Osaka vs Gothenburg
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Osaka is ~22% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Osaka
Japan
COL+Rent
28.9
Rent Index
12.1
Groceries
46.3
Restaurant
32.2
Gothenburg
Sweden
COL+Rent
37
Rent Index
18.5
Groceries
47.7
Restaurant
45
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Osaka | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $533 | $819 | $286 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $344 | $644 | $300 |
| Groceries | $267 | $271 | $4 |
| Restaurant Meal | $7 | $14 | $7 |
| Transit Pass | $54 | $75 | $21 |
| Utilities | $152 | $82 | +$70 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Osaka | Gothenburg |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $765/mo | $1,047/mo |
| Typical | $1,111/mo | $1,457/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,349/mo | $1,844/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Osaka | ≈ in Gothenburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,920/mo | +$420 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,561/mo | +$561 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,841/mo | +$841 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Osaka vs Gothenburg for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Osaka is approximately 22% more affordable than Gothenburg when combining rent and daily living costs. Osaka's COL+Rent Index of 28.9 vs Gothenburg's 37 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Osaka costs $533/month versus $819/month in Gothenburg — giving Osaka a $286/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $3,432 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Osaka ($267/mo) vs Gothenburg ($271/mo) reflect Osaka's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $7 vs $14 show Osaka is the better value for dining out. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Osaka offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,111 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.