In these Mediterranean countries, you can purchase mansions for the cost of a New York studio.

In these Mediterranean countries, you can purchase mansions for the cost of a New York studio.
In these Mediterranean countries, you can purchase mansions for the cost of a New York studio.

Manhattan, New York is notorious for being expensive. The city frequently tops the list of the world's most expensive cities to reside in.

According to My Dolce Casa, a research blog, the median price per square foot in New York City is $1,500, which means purchasing a 500-square-foot condo in the city can cost approximately $750,000.

In Sicily, Italy, you can trade your small city studio apartment for a 7,000 square feet mansion or opt for other Mediterranean properties that are about 10 times the size of your studio.

An August report by My Dolce Casa reveals that you can get across 10 popular Mediterranean destinations for the price of a 500-square-foot apartment in New York City.

Sicily, Italy

Size of property: 7,212 sq. ft

According to a July report by Worldmetrics.org, Sicily, Italy, with its rich history, beautiful beaches, and charming hilltop towns, attracts over 6 million visitors annually, making it a popular tourist destination.

Buying real estate in Sambuca di Sicilia, a popular Italian island, can provide a significant return on investment, as homes were recently sold at starting bids of just one euro in an auction.

Loire Valley, France

Size of property: 4,013 sq. ft

The Loire Valley, renowned for its stunning scenery, charming towns, and exceptional wines, offers a home eight times larger than your NYC studio apartment at an average price of $187 per square foot, according to My Dolce Casa.

Norte (Porto), Portugal

Size of property: 3,289 sq. ft

Porto, the second largest city in the country, is renowned for its rich history, architecture, and fortified wine. In this city, you can purchase a property that is over six times the size of a 500-square-foot NYC apartment. Portugal has emerged as a popular destination for retirees due to its safety, sunny weather, and affordability.

Tuscany, Italy

Size of property: 3,165 sq. ft

In 2022, Statista reported that Tuscany, Italy was a highly sought-after tourist destination, with over 44 million overnight stays in tourist accommodation establishments.

Here, you can purchase a property six times the size of an NYC apartment, near the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Michelangelo's "David" statue.

Crete Island, Greece

Size of property: 3,488 sq. ft

On Crete Island, the largest Greek island, real estate costs an average of $215 per square foot, according to My Dolce Casa. You can trade your NYC condo for a spacious island home of over 3,400 sq. ft.

Catalonia (Barcelona), Spain

Size of property: 3,061 sq. ft

In 2023, more than 18 million international tourists visited Catalonia, which spans hundreds of miles on the Mediterranean coast and is home to Barcelona, according to Statista. The report also states that you can expect to get a house as large as 3,000 square feet in this region.

Canary Islands, Spain

Size of property: 2,830

The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago situated off the coast of Morocco, is a popular tourist destination. In 2023, it welcomed approximately 14 million international visitors, as per Statista. Here, you can swap your NYC studio for a 2,800 square foot home overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, providing you with good weather all year round.

Liguria (Italian Riviera), Italy

Size of property: 2,930 sq. ft

The Italian Riviera, also known as Liguria, is renowned for its stunning destinations such as Cinque Terre and Portofino. This region is famous for its delectable cuisine and breathtaking vistas. Here, you can purchase a property that is approximately six times the size of a typical NYC condo.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Size of property: 2,100 sq. ft

The Provence region, located on the Mediterranean coast in southeastern France, is known for its popular port-city of Marsille, which welcomed over 16 million tourist overnight stays in 2023. Additionally, the world-renowned French Rivera, featuring the cities of Cannes and St. Tropez, is also located within the Provence region.

In Provence, you can purchase a four-times larger property for the same price as a condo in New York City.

Madrid, Spain

Size of property: 2,131 sq. ft

In 2023, Madrid, the capital of Spain, attracted 10.6 million visitors, as stated by the Madrid Convention Bureau. The city is renowned for being Spain's financial hub, boasting stunning parks and a vibrant art scene.

Here, you can trade your NYC apartment for a spacious property of over 2,000 square feet.

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by Ernestine Siu

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