Real Estate: Invest in Singapore Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Explore on Udemy Ad

Cost of Living: Japan vs Singapore

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

Data updated: November 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Japan is 76.0% cheaper than Singapore. The biggest difference is in Transportation, where costs are 84.6% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Singapore, you would spend about $24 in Japan for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Transportation 84.6%

Japan is 84.6% cheaper

Rent Per Month 78.9%

Japan is 78.9% cheaper

Property Prices 73.5%

Japan is 73.5% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 76.0%

Japan is 76.0% cheaper than Singapore

Most Expensive Categories

  • Household Utilities +13.1%
  • Mobile and Internet +11.4%

Is Japan cheaper than Singapore?

Yes, Japan is cheaper than Singapore

Overall, living costs in Japan are 76.0% lower than in Singapore.

Where Japan is cheaper:

  • Transportation 84.6% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 78.9% cheaper
  • Property Prices 73.5% cheaper

Where Japan is more expensive:

  • Household Utilities 13.1% more expensive
  • Mobile and Internet 11.4% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Japan: 7.01 $ Singapore: 10.90 $
35.7% cheaper in Japan

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Japan: 624.64 $ Singapore: 3,140.74 $
80.1% cheaper in Japan

Monthly public transport pass

Japan: 58.97 $ Singapore: 93.46 $
36.9% cheaper in Japan

1 liter of milk

Japan: 1.56 $ Singapore: 3.01 $
48.2% cheaper in Japan

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Japan is indeed cheaper than Singapore. You would save approximately 76.0% on living expenses by choosing Japan over Singapore. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

76.0%

Japan is 76.0% cheaper than Singapore

Restaurants

36.5%

Japan is 36.5% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Markets

24.7%

Japan is 24.7% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Other Expenses

67.8%

Japan is 67.8% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Transportation

84.6%

Japan is 84.6% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Household Utilities

13.1%

Japan is 13.1% more expensive than Singapore in this category

Mobile and Internet

11.4%

Japan is 11.4% more expensive than Singapore in this category

Sports And Leisure

36.2%

Japan is 36.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Childcare

55.3%

Japan is 55.3% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Clothing And Shoes

34.5%

Japan is 34.5% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Rent Per Month

78.9%

Japan is 78.9% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Property Prices

73.5%

Japan is 73.5% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Salaries And Financing

47.6%

Japan is 47.6% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Japan Singapore Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 7.01 $ 10.90 $ 35.7%
Japan is 35.7% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 35.03 $ 77.88 $ 55.0%
Japan is 55.0% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 5.61 $ 7.79 $ 28.0%
Japan is 28.0% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 3.36 $ 4.88 $ 31.1%
Japan is 31.1% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.12 $ 1.68 $ 33.3%
Japan is 33.3% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.82 $ 1.22 $ 32.8%
Japan is 32.8% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.94 $ 1.52 $ 38.2%
Japan is 38.2% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 2.32 $ 2.00 $ 16.0%
Japan is 16.0% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 8.42 $ 2.49 $ 238.2%
Japan is 238.2% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 11.20 $ 10.00 $ 12.0%
Japan is 12.0% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.04 $ 2.21 $ 7.7%
Japan is 7.7% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.56 $ 3.01 $ 48.2%
Japan is 48.2% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.59 $ 2.35 $ 32.3%
Japan is 32.3% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 4.51 $ 2.92 $ 54.5%
Japan is 54.5% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 2.24 $ 3.35 $ 33.1%
Japan is 33.1% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 12.14 $ 19.37 $ 37.3%
Japan is 37.3% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 6.92 $ 11.15 $ 37.9%
Japan is 37.9% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 17.18 $ 15.21 $ 13.0%
Japan is 13.0% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 5.37 $ 4.57 $ 17.5%
Japan is 17.5% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 2.62 $ 2.97 $ 11.8%
Japan is 11.8% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 4.78 $ 4.51 $ 6.0%
Japan is 6.0% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.84 $ 2.71 $ 78.6%
Japan is 78.6% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.85 $ 2.39 $ 19.2%
Japan is 19.2% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 2.65 $ 2.20 $ 20.5%
Japan is 20.5% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 1.39 $ 1.86 $ 25.3%
Japan is 25.3% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 58.97 $ 93.46 $ 36.9%
Japan is 36.9% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 4.20 $ 13.05 $ 67.8%
Japan is 67.8% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.54 $ 1.56 $ 1.3%
Japan is 1.3% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 4.20 $ 3.58 $ 17.3%
Japan is 17.3% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 3.15 $ 0.78 $ 303.8%
Japan is 303.8% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 23.82 $ 16.28 $ 46.3%
Japan is 46.3% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 1.22 $ 2.22 $ 45.0%
Japan is 45.0% cheaper
New Economy Car 23,415.29 $ 140,192.38 $ 83.3%
Japan is 83.3% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 17,953.06 $ 128,887.54 $ 86.1%
Japan is 86.1% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 178.92 $ 158.22 $ 13.1%
Japan is 13.1% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 27.25 $ 18.54 $ 47.0%
Japan is 47.0% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 35.66 $ 37.95 $ 6.0%
Japan is 6.0% cheaper
Gym Membership 60.05 $ 115.77 $ 48.1%
Japan is 48.1% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 15.69 $ 12.22 $ 28.4%
Japan is 28.4% more expensive
Movie Ticket 13.31 $ 11.68 $ 14.0%
Japan is 14.0% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 348.57 $ 1,272.43 $ 72.6%
Japan is 72.6% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 13,519.03 $ 29,780.50 $ 54.6%
Japan is 54.6% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 49.02 $ 80.91 $ 39.4%
Japan is 39.4% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 32.77 $ 42.93 $ 23.7%
Japan is 23.7% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 63.16 $ 105.33 $ 40.0%
Japan is 40.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 87.75 $ 126.28 $ 30.5%
Japan is 30.5% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 624.64 $ 3,140.74 $ 80.1%
Japan is 80.1% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 424.63 $ 2,267.71 $ 81.3%
Japan is 81.3% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,366.33 $ 6,205.41 $ 78.0%
Japan is 78.0% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 825.90 $ 3,723.55 $ 77.8%
Japan is 77.8% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,447.80 $ 22,697.92 $ 71.6%
Japan is 71.6% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 3,555.73 $ 15,076.91 $ 76.4%
Japan is 76.4% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,177.14 $ 4,151.48 $ 47.6%
Japan is 47.6% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 1.82 3.17 42.6%
Japan is 42.6% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Singapore. 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 Singapore 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 Singapore

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Japan

Singapore

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.
  • 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 Singapore

Related comparisons

Courses to grow your money

Hand-picked, self-paced courses that pair well with our free tools.

Sponsored
Udemy Complete Personal Finance Course: Earn, Save and Invest A self-paced video course on budgeting, saving and investing, with practical lessons you can apply right away. View course Udemy Personal Finance 101: Budget, Save & Invest Do you ever feel like you’re working hard but not getting ahead? Do you get to the end of the month and wonder where all your money went?… View course Udemy 2025 Personal Finance Blueprint: Budget, Save, Invest & Grow Ready to take control of your financial future? This course is your all-in-one guide to building wealth with clarity and confidence—no… View course