Seattle
Tokyo

Seattle vs Tokyo — Cost of Living Comparison

Seattle
United States
VS
Tokyo
Japan
Similar cost of living

Seattle

$3,550

avg. monthly cost

Population

737,015

Safety

50/100

Quality

64/100

Cost
85
Safety
50
Life
64

Tokyo

$3,400

avg. monthly cost

Population

13,960,000

Safety

86/100

Quality

80/100

Cost
82
Safety
86
Life
80

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Similar cost of living

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Seattle

$3,550

estimated per month

Tokyo

$3,400

estimated per month

Difference

-4.2%

Monthly savings

$150

Yearly savings

$1,800

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$71,831

-$3,169/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemSeattleTokyoDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$2,500.00$1,150.00
-54.0%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,800.00$720.00
-60.0%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$4,800.00$2,650.00
-44.8%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$3,200.00$1,550.00
-51.6%
ItemSeattleTokyoDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$22.00$7.50
-65.9%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$95.00$45.00
-52.6%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$11.50$6.50
-43.5%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.30$2.10
+61.5%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$4.10$2.20
-46.3%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.80$4.50
-6.2%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$4.50$2.80
-37.8%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$13.50$8.50
-37.0%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.20$6.50
+25.0%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.75$3.80
+117.1%
ItemSeattleTokyoDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$99.00$100.00
+1.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.75$1.80
-34.5%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$2.60$4.50
+73.1%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$1.90$3.20
+68.4%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.20$1.35
+12.5%
ItemSeattleTokyoDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$170.00$195.00
+14.7%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$50.00$35.00
-30.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$65.00$40.00
-38.5%
ItemSeattleTokyoDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$230.00$35.00
-84.8%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$185.00$55.00
-70.3%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$48.00$15.00
-68.7%
ItemSeattleTokyoDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$55.00$75.00
+36.4%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$15.50$13.00
-16.1%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$5.25$4.20
-20.0%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$8.00$5.00
-37.5%
ItemSeattleTokyoDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$52.00$65.00
+25.0%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$40.00$38.00
-5.0%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$90.00$85.00
-5.6%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Seattle vs Tokyo

Is Seattle or Tokyo more expensive?
Seattle is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 85 compared with 82 for Tokyo.
How much cheaper is Tokyo than Seattle?
Living in Tokyo is around 4% cheaper than Seattle, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Seattle and Tokyo?
Seattle scores 85 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Tokyo scores 82 — where New York City equals 100.