Side by side

Osaka vs Raleigh

Raleigh wins on more metrics — 3–4 on the 8 core metrics we track. Detail below.

Metric

Osaka

Raleigh

Cost of living

B vs A: -20%

60✓

Rent · 1BR center

B vs A: +56%

$900✓

$1,400

Effective tax (remote)

B vs A: -8%

25%

23%✓

Healthcare

B vs A: -11%

85✓

Safety

B vs A: -18%

88✓

Internet

B vs A: +25%

200

250✓

Climate

B vs A: +9%

82✓

Freedom

B vs A: ≈ same

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

Research Triangle anchor with affordable suburbs, strong public schools, and a fast-growing biotech and tech base.