City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Singapore
COL index 84.8
Japan
COL index 72.4
Singapore vs Tokyo — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Tokyo is 14.6% cheaper than Singapore for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Singapore | Metric | Tokyo | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 84.8 | Cost of living index | 72.4 | -14.6% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €39,450 | Net at €50,000 gross | €43,154 | +9.4% |
| €3,280 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,780 | -45.7% |
| €4,256 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,595 | -39.0% |
| €46,521 | PPP — net / COL | €59,605 | +28.1% |
| 21.1% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 13.7% | -35.1% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Singapore = €3,288 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Tokyo, you would need roughly €39,024 gross in Japan (≈ €2,807 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- −High cost of living (index 85)
- +Favourable tax rate (21.1%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (99.8%)
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,780)
- +Favourable tax rate (13.7%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (49.5%)
The verdict
Across the data, Tokyo delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Tokyo carries a lower cost-of-living index; Tokyo has the lighter effective tax burden; Tokyo wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Tokyo edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Singapore cheaper than Tokyo?+
Tokyo is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Singapore 84.8, Tokyo 72.4 — a 14.6% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Singapore and Tokyo?+
Singapore sits at 84.8 on our COL index, Tokyo at 72.4. That works out to roughly 14.6% — Tokyo being the cheaper of the two.
Is Singapore a good place to live compared to Tokyo?+
It depends on priorities. Singapore delivers €39,450 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 21.1% effective tax rate. Tokyo delivers €43,154 at 13.7%. Centre 1-bed rent: €3,280 vs €1,780.
How do salaries compare in Singapore vs Tokyo?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €39,450/year (€3,288/month) in Singapore and €43,154/year (€3,596/month) in Tokyo.
Which city has lower taxes, Singapore or Tokyo?+
Japan has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Singapore 21.1%, Japan 13.7%.