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Osaka vs Taipei

Taipei runs about 21% cheaper than Osaka for this household, a difference of 455 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
View of the North Gate of Taipei City from the northwest
Taipei
$1,747/month · Taiwan
Bahnfrend · CC BY-SA 4.0
Osaka monthly
$2,202
Index 35 (NYC = 100)
Taipei monthly
$1,747
Index 27 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-21%
Taipei relative to Osaka
Rent gap
$100
Taipei costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

OsakaTaipei
  • Housing
    Housing: Osaka $750, Taipei $850. Cheaper in Osaka.
  • Food
    Food: Osaka $734, Taipei $533. Cheaper in Taipei.
  • Transport
    Transport: Osaka $218, Taipei $91. Cheaper in Taipei.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Osaka $210, Taipei $88. Cheaper in Taipei.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Osaka $16, Taipei $12. Cheaper in Taipei.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Osaka $167, Taipei $107. Cheaper in Taipei.
  • Other
    Other: Osaka $108, Taipei $66. Cheaper in Taipei.
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

MetricOsakaTaipei
Cost
Total monthly cost2,202 USD1,747 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)3527✓
Housing750 USD✓850 USD
Utilities210 USD88 USD✓
Food734 USD533 USD✓
Transport218 USD91 USD✓
Healthcare16 USD12 USD✓
Lifestyle167 USD107 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr4,509 USD6,797 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate45.9%18.4%✓
Left over each month2,307 USD5,050 USD✓
Average local net salary2,200 USD✓1,800 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre750 USD✓850 USD
3-bed rent, city centre1,700 USD1,700 USD
Buy price per m², centre7,000 USD✓9,500 USD
Quality of life
Safety92/100✓88/100
Healthcare86/10086/100
Air quality68/100✓58/100
Public transport94/100✓92/100
Walkability86/100✓84/100
English proficiency26/10044/100✓
Nightlife86/100✓80/100
Family friendliness82/10082/100
Median broadband265 Mbps✓180 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature17°C✓23°C
Summer high33°C✓34°C
Winter low3°C14°C✓
Sunshine hours per year2,050 h✓1,400 h
Annual rainfall1400 mm✓2400 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaYesYes
Beach access40 min40 min
CurrencyJPYTWD
Time zoneAsia/TokyoAsia/Taipei

Taipei runs about 21% cheaper than Osaka for this household, a difference of 455 USD a month.

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Cost of living in OsakaCost of living in TaipeiConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
Osaka vs SeoulOsaka vs TokyoOsaka vs Hong Kong
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Osaka or Taipei cheaper?

Taipei runs about 21% cheaper than Osaka for this household, a difference of 455 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Taipei compared with Osaka?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $4,509 a month in Osaka and $6,797 in Taipei, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Osaka or Taipei?

Osaka scores 92/100 on safety and 86/100 on healthcare; Taipei scores 88 and 86. Osaka averages 17°C against 23°C in Taipei.