Los Angeles vs Tokyo

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Tokyo is roughly 61% more affordable than Los Angeles (index 36 vs 93, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Tokyo
More affordable overall
61% cheaper than Los Angeles · Cost index: 36 vs 93

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

93Cost Index36
3,834Median Income /mo2,676
40Safety Index92
25Income Tax %20
242Internet (Mbps)85
300Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

Los AngelesCategoryTokyo
$2,839/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
69% ← cheaper
$870/month
$1.6/liter
Meal for One
6% cheaper →
$1.7/liter
$16/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
38% ← cheaper
$10/meal
$122/month
Monthly Transit Pass
34% ← cheaper
$80/month
$245/month
Utilities (Monthly)
45% ← cheaper
$135/month
$164/visit
Doctor Visit
70% ← cheaper
$50/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Los Angeles

Internet242 Mbps
Coworking$300/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability69/100

Tokyo

Internet85 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability80/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles cheaper than Tokyo?

Tokyo is cheaper than Los Angeles. Tokyo has a cost of living index of 36/100 compared to 93/100 for Los Angeles (New York = 100), making it roughly 61% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Tokyo than Los Angeles?

Tokyo is approximately 61% cheaper than Los Angeles based on cost index scores (36 vs 93, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Los Angeles could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,175/month in Tokyo.

What is the rent comparison between Los Angeles and Tokyo?

In Los Angeles, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,839/month. In Tokyo, the equivalent is around $870/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Los Angeles or Tokyo?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Los Angeles offers 242 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$300/month. Tokyo offers 85 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Tokyo has a cost advantage of 61%.

What is the average income in Los Angeles vs Tokyo?

The median net monthly salary in Los Angeles is approximately $3,834 USD, compared to $2,676 USD in Tokyo.

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Or explore:New York

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