Average Apartment Size by City
Updated 26 May 2026 · Numbeo + Knight Frank + city housing authority data
How big is an apartment in your city?
12 major cities, four bedroom sizes, with the legal minimum + the city's own measurement standard called out. Anchored on Numbeo + Knight Frank + city housing-authority data.
Measurement note: Loi Carrez surface area is the legal standard for sales. Excludes ceiling heights under 1.8 m and surfaces under 8 m².
Context: Haussmann apartments (pre-1914) are generous by exception. Most modern Paris flats compressed by intramuros land prices.
Sources ↓
- Apartment-size medians: Numbeo property data (2024-25), Knight Frank Global Cities, Statista urban housing reports.
- Legal minimums: NYC HPD Housing Maintenance Code; Loi Carrez + Décence (France); NSW Apartment Design Guide; London Housing SPG; UK NDSS 2015.
- Rent midpoints: Numbeo cost-of-living + Expatistan Q2 2026.
- Measurement standards: per-city statutes cited in the "Measurement note" field; UK GIA per RICS Code of Measuring Practice 6th ed.
If you are looking at property listings in another country and trying to understand if 65 m² is generous or cramped, the answer depends entirely on where you are. The table below shows average one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment sizes in 12 major cities, in both square metres and square feet. Figures are approximate medians for centrally-located private rental stock.
| City | 1-bed m² | 1-bed ft² | 2-bed m² | 2-bed ft² |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hong Kong China SAR | 23 | 248 | 38 | 409 |
Tokyo Japan | 25 | 269 | 40 | 431 |
Mumbai India | 28 | 301 | 48 | 517 |
Paris France | 32 | 344 | 55 | 592 |
London UK | 46 | 495 | 68 | 732 |
Berlin Germany | 52 | 560 | 72 | 775 |
New York USA | 55 | 592 | 80 | 861 |
Barcelona Spain | 55 | 592 | 80 | 861 |
Dubai UAE | 65 | 700 | 100 | 1,076 |
Sydney Australia | 70 | 753 | 95 | 1,023 |
Toronto Canada | 55 | 592 | 75 | 807 |
US Average USA | 70 | 753 | 93 | 1,001 |
City Notes
Hong Kong
China SAR
23-38 m²
248-409 ft²
Among the smallest in the world. Many units under 20 m2. Space efficiency is extreme in new builds.
Tokyo
Japan
25-40 m²
269-431 ft²
1K and 1DK layouts are common. Tsubo measurement is traditional (1 tsubo = 3.31 m2). New builds often 35-45 m2 for a 1-bedroom.
Mumbai
India
28-48 m²
301-517 ft²
Central Mumbai flats command global-city prices despite compact sizes. Carpet area vs built-up area terminology is important to check.
Paris
France
32-55 m²
344-592 ft²
Loi Carrez area is the legal standard. 55 m2 in Paris 11th is a comfortable couple's flat. Haussmann apartments are generous by exception.
London
UK
46-68 m²
495-732 ft²
New-builds are shrinking. Private rental 1-beds average 46 m2 across Greater London; central London is often 38-42 m2.
Berlin
Germany
52-72 m²
560-775 ft²
Wohnflache is the standard measure. Berlin's rent regulations have moderated size compression. Still generous by big-city standards.
New York
USA
55-80 m²
592-861 ft²
Manhattan 1-beds from 37 m2 in older stock. Brooklyn and Queens offer more space. NYC minimum apartment size is 37 m2.
Barcelona
Spain
55-80 m²
592-861 ft²
Check superficie util vs construida. Eixample apartments often have good room dimensions within 70-90 m2 total.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average apartment size in the world?
Is 50 square meters big enough for one person?
Why are Tokyo apartments so small?
How do apartment sizes differ between the US and Europe?
Convert an Apartment Size
65 m² is approximately a comfortable one-bedroom flat.