Tokyo vs Osaka

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

63Cost Index26✓
2,800✓Median Income /mo2,760
88✓Safety Index86
23Income Tax %20✓
90Internet (Mbps)200✓
180Coworking /mo170✓

Price Breakdown

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

Digital Nomad Profile

Tokyo

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

Osaka

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tokyo cheaper than Osaka?

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 Tokyo and Osaka?

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

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

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

What is the average income in Tokyo vs Osaka?

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

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