Cost of Living: Japan vs Taiwan

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

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Japan is 8.1% more expensive than Taiwan. The biggest difference is in Household Utilities, where costs are 118.7% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Taiwan, you would spend about $108 in Japan for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Household Utilities 118.7%

Japan is 118.7% more expensive

Sports And Leisure 44.8%

Japan is 44.8% more expensive

Mobile and Internet 32.1%

Japan is 32.1% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 8.1%

Japan is 8.1% more expensive than Taiwan

Most Expensive Categories

  • Household Utilities +118.7%
  • Sports And Leisure +44.8%
  • Mobile and Internet +32.1%

Is Japan cheaper than Taiwan?

No, Taiwan is cheaper than Japan

Overall, living costs in Taiwan are 8.1% lower than in Japan.

Where Taiwan is cheaper:

  • Household Utilities 118.7% cheaper
  • Sports And Leisure 44.8% cheaper
  • Mobile and Internet 32.1% cheaper

Where Taiwan is more expensive:

  • Property Prices 38.1% more expensive
  • Transportation 34.4% more expensive
  • Clothing And Shoes 23.5% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Japan: 7.01 $ Taiwan: 5.01 $
39.9% more expensive in Japan

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Japan: 624.64 $ Taiwan: 521.15 $
19.9% more expensive in Japan

Monthly public transport pass

Japan: 58.97 $ Taiwan: 40.06 $
47.2% more expensive in Japan

1 liter of milk

Japan: 1.56 $ Taiwan: 3.21 $
51.4% cheaper in Japan

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Taiwan is indeed cheaper than Japan. You would spend approximately 8.1% on living expenses by choosing Taiwan over Japan. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

8.1%

Japan is 8.1% more expensive than Taiwan

Restaurants

10.5%

Japan is 10.5% more expensive than Taiwan in this category

Markets

22.1%

Japan is 22.1% more expensive than Taiwan in this category

Other Expenses

4.7%

Japan is 4.7% more expensive than Taiwan in this category

Transportation

34.4%

Japan is 34.4% cheaper than Taiwan in this category

Household Utilities

118.7%

Japan is 118.7% more expensive than Taiwan in this category

Mobile and Internet

32.1%

Japan is 32.1% more expensive than Taiwan in this category

Sports And Leisure

44.8%

Japan is 44.8% more expensive than Taiwan in this category

Childcare

12.6%

Japan is 12.6% cheaper than Taiwan in this category

Clothing And Shoes

23.5%

Japan is 23.5% cheaper than Taiwan in this category

Rent Per Month

6.6%

Japan is 6.6% more expensive than Taiwan in this category

Property Prices

38.1%

Japan is 38.1% cheaper than Taiwan in this category

Salaries And Financing

22.9%

Japan is 22.9% more expensive than Taiwan in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Japan Taiwan Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 7.01 $ 5.01 $ 39.9%
Japan is 39.9% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 35.03 $ 33.39 $ 4.9%
Japan is 4.9% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 5.61 $ 5.38 $ 4.3%
Japan is 4.3% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 3.36 $ 3.09 $ 8.7%
Japan is 8.7% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.12 $ 1.05 $ 6.7%
Japan is 6.7% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.82 $ 0.71 $ 15.5%
Japan is 15.5% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.94 $ 1.26 $ 25.4%
Japan is 25.4% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 2.32 $ 1.37 $ 69.3%
Japan is 69.3% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 8.42 $ 7.80 $ 7.9%
Japan is 7.9% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 11.20 $ 10.28 $ 8.9%
Japan is 8.9% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.04 $ 1.15 $ 77.4%
Japan is 77.4% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.56 $ 3.21 $ 51.4%
Japan is 51.4% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.59 $ 1.96 $ 18.9%
Japan is 18.9% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 4.51 $ 3.18 $ 41.8%
Japan is 41.8% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 2.24 $ 2.89 $ 22.5%
Japan is 22.5% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 12.14 $ 17.17 $ 29.3%
Japan is 29.3% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 6.92 $ 8.95 $ 22.7%
Japan is 22.7% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 17.18 $ 7.90 $ 117.5%
Japan is 117.5% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 5.37 $ 4.78 $ 12.3%
Japan is 12.3% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 2.62 $ 2.54 $ 3.1%
Japan is 3.1% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 4.78 $ 2.77 $ 72.6%
Japan is 72.6% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.84 $ 3.57 $ 35.6%
Japan is 35.6% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.85 $ 2.76 $ 3.3%
Japan is 3.3% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 2.65 $ 2.25 $ 17.8%
Japan is 17.8% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 1.39 $ 2.12 $ 34.4%
Japan is 34.4% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 58.97 $ 40.06 $ 47.2%
Japan is 47.2% more expensive
Cigarettes (20 pack) 4.20 $ 4.01 $ 4.7%
Japan is 4.7% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.54 $ 0.83 $ 85.5%
Japan is 85.5% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 4.20 $ 2.92 $ 43.8%
Japan is 43.8% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 3.15 $ 0.83 $ 279.5%
Japan is 279.5% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 23.82 $ 10.02 $ 137.7%
Japan is 137.7% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 1.22 $ 1.03 $ 18.4%
Japan is 18.4% more expensive
New Economy Car 23,415.29 $ 36,725.80 $ 36.2%
Japan is 36.2% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 17,953.06 $ 26,417.53 $ 32.0%
Japan is 32.0% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 178.92 $ 81.82 $ 118.7%
Japan is 118.7% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 27.25 $ 24.00 $ 13.5%
Japan is 13.5% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 35.66 $ 23.62 $ 51.0%
Japan is 51.0% more expensive
Gym Membership 60.05 $ 39.39 $ 52.4%
Japan is 52.4% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 15.69 $ 11.41 $ 37.5%
Japan is 37.5% more expensive
Movie Ticket 13.31 $ 10.68 $ 24.6%
Japan is 24.6% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 348.57 $ 559.80 $ 37.7%
Japan is 37.7% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 13,519.03 $ 15,306.70 $ 11.7%
Japan is 11.7% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 49.02 $ 66.18 $ 25.9%
Japan is 25.9% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 32.77 $ 33.04 $ 0.8%
Japan is 0.8% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 63.16 $ 89.56 $ 29.5%
Japan is 29.5% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 87.75 $ 115.60 $ 24.1%
Japan is 24.1% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 624.64 $ 521.15 $ 19.9%
Japan is 19.9% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 424.63 $ 364.14 $ 16.6%
Japan is 16.6% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,366.33 $ 1,260.66 $ 8.4%
Japan is 8.4% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 825.90 $ 894.36 $ 7.7%
Japan is 7.7% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,447.80 $ 9,875.04 $ 34.7%
Japan is 34.7% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 3,555.73 $ 6,289.99 $ 43.5%
Japan is 43.5% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,177.14 $ 1,770.90 $ 22.9%
Japan is 22.9% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 1.82 2.14 15.0%
Japan is 15.0% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

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

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Japan

  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Taiwan

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.

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 Taiwan

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