City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Japan
COL index 64.2
Japan
COL index 72.4
Osaka vs Tokyo — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Osaka is 11.3% cheaper than Tokyo for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Osaka | Metric | Tokyo | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64.2 | Cost of living index | 72.4 | +12.8% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €43,154 | Net at €50,000 gross | €43,154 | 0.0% |
| €1,380 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,780 | +29.0% |
| €2,102 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,595 | +23.5% |
| €67,218 | PPP — net / COL | €59,605 | -11.3% |
| 13.7% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 13.7% | 0.0% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Japan = €3,596 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Tokyo, you would need roughly €56,385 gross in Japan (≈ €4,055 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,380)
- +Favourable tax rate (13.7%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (38.4%)
- +Favourable tax rate (13.7%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (49.5%)
The verdict
Across the data, Osaka carries a lower cost-of-living index; Osaka wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Osaka edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Osaka cheaper than Tokyo?+
Osaka is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Osaka 64.2, Tokyo 72.4 — a 11.3% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Osaka and Tokyo?+
Osaka sits at 64.2 on our COL index, Tokyo at 72.4. That works out to roughly 11.3% — Osaka being the cheaper of the two.
Is Osaka a good place to live compared to Tokyo?+
It depends on priorities. Osaka delivers €43,154 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 13.7% effective tax rate. Tokyo delivers €43,154 at 13.7%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,380 vs €1,780.
How do salaries compare in Osaka vs Tokyo?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €43,154/year (€3,596/month) in Osaka and €43,154/year (€3,596/month) in Tokyo.
Which city has lower taxes, Osaka or Tokyo?+
Japan has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Japan 13.7%, Japan 13.7%.
More Osaka comparisons
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