Skip to content

Osaka vs London

Osaka runs about 84% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,848 USD a month.

A view of the skyline of Osaka from Abeno Harukas on 5 May 2026. Focal length of this picture is 23 mm.
Osaka
$2,202/month · Japan
Loggieloggie · CC0
Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge as seen from the south bank of the River Thames.
London
$4,050/month · United Kingdom
Terry Ott from Washington, DC Metro Area, United States of America · CC BY 2.0
Osaka monthly
$2,202
Index 35 (NYC = 100)
London monthly
$4,050
Index 63 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+84%
London relative to Osaka
Rent gap
$1,850
London costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

OsakaLondon
  • Housing
    Housing: Osaka $750, London $2,600. Cheaper in Osaka.
  • Food
    Food: Osaka $734, London $617. Cheaper in London.
  • Transport
    Transport: Osaka $218, London $282. Cheaper in Osaka.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Osaka $210, London $267. Cheaper in Osaka.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Osaka $16, London $8.03. Cheaper in London.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Osaka $167, London $169. Cheaper in Osaka.
  • Other
    Other: Osaka $108, London $107. Cheaper in London.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricOsakaLondon
Cost
Total monthly cost2,202 USD✓4,050 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)35✓63
Housing750 USD✓2,600 USD
Utilities210 USD✓267 USD
Food734 USD617 USD✓
Transport218 USD✓282 USD
Healthcare16 USD8 USD✓
Lifestyle167 USD✓169 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr4,509 USD5,953 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate45.9%28.6%✓
Left over each month2,307 USD✓1,902 USD
Average local net salary2,200 USD3,600 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre750 USD✓2,600 USD
3-bed rent, city centre1,700 USD✓5,200 USD
Buy price per m², centre7,000 USD✓15,000 USD
Quality of life
Safety92/100✓66/100
Healthcare86/100✓84/100
Air quality68/100✓60/100
Public transport94/100✓92/100
Walkability86/10090/100✓
English proficiency26/100100/100✓
Nightlife86/10094/100✓
Family friendliness82/100✓72/100
Median broadband265 Mbps✓90 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature17°C12°C✓
Summer high33°C23°C✓
Winter low3°C3°C
Sunshine hours per year2,050 h✓1,480 h
Annual rainfall1400 mm600 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaYes✓No
Beach access40 min✓90 min
CurrencyJPYGBP
Time zoneAsia/TokyoEurope/London

Osaka runs about 84% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,848 USD a month.

Next

Go deeper

Cost of living in OsakaCost of living in LondonConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
Osaka vs TaipeiOsaka vs SeoulOsaka vs Tokyo
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Osaka or London cheaper?

Osaka runs about 84% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,848 USD a month.

What salary do you need in London compared with Osaka?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $4,509 a month in Osaka and $5,953 in London, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Osaka or London?

Osaka scores 92/100 on safety and 86/100 on healthcare; London scores 66 and 84. Osaka averages 17°C against 12°C in London.