A national average hides the decision
Rent varies sharply by neighbourhood, distance from mass transit or a beach, building age, unit size, view, facilities and lease length. Define a small target area and minimum standard before collecting comparable listings. Do not compare a serviced monthly room with a bare annual-lease apartment as if they are the same product.
Calculate total occupancy cost
Add rent, common or service fees, internet, parking, electricity and water at the contractual tariff. Include deposits, advance rent, agent terms and move-in charges. Air-conditioning efficiency and commute cost can outweigh a modest difference in headline rent.
Check evidence, not scarcity pressure
Visit or commission a trusted live inspection, verify the unit and authorised lessor, and compare recent alternatives in the same building or street. Treat demands for an immediate overseas transfer, refusal to video the exact unit or inconsistent ownership details as warning signs.
Negotiate clauses, not just price
Clarify notice, renewal, repairs, inventory, subletting, pets, deposit deductions and early termination. Record condition and meters at handover. A slightly higher rent with transparent utilities and responsive maintenance may be better value than a lower figure with ambiguous charges.
Verify before you act
Rules, timetables, prices and local conditions can change. Use the official source links below for the latest position.