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Osaka

Japan, Osaka

Japan's warmer, friendlier, cheaper second city. Same visa options as Tokyo with a more relaxed rhythm.

Humid subtropicalJPYJapanese2,700,000 people
The numbers

Cost, tax, and quality of life

Cost of living
Verified
75 idx
Numbeo Cost of Living Index · Jun 2026 ↗
Rent · 1BR center
Verified
$900 /mo
Numbeo Rent Prices · Jun 2026 ↗
Effective tax (remote)
Verified
25%
PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries · Jun 2026 ↗
Healthcare
Verified
85 idx
Numbeo Health Care Index · Jun 2026 ↗
Safety
Verified
88 idx
Numbeo Crime Index (inverted) · Jun 2026 ↗
Internet
Verified
200 Mbps
Ookla Speedtest Global Index · Jun 2026 ↗
Climate score
Verified
75 idx
Climate-Data.org · Jun 2026 ↗
Freedom
Verified
82 idx
Cato Human Freedom Index (2024) · Jun 2026 ↗
Visa pathways

How to legally live in Japan

JP-DNV · Short-Term Remote Work
Digital Nomad Visa
Min income $68,000
Processing 30-60 days

Japan's 2024 DNV — 6 months only, high income bar. For longer stays, look at Highly Skilled Professional.

  • Remote work for non-JP company
  • Min ¥10M (~$68k)
  • Health insurance
  • 6-month stay, non-renewable
  • +1 more

Visa info is research, not legal advice. Always verify with a licensed immigration professional before applying.

If price is the problem

Cheaper cities with a similar vibe

See all alternatives →
GE
Tbilisi
39% cheaper rent · 60% lower cost of living · same climate
Rent: $550/mo
Compare with Osaka →
US
Raleigh
20% lower cost of living · same climate
Rent: $1,400/mo
Compare with Osaka →
AR
Buenos Aires
39% cheaper rent · 52% lower cost of living · same climate
Rent: $550/mo
Compare with Osaka →
What's next

Compare Osaka against your situation

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