What is the cost of living in Tokyo?

The cost of living in Tokyo is 57.9% cheaper than New York City (index: 42.1). Groceries are 40.0% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 61.6% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately JPY 203,377 per month. Local purchasing power index is 138.4 (NYC = 100).

How much tax do you pay in Japan?

In Japan, a gross salary of JPY 8,962,265 per year results in approximately JPY 549,122 per month take-home pay after income tax and social contributions (effective rate: 26.5%). Use our Japan tax calculator for a personalised breakdown.

🇯🇵 Japan · #253 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Tokyo?

Q: Should I move to Tokyo?

Tokyo, Japan has a cost of living 57.9% cheaper than New York City (index: 42.1). It is ranked #253 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 138.4 vs NYC = 100). Workers in Japan earning JPY 8,962,265 gross take home approximately JPY 549,122/month after tax. Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

57.9% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-57.9%

vs NYC

JPY 203,377

1-BR, city centre

JPY 549,122

Net take-home

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Tokyo?

Example: JPY 8,962,265 gross/year in Japan → JPY 549,122/month net after tax (26.5% effective rate). Full Japan tax breakdown →

Cost breakdown: Tokyo

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

42.1 Mid-priced

Rent

27.4 Very affordable

Groceries

60.0 Moderate

Restaurants

38.4 Affordable

Purchasing Power

138.4 Very strong

Rent in Tokyo

1-BR, city centre JPY 203,377/mo

1-BR, outside centre JPY 109,998/mo

3-BR, city centre JPY 402,334/mo

3-BR, outside centre JPY 230,761/mo

Save by going outside centre 46% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Japan take-home pay

JPY 8,962,265 → JPY 549,122/Net take-home (26.5% effective rate, single filer)

Full Japan tax calculator →

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇯🇵 Osaka

Japan

CoL index 31.8

Compare Osaka vs Tokyo →

🇮🇱 Haifa

Israel

CoL index 45.5

Compare Haifa vs Tokyo →

🇶🇦 Doha

Qatar

CoL index 45.7

Compare Doha vs Tokyo →

Ready to run the numbers?

Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Tokyo after tax, in seconds.

Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

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