Colombo vs Tokyo

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Colombo is roughly 82% more affordable than Tokyo (index 11 vs 63, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Colombo
More affordable overall
82% cheaper than Tokyo · Cost index: 11 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

11✓Cost Index63
227Median Income /mo2,800✓
58Safety Index88✓
18✓Income Tax %23
23Internet (Mbps)90✓
70✓Coworking /mo180

Price Breakdown

ColomboCategoryTokyo
$392/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
69% cheaper →
$1,247/month
$1.2/liter
Meal for One
45% cheaper →
$2.2/liter
$3.2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
73% cheaper →
$12/meal
$6/month
Monthly Transit Pass
91% cheaper →
$70/month
$50/month
Utilities (Monthly)
66% cheaper →
$147/month
$15/visit
Doctor Visit
79% cheaper →
$70/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Colombo

Internet23 Mbps
Coworking$70/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability62/100

Tokyo

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Colombo cheaper than Tokyo?

Colombo is cheaper than Tokyo. Colombo has a cost of living index of 11/100 compared to 63/100 for Tokyo (New York = 100), making it roughly 82% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Colombo than Tokyo?

Colombo is approximately 82% cheaper than Tokyo based on cost index scores (11 vs 63, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Tokyo could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $536/month in Colombo.

What is the rent comparison between Colombo and Tokyo?

In Colombo, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $392/month. In Tokyo, the equivalent is around $1,247/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Colombo offers 23 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$70/month. Tokyo offers 90 Mbps and coworking at ~$180/month. Colombo has a cost advantage of 82%.

What is the average income in Colombo vs Tokyo?

The median net monthly salary in Colombo is approximately $227 USD, compared to $2,800 USD in Tokyo.

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