Sydney vs Tokyo

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Tokyo is roughly 28% more affordable than Sydney (index 36 vs 50, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Tokyo
More affordable overall
28% cheaper than Sydney · Cost index: 36 vs 50

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

50Cost Index36
5,100Median Income /mo2,676
79Safety Index92
32.5Income Tax %20
84Internet (Mbps)85
600Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

SydneyCategoryTokyo
$2,143/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
59% ← cheaper
$870/month
$1.8/liter
Meal for One
6% ← cheaper
$1.7/liter
$22/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
55% ← cheaper
$10/meal
$140/month
Monthly Transit Pass
43% ← cheaper
$80/month
$222/month
Utilities (Monthly)
39% ← cheaper
$135/month
$100/visit
Doctor Visit
50% ← cheaper
$50/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Sydney

Internet84 Mbps
Coworking$600/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability70/100

Tokyo

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sydney cheaper than Tokyo?

Tokyo is cheaper than Sydney. Tokyo has a cost of living index of 36/100 compared to 50/100 for Sydney (New York = 100), making it roughly 28% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Tokyo than Sydney?

Tokyo is approximately 28% cheaper than Sydney based on cost index scores (36 vs 50, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Sydney could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,167/month in Tokyo.

What is the rent comparison between Sydney and Tokyo?

In Sydney, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,143/month. In Tokyo, the equivalent is around $870/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Sydney offers 84 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$600/month. Tokyo offers 85 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Tokyo has a cost advantage of 28%.

What is the average income in Sydney vs Tokyo?

The median net monthly salary in Sydney is approximately $5,100 USD, compared to $2,676 USD in Tokyo.

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