Cost of Living: Japan vs Vietnam

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

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Japan is 98.9% more expensive than Vietnam. The biggest difference is in Salaries And Financing, where costs are 388.0% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Vietnam, you would spend about $199 in Japan for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 388.0%

Japan is 388.0% more expensive

Mobile and Internet 331.2%

Japan is 331.2% more expensive

Other Expenses 211.1%

Japan is 211.1% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 98.9%

Japan is 98.9% more expensive than Vietnam

Most Expensive Categories

  • Salaries And Financing +388.0%
  • Mobile and Internet +331.2%
  • Other Expenses +211.1%

Is Japan cheaper than Vietnam?

No, Vietnam is cheaper than Japan

Overall, living costs in Vietnam are 98.9% lower than in Japan.

Where Vietnam is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 388.0% cheaper
  • Mobile and Internet 331.2% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 211.1% cheaper

Where Vietnam is more expensive:

  • Transportation 39.9% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Japan: 7.01 $ Vietnam: 1.93 $
263.2% more expensive in Japan

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Japan: 624.64 $ Vietnam: 363.93 $
71.6% more expensive in Japan

Monthly public transport pass

Japan: 58.97 $ Vietnam: 7.72 $
663.9% more expensive in Japan

1 liter of gasoline

Japan: 1.22 $ Vietnam: 0.89 $
37.1% more expensive in Japan

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Vietnam is indeed cheaper than Japan. You would spend approximately 98.9% on living expenses by choosing Vietnam over Japan. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

98.9%

Japan is 98.9% more expensive than Vietnam

Restaurants

84.7%

Japan is 84.7% more expensive than Vietnam in this category

Markets

178.4%

Japan is 178.4% more expensive than Vietnam in this category

Other Expenses

211.1%

Japan is 211.1% more expensive than Vietnam in this category

Transportation

39.9%

Japan is 39.9% cheaper than Vietnam in this category

Household Utilities

152.8%

Japan is 152.8% more expensive than Vietnam in this category

Mobile and Internet

331.2%

Japan is 331.2% more expensive than Vietnam in this category

Sports And Leisure

164.8%

Japan is 164.8% more expensive than Vietnam in this category

Childcare

8.9%

Japan is 8.9% more expensive than Vietnam in this category

Clothing And Shoes

0.2%

Japan is 0.2% more expensive than Vietnam in this category

Rent Per Month

70.0%

Japan is 70.0% more expensive than Vietnam in this category

Property Prices

118.8%

Japan is 118.8% more expensive than Vietnam in this category

Salaries And Financing

388.0%

Japan is 388.0% more expensive than Vietnam in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Japan Vietnam Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 7.01 $ 1.93 $ 263.2%
Japan is 263.2% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 35.03 $ 21.22 $ 65.1%
Japan is 65.1% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 5.61 $ 4.63 $ 21.2%
Japan is 21.2% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 3.36 $ 1.70 $ 97.6%
Japan is 97.6% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.12 $ 0.48 $ 133.3%
Japan is 133.3% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.82 $ 0.28 $ 192.9%
Japan is 192.9% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.94 $ 0.50 $ 88.0%
Japan is 88.0% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 8.42 $ 3.00 $ 180.7%
Japan is 180.7% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.56 $ 1.42 $ 9.9%
Japan is 9.9% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.59 $ 0.93 $ 71.0%
Japan is 71.0% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 4.51 $ 0.93 $ 384.9%
Japan is 384.9% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 2.24 $ 1.49 $ 50.3%
Japan is 50.3% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 12.14 $ 11.93 $ 1.8%
Japan is 1.8% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 6.92 $ 3.71 $ 86.5%
Japan is 86.5% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 17.18 $ 9.11 $ 88.6%
Japan is 88.6% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 5.37 $ 2.81 $ 91.1%
Japan is 91.1% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 2.62 $ 1.05 $ 149.5%
Japan is 149.5% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 4.78 $ 1.37 $ 248.9%
Japan is 248.9% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.84 $ 1.09 $ 344.0%
Japan is 344.0% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.85 $ 1.14 $ 150.0%
Japan is 150.0% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 2.65 $ 1.15 $ 130.4%
Japan is 130.4% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 1.39 $ 0.71 $ 95.8%
Japan is 95.8% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 58.97 $ 7.72 $ 663.9%
Japan is 663.9% more expensive
Cigarettes (20 pack) 4.20 $ 1.35 $ 211.1%
Japan is 211.1% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.54 $ 0.31 $ 396.8%
Japan is 396.8% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 4.20 $ 0.73 $ 475.3%
Japan is 475.3% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 3.15 $ 0.62 $ 408.1%
Japan is 408.1% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 23.82 $ 3.18 $ 649.1%
Japan is 649.1% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 1.22 $ 0.89 $ 37.1%
Japan is 37.1% more expensive
New Economy Car 23,415.29 $ 35,888.69 $ 34.8%
Japan is 34.8% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 17,953.06 $ 33,027.09 $ 45.6%
Japan is 45.6% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 178.92 $ 70.78 $ 152.8%
Japan is 152.8% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 27.25 $ 5.60 $ 386.6%
Japan is 386.6% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 35.66 $ 8.99 $ 296.7%
Japan is 296.7% more expensive
Gym Membership 60.05 $ 21.32 $ 181.7%
Japan is 181.7% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 15.69 $ 8.45 $ 85.7%
Japan is 85.7% more expensive
Movie Ticket 13.31 $ 3.86 $ 244.8%
Japan is 244.8% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 348.57 $ 239.08 $ 45.8%
Japan is 45.8% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 13,519.03 $ 12,491.50 $ 8.2%
Japan is 8.2% more expensive
1 Pair of Jeans 49.02 $ 36.69 $ 33.6%
Japan is 33.6% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 32.77 $ 24.64 $ 33.0%
Japan is 33.0% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 63.16 $ 89.86 $ 29.7%
Japan is 29.7% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 87.75 $ 80.94 $ 8.4%
Japan is 8.4% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 624.64 $ 363.93 $ 71.6%
Japan is 71.6% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 424.63 $ 247.34 $ 71.7%
Japan is 71.7% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,366.33 $ 779.11 $ 75.4%
Japan is 75.4% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 825.90 $ 515.86 $ 60.1%
Japan is 60.1% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,447.80 $ 2,943.61 $ 119.0%
Japan is 119.0% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 3,555.73 $ 1,629.40 $ 118.2%
Japan is 118.2% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,177.14 $ 437.12 $ 398.1%
Japan is 398.1% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 1.82 9.41 80.7%
Japan is 80.7% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

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

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.
  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Vietnam

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 Vietnam

Related comparisons