Osaka vs Jeddah
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Jeddah is ~7% 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
Jeddah
Saudi Arabia
COL+Rent
27
Rent Index
12.2
Groceries
39.1
Restaurant
32.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Osaka | Jeddah | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $533 | $455 | +$78 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $344 | $320 | +$24 |
| Groceries | $267 | $276 | $9 |
| Restaurant Meal | $7 | $12 | $5 |
| Transit Pass | $54 | $29 | +$25 |
| Utilities | $152 | $73 | +$79 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Osaka | Jeddah |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $765/mo | $663/mo |
| Typical | $1,111/mo | $1,013/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,349/mo | $1,316/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Osaka | ≈ in Jeddah | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,401/mo | -$99 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,869/mo | -$131 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,803/mo | -$197 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Osaka vs Jeddah for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Jeddah is approximately 7% more affordable than Osaka when combining rent and daily living costs. Osaka's COL+Rent Index of 28.9 vs Jeddah's 27 (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 $455/month in Jeddah — giving Jeddah a $78/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Osaka ($267/mo) vs Jeddah ($276/mo) reflect Jeddah's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $7 vs $12 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, Jeddah offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,013 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.