Cost of Living
#28
of 124 cities
33/100
Current value (lower is better)
#55 of 124
Asia
Osaka
Japan
Salary & Cost of Living
How do salaries and expenses in Osaka compare to San Francisco?
Purchasing Power Comparison
An engineer in Osaka is 40% worse off vs in San Francisco
This shows how far a software engineer's salary goes in Osaka compared to San Francisco, taking into account both salary differences and cost of living.
Net Salary
$37,677
-$135K (-78%) vs San Francisco
Tax Rate: 30%
Community Insights
NewOsaka offers a compelling lifestyle alternative to Tokyo for software engineers who prioritize affordability and social connection over maximum career velocity. While the local job market is smaller and pays less, the cost of living is significantly lower, meaning a modest salary goes much further. The city is famous for its gritty charm, incredible food scene, and outgoing locals, creating a warmer, albeit rougher, atmosphere than the capital. However, the intense summer heat and limited English-speaking support can be challenging for unprepared newcomers.
Resident Sentiment
Residents generally love the vibe and do not regret moving, often citing the "warm" human interactions and superior food culture as major retention factors. A common sentiment among successful expats is that living in Osaka while working remotely for a Tokyo company is the ultimate "cheat code" for life in Japan. However, some eventually move to Tokyo for better career progression or to escape the perceived "roughness" of the city.
The Good
Rankings
Top 23%
Safety Index
#36
of 124 cities
66.9/100
Current value
Tax Rate
#50
of 124 cities
30%
Current value (lower is better)
Housing Affordability
How affordable is housing for a software engineer in Osaka compared to San Francisco?
Salary Converter
Enter your annual gross salary (before taxes) to see what you would need to earn in Osaka to maintain the same standard of living.
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