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Cost of Living: Japan vs Malta

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Japan and Malta.

Data updated: November 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Japan is 34.0% cheaper than Malta. The biggest difference is in Markets, where costs are 99.7% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Malta, you would spend about $66 in Japan for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Restaurants 48.0%

Japan is 48.0% cheaper

Rent Per Month 40.1%

Japan is 40.1% cheaper

Other Expenses 36.4%

Japan is 36.4% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 34.0%

Japan is 34.0% cheaper than Malta

Most Expensive Categories

  • Markets +99.7%
  • Household Utilities +69.1%
  • Property Prices +36.9%

Is Japan cheaper than Malta?

Yes, Japan is cheaper than Malta

Overall, living costs in Japan are 34.0% lower than in Malta.

Where Japan is cheaper:

  • Restaurants 48.0% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 40.1% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 36.4% cheaper

Where Japan is more expensive:

  • Markets 99.7% more expensive
  • Household Utilities 69.1% more expensive
  • Property Prices 36.9% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Japan: 7.01 $ Malta: 17.07 $
58.9% cheaper in Japan

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Japan: 624.64 $ Malta: 1,117.60 $
44.1% cheaper in Japan

1 liter of milk

Japan: 1.56 $ Malta: 1.30 $
20.0% more expensive in Japan

1 liter of gasoline

Japan: 1.22 $ Malta: 1.53 $
20.3% cheaper in Japan

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Japan is indeed cheaper than Malta. You would save approximately 34.0% on living expenses by choosing Japan over Malta. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

34.0%

Japan is 34.0% cheaper than Malta

Restaurants

48.0%

Japan is 48.0% cheaper than Malta in this category

Markets

99.7%

Japan is 99.7% more expensive than Malta in this category

Other Expenses

36.4%

Japan is 36.4% cheaper than Malta in this category

Transportation

31.7%

Japan is 31.7% cheaper than Malta in this category

Household Utilities

69.1%

Japan is 69.1% more expensive than Malta in this category

Mobile and Internet

0.2%

Japan is 0.2% more expensive than Malta in this category

Sports And Leisure

11.1%

Japan is 11.1% cheaper than Malta in this category

Childcare

25.3%

Japan is 25.3% more expensive than Malta in this category

Clothing And Shoes

35.1%

Japan is 35.1% cheaper than Malta in this category

Rent Per Month

40.1%

Japan is 40.1% cheaper than Malta in this category

Property Prices

36.9%

Japan is 36.9% more expensive than Malta in this category

Salaries And Financing

27.1%

Japan is 27.1% more expensive than Malta in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Japan Malta Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 7.01 $ 17.07 $ 58.9%
Japan is 58.9% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 35.03 $ 79.73 $ 56.1%
Japan is 56.1% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 5.61 $ 11.38 $ 50.7%
Japan is 50.7% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 3.36 $ 2.74 $ 22.6%
Japan is 22.6% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.12 $ 2.44 $ 54.1%
Japan is 54.1% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.82 $ 1.60 $ 48.8%
Japan is 48.8% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.94 $ 0.92 $ 2.2%
Japan is 2.2% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 2.32 $ 9.11 $ 74.5%
Japan is 74.5% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 8.42 $ 9.16 $ 8.1%
Japan is 8.1% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 11.20 $ 13.66 $ 18.0%
Japan is 18.0% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.04 $ 1.94 $ 5.2%
Japan is 5.2% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.56 $ 1.30 $ 20.0%
Japan is 20.0% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.59 $ 1.30 $ 22.3%
Japan is 22.3% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 4.51 $ 3.53 $ 27.8%
Japan is 27.8% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 2.24 $ 3.65 $ 38.6%
Japan is 38.6% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 12.14 $ 10.39 $ 16.8%
Japan is 16.8% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 6.92 $ 9.39 $ 26.3%
Japan is 26.3% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 17.18 $ 18.28 $ 6.0%
Japan is 6.0% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 5.37 $ 3.10 $ 73.2%
Japan is 73.2% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 2.62 $ 2.08 $ 26.0%
Japan is 26.0% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 4.78 $ 2.72 $ 75.7%
Japan is 75.7% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.84 $ 3.25 $ 48.9%
Japan is 48.9% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.85 $ 2.00 $ 42.5%
Japan is 42.5% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 2.65 $ 2.04 $ 29.9%
Japan is 29.9% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 1.39 $ 1.87 $ 25.7%
Japan is 25.7% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 58.97 $ 0.00 $ N/A
Cigarettes (20 pack) 4.20 $ 6.60 $ 36.4%
Japan is 36.4% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.54 $ 2.28 $ 32.5%
Japan is 32.5% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 4.20 $ 5.69 $ 26.2%
Japan is 26.2% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 3.15 $ 2.28 $ 38.2%
Japan is 38.2% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 23.82 $ 42.69 $ 44.2%
Japan is 44.2% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.22 $ 1.53 $ 20.3%
Japan is 20.3% cheaper
New Economy Car 23,415.29 $ 27,319.82 $ 14.3%
Japan is 14.3% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 17,953.06 $ 33,254.05 $ 46.0%
Japan is 46.0% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 178.92 $ 105.78 $ 69.1%
Japan is 69.1% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 27.25 $ 27.38 $ 0.5%
Japan is 0.5% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 35.66 $ 35.41 $ 0.7%
Japan is 0.7% more expensive
Gym Membership 60.05 $ 65.78 $ 8.7%
Japan is 8.7% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 15.69 $ 23.94 $ 34.5%
Japan is 34.5% cheaper
Movie Ticket 13.31 $ 10.42 $ 27.7%
Japan is 27.7% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 348.57 $ 540.25 $ 35.5%
Japan is 35.5% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 13,519.03 $ 10,523.95 $ 28.5%
Japan is 28.5% more expensive
1 Pair of Jeans 49.02 $ 100.99 $ 51.5%
Japan is 51.5% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 32.77 $ 45.66 $ 28.2%
Japan is 28.2% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 63.16 $ 100.09 $ 36.9%
Japan is 36.9% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 87.75 $ 111.75 $ 21.5%
Japan is 21.5% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 624.64 $ 1,117.60 $ 44.1%
Japan is 44.1% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 424.63 $ 928.07 $ 54.2%
Japan is 54.2% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,366.33 $ 1,895.45 $ 27.9%
Japan is 27.9% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 825.90 $ 1,469.02 $ 43.8%
Japan is 43.8% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,447.80 $ 4,092.78 $ 57.5%
Japan is 57.5% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 3,555.73 $ 3,212.00 $ 10.7%
Japan is 10.7% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,177.14 $ 1,710.11 $ 27.3%
Japan is 27.3% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 1.82 4.71 61.4%
Japan is 61.4% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Malta. Enter your monthly expenses in Japan to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Japan and Malta goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Japan vs Malta

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Japan

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.

Malta

  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Japan Cost of living in Malta

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