🇯🇵 Osaka vs 🇨🇳 Shanghai
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇯🇵
Osaka
Japan
$2,338–$3,703/mo
¥348,955 – ¥552,687 / month (local)
🇨🇳
Shanghai
China
$2,215–$3,508/mo
¥15,821 – ¥25,057 / month (local)
Osaka is 6% more expensive
Shanghai wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Osaka (USD) | Shanghai (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,754–$2,728 | $1,662–$2,585 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $926–$1,462 | $877–$1,385 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Utilities | $73–$141 | $69–$134 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Groceries | $370–$555 | $351–$526 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $49–$88 | $46–$83 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Public transport (monthly) | $93–$112 | $88–$106 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Internet & Mobile | $29–$49 | $28–$46 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Gym membership | $34–$63 | $32–$60 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Cinema ticket | $14–$18 | $13–$17 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,338–$3,703 | $2,215–$3,508 | 🟢 Shanghai |
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 · 4.4 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Shanghai
Safety9.3 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Osaka
Shanghai▲ better
Healthcare9.3 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Shanghai
Education8.9 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Shanghai
Environment8.0 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Osaka
Shanghai▲ better
Economy8.0 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Shanghai
Culture8.6 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Shanghai
Internet9.0 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Shanghai
Who should choose which city?
Choose Osaka if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Osaka offers vs Shanghai
- ✓Food
- ✓Value vs Tokyo
- ✓Kansai culture
- ✓Manufacturing
Choose Shanghai if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Osaka
- ✓Business China
- ✓Transit
- ✓Food
- ✓Manufacturing
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Full Osaka guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Osaka →📊
Full Shanghai guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Shanghai →