Split and Lisbon top European cities for housing unaffordability

A Euronews analysis shows that the Croatian city of Split and Portugal’s capital Lisbon top the list of European cities where buying a home is most difficult. Both cities have a price‑to‑income ratio of 18.7, meaning an average household would need almost 19 years of total earnings to purchase an apartment.

The study ranks Prague, Milan and Tirana next with a ratio of 18.1, followed by Vienna, Belgrade, Paris and London. In Split, the average price of a residential flat rose 12 % in May 2026 to €5,660 per square metre, with the southern district reaching €6,276. Rental prices also climbed, with an average of €18.74 per square metre.

The findings highlight a broader trend of housing prices outpacing wages across Europe, especially in coastal and tourist‑driven markets.