Osaka vs Tokyo

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Osaka is roughly 59% more affordable than Tokyo (index 26 vs 63, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Osaka
More affordable overall
59% cheaper than Tokyo · Cost index: 26 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

26✓Cost Index63
2,760Median Income /mo2,800✓
86Safety Index88✓
20✓Income Tax %23
200✓Internet (Mbps)90
170✓Coworking /mo180

Price Breakdown

OsakaCategoryTokyo
$533/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
57% cheaper →
$1,247/month
$0.8/liter
Meal for One
64% cheaper →
$2.2/liter
$10/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
17% cheaper →
$12/meal
$47/month
Monthly Transit Pass
33% cheaper →
$70/month
$100/month
Utilities (Monthly)
32% cheaper →
$147/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
29% cheaper →
$70/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Osaka

Internet200 Mbps
Coworking$170/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Tokyo

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Osaka cheaper than Tokyo?

Osaka is cheaper than Tokyo. Osaka has a cost of living index of 26/100 compared to 63/100 for Tokyo (New York = 100), making it roughly 59% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Osaka than Tokyo?

Osaka is approximately 59% cheaper than Tokyo based on cost index scores (26 vs 63, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Tokyo could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,232/month in Osaka.

What is the rent comparison between Osaka and Tokyo?

In Osaka, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $533/month. In Tokyo, the equivalent is around $1,247/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Osaka offers 200 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$170/month. Tokyo offers 90 Mbps and coworking at ~$180/month. Osaka has a cost advantage of 59%.

What is the average income in Osaka vs Tokyo?

The median net monthly salary in Osaka is approximately $2,760 USD, compared to $2,800 USD in Tokyo.

Compare Osaka with…

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