🇨🇳 Shanghai vs 🇯🇵 Tokyo
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇨🇳
Shanghai
China
$2,215–$3,508/mo
¥15,821 – ¥25,057 / month (local)
🇯🇵
Tokyo
Japan
$2,708–$4,287/mo
¥404,179 – ¥639,851 / month (local)
Tokyo is 22% more expensive
Shanghai wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Shanghai (USD) | Tokyo (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,662–$2,585 | $2,031–$3,159 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $877–$1,385 | $1,072–$1,692 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Utilities | $69–$134 | $85–$164 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Groceries | $351–$526 | $429–$643 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $46–$83 | $56–$102 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Public transport (monthly) | $88–$106 | $107–$130 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Internet & Mobile | $28–$46 | $34–$56 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Gym membership | $32–$60 | $39–$73 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Cinema ticket | $13–$17 | $16–$20 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,215–$3,508 | $2,708–$4,287 | 🟢 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
Housing4.4 / 10 · 4.9 / 10
Shanghai
Tokyo▲ better
Safety9.7 / 10 · 9.6 / 10
Shanghai▲ better
Tokyo
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Shanghai▲ better
Tokyo
Education7.6 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Shanghai▲ better
Tokyo
Environment8.4 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Shanghai▲ better
Tokyo
Economy6.7 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Shanghai
Tokyo▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Shanghai
Tokyo▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Shanghai▲ better
Tokyo
Who should choose which city?
Choose Shanghai if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Tokyo
- ✓Business China
- ✓Transit
- ✓Food
- ✓Manufacturing
Choose Tokyo if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Tokyo offers vs Shanghai
- ✓Safety
- ✓Transit
- ✓Food
- ✓Finance
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Full Shanghai guide
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Explore Shanghai →📊
Full Tokyo guide
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Explore Tokyo →