City Comparison
Osaka vs Tokyo
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Osaka is ~30% 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
Tokyo
Japan
COL+Rent
41.5
Rent Index
22.3
Groceries
61.4
Restaurant
47.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Osaka | Tokyo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $533 | $988 | $455 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $344 | $638 | $294 |
| Groceries | $267 | $354 | $87 |
| Restaurant Meal | $7 | $10 | $3 |
| Transit Pass | $54 | $71 | $17 |
| Utilities | $152 | $202 | $50 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Osaka | Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $765/mo | $1,199/mo |
| Typical | $1,111/mo | $1,765/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,349/mo | $2,134/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Osaka | ≈ in Tokyo | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,154/mo | +$654 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,872/mo | +$872 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,308/mo | +$1,308 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Osaka or Tokyo cheaper to live in?
Osaka is approximately 30% cheaper overall. Osaka's COL+Rent Index is 28.9 vs Tokyo's 41.5 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Osaka vs Tokyo?
A 1BR in Osaka city center costs ~$533/mo vs $988/mo in Tokyo. Outside the center: $344 vs $638.
What is $2,000/month in Osaka worth in Tokyo?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Osaka has the purchasing power of approximately $2,872/month in Tokyo.
Are groceries cheaper in Osaka or Tokyo?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $267 in Osaka vs $354 in Tokyo. Groceries Index: 46.3 vs 61.4 (NYC = 100).