Moving from San Francisco to Tokyo (2026)
Tokyo has a COL index of 86 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). You'd pay about 56% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Tokyo to match your San Francisco lifestyle
Based on the 56% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in Tokyo |
|---|---|
| $40K | $17,629 |
| $50K | $22,036 |
| $60K | $26,443 |
| $75K | $33,054 |
| $80K | $35,258 |
| $100K | $44,072 |
| $120K | $52,887 |
| $150K | $66,108 |
Adjust your salary
Monthly budget at $75K — San Francisco vs Tokyo
| Expense | San Francisco | Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $3,491 |
| 1BR rent | $3,600 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $448 | $380 |
| Transport | $100 | $150 |
| Utilities | $160 | $90 |
| Internet | $70 | $30 |
| Left after essentials | $-219 | $1,641 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $2,528 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in San Francisco — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tokyo cheaper than San Francisco?
Yes. Tokyo has a cost of living index of 86 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). That's about 56% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from San Francisco to Tokyo?
On a $75K salary, moving from San Francisco to Tokyo saves roughly $1,731/month on core expenses. That's ~$20,772/year.
What salary do I need in Tokyo to match my San Francisco lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in San Francisco, you'd need roughly $33,054/year in Tokyo. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only