Luxury real estate offers a fascinating glimpse into how property values can differ across the globe. With a $1 million budget, you can secure a variety of homes around the world, ranging from luxurious city condos to sprawling suburban homes.
In comparison, international properties might offer distinct cultural and architectural features. This article explores 25 $1 million homes in the U.S. and their global counterparts, showcasing the diversity in global real estate.
1. New York City, New York (USA) vs. London, United Kingdom
In New York City, a $1 million budget might buy a 1- or 2-bedroom apartment in a desirable Manhattan neighborhood. The space is compact, with luxury finishes and a modern design, but limited square footage.
In London, $1 million could buy a more spacious apartment in a prime location, possibly with a view of the Thames River or near iconic landmarks. The space may be more historic or have a classic British style.
2. Los Angeles, California (USA) vs. Sydney, Australia
In Los Angeles, $1 million could buy a 3-bedroom home in a suburban neighborhood, with a small pool, garage, and outdoor space.
The house may have mid-century modern styling. In Sydney, Australia, the same budget might purchase a 2-bedroom apartment in a city center with views of the harbor. However, it may lack luxury amenities like a pool or advanced technology features.
3. Austin, Texas (USA) vs. Paris, France
In Austin, $1 million can afford a sprawling modern home with open spaces, smart home features, and a large yard. Austin’s real estate often reflects a blend of contemporary and rustic charm.
In Paris, a similar budget might get a smaller, historic apartment, possibly with a Parisian balcony overlooking the Seine River. The charm of Parisian real estate lies in its older, character-filled buildings.
4. Miami, Florida (USA) vs. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
In Miami, $1 million could buy a contemporary 2- or 3-bedroom condominium near the beach with ocean views and high-end finishes. In Dubai, $1 million could buy a spacious apartment in a high-rise with sweeping views of the city skyline or desert.
The Dubai apartment may include lavish luxury features like indoor pools and concierge services.
5. Chicago, Illinois (USA) vs. Tokyo, Japan
In Chicago, $1 million could purchase a beautifully restored Victorian townhome in a prime neighborhood, complete with multiple bedrooms and a small garden.
In Tokyo, a $1 million budget might buy a sleek, modern apartment in a skyscraper with panoramic city views. The Tokyo property often reflects simplicity and functional elegance.
6. San Francisco, California (USA) vs. Hong Kong, China
In San Francisco, $1 million might buy a classic Victorian home with character, located on a steep hill with limited space. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, the same budget typically affords a compact high-rise apartment with exceptional city views.
Despite limited space, Hong Kong apartments often boast modern amenities and proximity to vibrant city life.
7. Seattle, Washington (USA) vs. Amsterdam, Netherlands
In Seattle, $1 million can secure a modern home with views of the Puget Sound, offering contemporary design and eco-friendly features. In Amsterdam, a similar budget might buy a historic canal house with classic Dutch architecture.
These Amsterdam homes often feature charming details and a connection to the city’s rich history and canals.
8. Denver, Colorado (USA) vs. Zurich, Switzerland
In Denver, $1 million buys a spacious home with views of the Rocky Mountains, featuring open layouts and a cozy atmosphere.
In Zurich, Switzerland, the budget might be spent on a sleek, modern apartment near the Alps. Zurich properties are known for their high-quality construction and access to both city amenities and natural beauty.
9. Boston, Massachusetts (USA) vs. Milan, Italy
In Boston, a $1 million purchase could be a historic brownstone filled with period details on a charming street. Milan offers a luxurious, contemporary apartment with stylish Italian design.
Although Milan properties might have less space, they boast high-end finishes and proximity to cultural landmarks, fashion, and dining experiences.
10. Houston, Texas (USA) vs. Buenos Aires, Argentina
In Houston, $1 million can buy a large suburban home with a backyard, perfect for family life and entertaining. In Buenos Aires, you might find a chic apartment with a rooftop terrace offering city views.
Argentine homes often reflect a blend of European elegance and vibrant local culture.
11. San Diego, California (USA) vs. Cape Town, South Africa
In San Diego, $1 million buys a beach house with stunning ocean views, ideal for enjoying the coastal lifestyle. In Cape Town, the same budget offers a property with breathtaking views of Table Mountain and a unique blend of nature and urban life.
Cape Town homes often emphasize outdoor living and connection to the natural landscape.
12. Portland, Oregon (USA) vs. Barcelona, Spain
In Portland, $1 million can get a charming craftsman-style home nestled in a lush, green neighborhood. In contrast, Barcelona offers a modern apartment with striking city views, emphasizing sleek design and efficient use of space.
