Beijing vs Tokyo

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Beijing is roughly 60% more affordable than Tokyo (index 25 vs 63, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Beijing
More affordable overall
60% cheaper than Tokyo · Cost index: 25 vs 63

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

25✓Cost Index63
2,200Median Income /mo2,800✓
66Safety Index88✓
30Income Tax %23✓
87Internet (Mbps)90✓
300Coworking /mo180✓

Price Breakdown

BeijingCategoryTokyo
$1,055/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
15% cheaper →
$1,247/month
$0.85/liter
Meal for One
61% cheaper →
$2.2/liter
$5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
58% cheaper →
$12/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
64% cheaper →
$70/month
$53/month
Utilities (Monthly)
64% cheaper →
$147/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
14% cheaper →
$70/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Beijing

Internet87 Mbps
Coworking$300/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability70/100

Tokyo

Internet90 Mbps
Coworking$180/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beijing cheaper than Tokyo?

Beijing is cheaper than Tokyo. Beijing has a cost of living index of 25/100 compared to 63/100 for Tokyo (New York = 100), making it roughly 60% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Beijing than Tokyo?

Beijing is approximately 60% cheaper than Tokyo based on cost index scores (25 vs 63, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Tokyo could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,205/month in Beijing.

What is the rent comparison between Beijing and Tokyo?

In Beijing, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,055/month. In Tokyo, the equivalent is around $1,247/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Beijing or Tokyo?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Beijing offers 87 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$300/month. Tokyo offers 90 Mbps and coworking at ~$180/month. Beijing has a cost advantage of 60%.

What is the average income in Beijing vs Tokyo?

The median net monthly salary in Beijing is approximately $2,200 USD, compared to $2,800 USD in Tokyo.

Compare Beijing with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Beijing wins or loses.

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