🇯🇵 Osaka vs 🇸🇦 Riyadh
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇯🇵
Osaka
Japan
$2,338–$3,703/mo
¥348,955 – ¥552,687 / month (local)
🇸🇦
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
$1,785–$2,826/mo
﷼6,611 – ﷼10,467 / month (local)
Osaka is 31% more expensive
Riyadh wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Osaka (USD) | Riyadh (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,754–$2,728 | $1,338–$2,082 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $926–$1,462 | $706–$1,115 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Utilities | $73–$141 | $56–$108 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Groceries | $370–$555 | $283–$424 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $49–$88 | $37–$67 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Public transport (monthly) | $93–$112 | $71–$86 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Internet & Mobile | $29–$49 | $22–$37 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Gym membership | $34–$63 | $26–$48 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Cinema ticket | $14–$18 | $10–$13 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,338–$3,703 | $1,785–$2,826 | 🟢 Riyadh |
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
Housing5.4 / 10 · 6.2 / 10
Osaka
Riyadh▲ better
Safety9.3 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Riyadh
Healthcare9.3 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Riyadh
Education8.9 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Riyadh
Environment8.0 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Osaka
Riyadh▲ better
Economy8.0 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Riyadh
Culture8.6 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Riyadh
Internet9.0 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Riyadh
Who should choose which city?
Choose Osaka if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Osaka offers vs Riyadh
- ✓Food
- ✓Value vs Tokyo
- ✓Kansai culture
- ✓Manufacturing
Choose Riyadh if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Osaka
- ✓Vision 2030 projects
- ✓Salaries
- ✓Energy
- ✓Construction
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Full Osaka guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Osaka →📊
Full Riyadh guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Riyadh →