City Comparison
Tokyo vs Osaka
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Osaka is ~30% 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
Osaka
Japan
COL+Rent
28.9
Rent Index
12.1
Groceries
46.3
Restaurant
32.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Tokyo | Osaka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $988 | $533 | +$455 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $638 | $344 | +$294 |
| Groceries | $354 | $267 | +$87 |
| Restaurant Meal | $10 | $7 | +$3 |
| Transit Pass | $71 | $54 | +$17 |
| Utilities | $202 | $152 | +$50 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Tokyo | Osaka |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,199/mo | $765/mo |
| Typical | $1,765/mo | $1,111/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,134/mo | $1,349/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Tokyo | ≈ in Osaka | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,045/mo | -$455 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,393/mo | -$607 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,089/mo | -$911 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tokyo or Osaka cheaper to live in?
Osaka is approximately 30% cheaper overall. Tokyo's COL+Rent Index is 41.5 vs Osaka's 28.9 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Tokyo vs Osaka?
A 1BR in Tokyo city center costs ~$988/mo vs $533/mo in Osaka. Outside the center: $638 vs $344.
What is $2,000/month in Tokyo worth in Osaka?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Tokyo has the purchasing power of approximately $1,393/month in Osaka.
Are groceries cheaper in Tokyo or Osaka?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $354 in Tokyo vs $267 in Osaka. Groceries Index: 61.4 vs 46.3 (NYC = 100).