Tokyo vs Ankara
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Ankara is ~49% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Tokyo
Japan
COL+Rent
41.5
Rent Index
22.3
Groceries
61.4
Restaurant
47.4
Ankara
Turkey
COL+Rent
21.2
Rent Index
9
Groceries
33.2
Restaurant
29.6
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Tokyo | Ankara | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $988 | $377 | +$611 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $638 | $248 | +$390 |
| Groceries | $354 | $213 | +$141 |
| Restaurant Meal | $10 | $9 | +$1 |
| Transit Pass | $71 | $21 | +$50 |
| Utilities | $202 | $51 | +$151 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Tokyo | Ankara |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,199/mo | $505/mo |
| Typical | $1,765/mo | $797/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,134/mo | $1,031/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Tokyo | ≈ in Ankara | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $766/mo | -$734 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,022/mo | -$978 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,533/mo | -$1,467 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Tokyo vs Ankara for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Ankara is approximately 49% more affordable than Tokyo when combining rent and daily living costs. Tokyo's COL+Rent Index of 41.5 vs Ankara's 21.2 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Tokyo costs $988/month versus $377/month in Ankara — giving Ankara a $611/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $7,332 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Tokyo ($354/mo) vs Ankara ($213/mo) reflect Ankara's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $10 vs $9 show Ankara offers cheaper dining. 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, Ankara offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $797 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.