Residents of Barcelona enjoy a vibrant urban lifestyle, surrounded by cultural sites and Mediterranean charm.
13. Las Vegas, Nevada (USA) vs. Macau, China
In Las Vegas, $1 million might buy a contemporary home complete with a pool and entertainment spaces. In Macau, you could purchase a high-rise apartment offering views of the famous casinos.
Macau properties often provide luxury finishes and access to vibrant nightlife, reflecting the city’s status as a global entertainment hub.
14. Orlando, Florida (USA) vs. Auckland, New Zealand
In Orlando, $1 million buys a family-friendly home with a spacious yard, located near theme parks and attractions. In Auckland, a similar budget might secure a property with stunning coastal views and a connection to the outdoors.
Auckland homes often emphasize modern design and access to both city and nature adventures.
15. Nashville, Tennessee (USA) vs. Dublin, Ireland
In Nashville, $1 million could secure a home complete with a music studio, capturing the city’s vibrant music scene. In Dublin, you might invest in a historic townhouse boasting Georgian architecture.
Dublin properties are rich in history and offer proximity to cultural landmarks and a bustling city life, blending old-world charm with modern amenities.
16. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA) vs. Athens, Greece
In Philadelphia, $1 million might buy a historic townhouse filled with American heritage and charm. Meanwhile, in Athens, the budget could secure an apartment with views of the Acropolis, offering a blend of ancient history and modern convenience.
Athens properties often reflect a balance between cultural richness and contemporary living.
17. Indianapolis, Indiana (USA) vs. Vienna, Austria
In Indianapolis, $1 million buys a traditional home in a quiet neighborhood, perfect for family life. In Vienna, the same budget might purchase an apartment featuring classical architecture and proximity to cultural events.
Vienna properties blend historical elegance with modern comforts, offering a rich cultural experience amidst beautiful surroundings.
18. Phoenix, Arizona (USA) vs. Rome, Italy
In Phoenix, $1 million secures a modern home with desert landscaping and contemporary architecture. In Rome, a similar budget might buy a historic apartment near the Colosseum, rich in cultural heritage.
Roman properties often blend timeless beauty with proximity to world-class history and art, offering a unique living experience.
19. Charlotte, North Carolina (USA) vs. Berlin, Germany
In Charlotte, $1 million might secure a charming home with a Southern-style porch, reflecting the warmth of Southern hospitality.
In Berlin, the budget could buy an apartment with industrial design elements and access to vibrant cultural scenes. Berlin properties often showcase modern, edgy architecture, blending history with contemporary urban living.
20. Columbus, Ohio (USA) vs. Prague, Czech Republic
In Columbus, $1 million can purchase a suburban home with a spacious yard, ideal for family gatherings. In Prague, the budget might secure an apartment overlooking historic streets, where Gothic and Baroque architecture tell centuries-old stories.
Prague homes are steeped in history, offering a fascinating blend of culture and modern living comforts.
21. Salt Lake City, Utah (USA) vs. Reykjavik, Iceland
In Salt Lake City, $1 million buys a home with breathtaking views of the mountains, emphasizing outdoor activities and a serene lifestyle.
In Reykjavik, the budget might secure a property with modern Scandinavian design, focusing on minimalism and comfort. Reykjavik homes offer a connection to nature and Northern European charm.
22. Atlanta, Georgia (USA) vs. Singapore
In Atlanta, $1 million secures an elegant home with colonial design, reflecting classic Southern architecture. In Singapore, the same budget might purchase a sleek, modern apartment featuring cutting-edge technology and urban convenience.
Singapore properties blend luxury with futuristic design, offering a unique juxtaposition of tradition and modernity.
23. Detroit, Michigan (USA) vs. Johannesburg, South Africa
In Detroit, $1 million could buy a renovated loft with industrial design, perfect for an urban lifestyle. In Johannesburg, the budget might secure a home with a garden view, emphasizing outdoor living and space.
Johannesburg properties often offer a blend of contemporary design and natural beauty, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural influences.
24. Kansas City, Missouri (USA) vs. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
In Kansas City, $1 million can buy a home with classic Midwestern design, offering a warm community feel.
In Kuala Lumpur, the budget might purchase a high-rise apartment with city views, featuring modern amenities and access to vibrant urban life. Kuala Lumpur properties often emphasize luxury and convenience in a bustling metropolis.
25. Baltimore, Maryland (USA) vs. Lisbon, Portugal
In Baltimore, $1 million might secure a historic row house filled with charm and character. In Lisbon, the budget could buy an apartment with a stunning view of the Tagus River, offering a blend of traditional Portuguese architecture and modern touches.
Lisbon homes often capture the essence of the city’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant lifestyle.