🇯🇵 Osaka vs 🇯🇵 Tokyo
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇯🇵
Osaka
Japan
$2,338–$3,703/mo
¥348,955 – ¥552,687 / month (local)
🇯🇵
Tokyo
Japan
$2,708–$4,287/mo
¥404,179 – ¥639,851 / month (local)
Tokyo is 16% more expensive
Osaka wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Osaka (USD) | Tokyo (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,754–$2,728 | $2,031–$3,159 | 🟢 Osaka |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $926–$1,462 | $1,072–$1,692 | 🟢 Osaka |
| Utilities | $73–$141 | $85–$164 | 🟢 Osaka |
| Groceries | $370–$555 | $429–$643 | 🟢 Osaka |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $49–$88 | $56–$102 | 🟢 Osaka |
| Public transport (monthly) | $93–$112 | $107–$130 | 🟢 Osaka |
| Internet & Mobile | $29–$49 | $34–$56 | 🟢 Osaka |
| Gym membership | $34–$63 | $39–$73 | 🟢 Osaka |
| Cinema ticket | $14–$18 | $16–$20 | 🟢 Osaka |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,338–$3,703 | $2,708–$4,287 | 🟢 Osaka |
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 · 4.9 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Tokyo
Safety9.3 / 10 · 9.6 / 10
Osaka
Tokyo▲ better
Healthcare9.3 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Tokyo
Education8.9 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Tokyo
Environment8.0 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Osaka
Tokyo▲ better
Economy8.0 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Osaka
Tokyo▲ better
Culture8.6 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Osaka
Tokyo▲ better
Internet9.0 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Tokyo
Who should choose which city?
Choose Osaka if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Tokyo
- ✓Food
- ✓Value vs Tokyo
- ✓Kansai culture
- ✓Manufacturing
Choose Tokyo if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Tokyo offers vs Osaka
- ✓Safety
- ✓Transit
- ✓Food
- ✓Finance
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Full Osaka guide
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Explore Osaka →📊
Full Tokyo guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Tokyo →