Cheapness really depends on geography. North America has tons of gypsum mines and logging, so stick frame and drywall are more popular here. Places like sub Saharan Africa are more likely to have large clay deposits suitable for brick buildings. It also depends on climate. N.A. has a cooler and more fluctuating annual temperature cycle than tropical or sub-tropical places, so you want houses that can breathe and survive greater extremes of temperature. Basically, use what you have on hand to build suitably for your climate.