Osaka vs Graz
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Osaka is ~27% 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
Graz
Austria
COL+Rent
39.4
Rent Index
18.1
Groceries
61.7
Restaurant
58
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Osaka | Graz | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $533 | $821 | $288 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $344 | $630 | $286 |
| Groceries | $267 | $370 | $103 |
| Restaurant Meal | $7 | $15 | $8 |
| Transit Pass | $54 | $47 | +$7 |
| Utilities | $152 | $170 | $18 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Osaka | Graz |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $765/mo | $1,166/mo |
| Typical | $1,111/mo | $1,633/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,349/mo | $2,055/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Osaka | ≈ in Graz | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,045/mo | +$545 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,727/mo | +$727 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,090/mo | +$1,090 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Osaka vs Graz for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Osaka is approximately 27% more affordable than Graz when combining rent and daily living costs. Osaka's COL+Rent Index of 28.9 vs Graz's 39.4 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a meaningful difference that adds up over months of living expenses.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Osaka costs $533/month versus $821/month in Graz — giving Osaka a $288/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $3,456 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Osaka ($267/mo) vs Graz ($370/mo) reflect Osaka's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $7 vs $15 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.