🇨🇳 Beijing vs 🇯🇵 Tokyo
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇨🇳
Beijing
China
$2,092–$3,313/mo
¥14,943 – ¥23,664 / month (local)
🇯🇵
Tokyo
Japan
$2,708–$4,287/mo
¥404,179 – ¥639,851 / month (local)
Tokyo is 29% more expensive
Beijing wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Beijing (USD) | Tokyo (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,569–$2,441 | $2,031–$3,159 | 🟢 Beijing |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $828–$1,308 | $1,072–$1,692 | 🟢 Beijing |
| Utilities | $65–$126 | $85–$164 | 🟢 Beijing |
| Groceries | $331–$497 | $429–$643 | 🟢 Beijing |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $44–$78 | $56–$102 | 🟢 Beijing |
| Public transport (monthly) | $83–$100 | $107–$130 | 🟢 Beijing |
| Internet & Mobile | $26–$44 | $34–$56 | 🟢 Beijing |
| Gym membership | $31–$57 | $39–$73 | 🟢 Beijing |
| Cinema ticket | $12–$16 | $16–$20 | 🟢 Beijing |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,092–$3,313 | $2,708–$4,287 | 🟢 Beijing |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing6.0 / 10 · 4.9 / 10
Beijing▲ better
Tokyo
Safety9.3 / 10 · 9.6 / 10
Beijing
Tokyo▲ better
Healthcare9.3 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Beijing▲ better
Tokyo
Education8.9 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Beijing▲ better
Tokyo
Environment8.0 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Beijing
Tokyo▲ better
Economy8.0 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Beijing
Tokyo▲ better
Culture8.6 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Beijing
Tokyo▲ better
Internet9.0 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Beijing▲ better
Tokyo
Who should choose which city?
Choose Beijing if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Tokyo
- ✓Culture
- ✓Government ties
- ✓History
- ✓Policy
Choose Tokyo if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Tokyo offers vs Beijing
- ✓Safety
- ✓Transit
- ✓Food
- ✓Finance
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📊
Full Beijing guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Beijing →📊
Full Tokyo guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Tokyo →