City comparison

🇯🇵 Tokyo vs 🇸🇬 Singapore

Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, and quality of life for expats.

Quick verdict

More affordable
Tokyo
30% more expensive overall
Higher quality of life
Tokyo
8.5/10 vs 8.5/10

Cost of living comparison

Category🇯🇵 Tokyo🇸🇬 Singapore
Rent (1-bed, center)€1,087€2,507
Rent (1-bed, suburb)€611€1,777
Groceries (single)€205€269
Transport pass€66€86
Restaurant (2 people)€38€54
Monthly budget (moderate)€1,900€3,300

Quality of life

Metric🇯🇵 Tokyo🇸🇬 Singapore
Overall8.5/108.5/10
Safety9.5/109.7/10
Healthcare9/109/10
Education8.5/108.5/10
Expat Community7.5/109.5/10
English Proficiency5/109.5/10

Tax & practical info

🇯🇵

Tokyo

Japan
Effective tax rate26–32%
Avg. salary€45,000–€80,000
Full Tokyo guide →
🇸🇬

Singapore

Singapore
Tax regime0–24% progressive (max)
ClimateTropical
Nomad visa–
Effective tax rate7–11% (no CPF for foreigners)
Avg. salary€80,000–€120,000
Full Singapore guide →

Crunch the numbers

Use our calculators to compare your actual take-home pay and monthly budget.

Compare cost of living →Budget calculator →

EXPATRIATION.IO

Going further with your move?

Explore expatriation.io for the guides, tools and resources to plan your expatriation, all in one place.

Explore expatriation.io