Tokyo vs Berlin

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Berlin is roughly 5% more affordable than Tokyo (index 35 vs 36, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Berlin
More affordable overall
5% cheaper than Tokyo · Cost index: 35 vs 36

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

36Cost Index35
2,676Median Income /mo2,900
92Safety Index75
20Income Tax %28
85Internet (Mbps)109
200Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

TokyoCategoryBerlin
$870/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
43% cheaper →
$1,533/month
$1.7/liter
Meal for One
30% ← cheaper
$1.19/liter
$10/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
17% cheaper →
$12/meal
$80/month
Monthly Transit Pass
7% cheaper →
$86/month
$135/month
Utilities (Monthly)
67% cheaper →
$411/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
23% cheaper →
$65/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Tokyo

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

Berlin

Internet109 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability75/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tokyo cheaper than Berlin?

Berlin is cheaper than Tokyo. Berlin has a cost of living index of 35/100 compared to 36/100 for Tokyo (New York = 100), making it roughly 5% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Berlin than Tokyo?

Berlin is approximately 5% cheaper than Tokyo based on cost index scores (35 vs 36, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Tokyo could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,862/month in Berlin.

What is the rent comparison between Tokyo and Berlin?

In Tokyo, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $870/month. In Berlin, the equivalent is around $1,533/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Tokyo offers 85 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Berlin offers 109 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Berlin has a cost advantage of 5%.

What is the average income in Tokyo vs Berlin?

The median net monthly salary in Tokyo is approximately $2,676 USD, compared to $2,900 USD in Berlin.

Compare Tokyo with…

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

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