Cost of Living
#27
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 Tokyo?
Purchasing Power Comparison
An engineer in Osaka is 13% better off vs in Tokyo
This shows how far a software engineer's salary goes in Osaka compared to Tokyo, taking into account both salary differences and cost of living.
Net Salary
$37,677
-$4K (-10%) vs Tokyo
Tax Rate: 30%
Top Paying Companies in Osaka
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
- Significantly lower rent and cost of living compared to Tokyo, allowing for a higher quality of life on a similar budget.
- Renowned food culture (known as the "Kitchen of Japan") with affordable and delicious street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
- Locals are widely considered friendlier and more outgoing than in Tokyo, making it easier to strike up conversations at bars.
- Strategic location with quick access to Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara for weekend trips.
- Generally more laid-back and less stressful atmosphere than the frantic pace of Tokyo.
- Walkable and compact city center, often requiring less crowded train commutes than Tokyo's notorious rush hour.
The Bad
- Limited tech job market compared to Tokyo; fewer startups and global tech companies have HQs here.
- Lower average salaries for local roles, which can be a shock for those expecting Tokyo or Western pay scales.
- Language barrier is higher; fewer English-friendly environments and the local Kansai-ben dialect can be confusing for learners.
- Brutal summer heat and humidity (often described as a concrete sauna), which can be physically draining.
- The city is grittier and dirtier than Tokyo, which might shock those expecting the pristine cleanliness of the capital.
- Fewer tech meetups and a smaller developer community, offering fewer networking opportunities for career growth.
The Verdict
You'll love it if...
Mid-to-senior engineers with remote jobs (earning Tokyo or USD salaries) who want to save money and enjoy a vibrant nightlife. It is also ideal for foodies and extroverts who speak conversational Japanese and find Tokyo's culture too reserved or sterile.
Skip it if...
Junior developers relying on English-speaking mentorship, as such roles are scarce. Career climbers focused on joining high-growth startups or big tech HQs will find the ceiling here lower. Additionally, those sensitive to extreme heat/humidity or who prefer a pristine, quiet environment may struggle with Osaka's chaotic energy.
Updated 11/29/2025
A quick look at climate, safety, pollution, and tech community compared to Tokyo.
4.4/10TechCities weather score vs 4.6/10 in Tokyo
0–10 composite (higher is better) combining temperature comfort, sunshine hours, rainy-day count, and humid days. See methodology for weighting and data sources.
Weather snapshot
Average High
20°C(vs 19°C in Tokyo)
Average Low
13°C(same as Tokyo)
Sunshine Hours
2,010h/yr+133h/yr(+7%)
Hottest Month High
32°C(vs 30°C in Tokyo)
Coldest Month Low
2°C(vs 3°C in Tokyo)
Rainy Days
117/yr+8/yr(+7%)
Muggy Days
87/yr+7/yr(+8%)
Cloud Cover
45%(vs 47% in Tokyo)
Community & Quality
Osaka community pulse
Osaka has 0 Luma events listed.
100% fewer events than Tokyo.
Rankings
Top 22%
Safety Index
#36
of 124 cities
66.9/100
Current value
Tax Rate
#50
of 124 cities
30%
Current value (lower is better)
Purchasing Power
#55
of 124 cities
Comfortable Weather
#61
of 124 cities
44/100 weather score
Current value
Pollution Score
#65
of 124 cities
48.7/100
Current value (lower is better)
Home Affordability
#71
of 124 cities
≈8.8 yrs to buy 80m²
Current value
Net Income
#84
of 124 cities
$37,677/yr
Current value
Community Events
#104
of 124 cities
0 events on luma
Current value
Housing Affordability
How affordable is housing for a software engineer in Osaka compared to Tokyo?
SWE Affordability
8.8 years
5.0 years quicker than Tokyo
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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