselves, expats comparing markets before relocating, and first-time buyers who want to see how far their savings stretch across borders. The tool turns the vague sense that “housing is expensive everywhere” into a concrete, city-by-city picture you can act on.

Every city is plotted on the map and ranked with an affordability score from 0 to 100, alongside an estimate of how many years it would take you to save the down payment at your current rate. Switch between one, two, and three-bedroom purchase prices, view the data as markers or as a heatmap, and click any location to see the numbers behind it.

How to use it

1. Enter your current savings. Type the lump sum you have available today in the “Savings” field.
2. Add your monthly savings. Enter how much you can put aside each month. The scores and timelines update instantly.
3. Pick a property size. Choose a 1, 2, or 3-bedroom purchase price as the metric the map visualizes.
4. Choose your view. Toggle between Markers for individual cities and Heatmap to see broad regional patterns.
5. Explore the map. Click any city marker, or pick from the “Most Affordable” shortlist in the sidebar.
6. Read the breakdown. Each city shows its purchase price, an affordability score, and how many years it would take you to save a 20% down payment.

Frequently asked questions

How is the affordability score calculated?

The score is based on a 20% down payment for the selected property type. The tool compares that target against your current savings and how quickly you are adding to them. If you already have the down payment, the city scores 100. The longer it would take you to save the shortfall, the lower the score.

What does “years to save” mean?

It is an estimate of how long it would take to cover the gap between your current savings and a 20% down payment, based purely on the monthly amount you said you can save. It assumes your savings rate stays constant and does not add investment growth or inflation.

Are these rent or purchase prices?

Purchase prices. The explorer focuses on buying a home, which is why everything is framed around a 20% down payment rather than monthly rent.

Where does the data come from?

City price data is drawn from TrendingCities.com, an open data source. Because it is open, the underlying figures can be reviewed and improved over time by the community.

Does it account for mortgage interest, taxes, or local salaries?

No. The model deliberately keeps things simple: it looks at the down payment relative to your savings, not at mortgage rates, closing costs, property taxes, or how local incomes differ. Treat the results as a fast first filter for comparing markets, not as financial advice.

Can I compare specific cities?

Yes. Click any marker on the map to open its detail panel, and use the “Most Affordable” list in the sidebar to see the top cities for your inputs at a glance. Changing your savings or chosen property size re-ranks everything immediately.

Is the Global Relocation Explorer free to use?

Yes, it is completely free. There is no sign-up, and the tool runs entirely in your browser — your savings figures are never sent anywhere or stored.