NLVNet Life Value

Moving from
to

Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.

The verdict

Cost of living is similar. Tax rate goes from 29.8% to 26.4%. Quality of life improves by 3 points.

Japan edges out Italy in Quality of Life (66/100 vs 63/100), with key score gaps highlighting distinct strengths and weaknesses. Japan demonstrates a significantly more favorable taxation environment (47 vs 26), a 21-point difference that impacts disposable income. Healthcare in Japan also surpasses Italy's (75 vs 62), indicating a more robust system. Italy, however, boasts a far superior climate score (63 vs 44), a considerable 19-point lead, making its average 14°C more appealing than Japan's 16°C. Japan also maintains a stronger safety rating (93 vs 85) and a lower overall cost of living perception (50 vs 66), despite similar price levels.

Japan emerges as the overall winner, mainly due to its stronger performance in healthcare, safety, and a significantly more favorable taxation system.

Moving to Japan? NLV varies by city.

Tokyo49

Tax Comparison

At $37,769 USD equivalent gross salary

🇮🇹 Italy

Gross€34,650
Income Tax-€6,813
Social-€3,531
Net€24,307
Effective Rate29.8%

🇯🇵 Japan

Gross¥5,637,164
Income Tax-¥655,519
Social-¥831,482
Net¥4,150,164
Effective Rate26.4%

Net difference: +$1,312/year in Japan.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: Italy = 89, Japan = 92 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$5.20→$3.60
-31%
☕

Starbucks Tall Latte

$4.20→$4.00
-5%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$6.00→$5.50
-8%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$900.00→$850.00
-6%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$12.99→$10.50
-19%
⛽

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.90→$1.40
-26%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$2.00→$1.50
-25%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$85.00→$80.00
-6%
See all 30 products →

What Salary to Ask For

If you earn €34,650 gross in Italy ($37,769USD), here's what you need in Japan depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

¥5,315,580

You keep the same $26,494/yr net in both countries. Japan taxes 4.2% less.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

¥5,494,757

Accounts for the fact that prices are similar in both countries. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $38K

🇮🇹 Italy

51

+4

🇯🇵 Japan

55

NLV combines net income, cost of living, and quality of life into one score. Similar overall quality of life in both countries.

Calculate with your exact salary →

Quality of Life

Italy: 63/100 vs Japan: 66/100

Cost of Living
66
50
-16
Climate
63
44
-19
Safety
85
93
+8
Healthcare
62
75
+13
Internet
73
86
+13
Taxation
26
47
+21

Moving to Japan: Practicalities

Visa Openness

40/100

English Level

40/100

Expat Community

2.3%

Digital Nomad Visa

Available

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Italy to Japan?▾
The effective tax rate changes from 29.8% in Italy to 26.4% in Japan. You keep about $1,311.84 more per year in Japan.
Is Japan cheaper to live in than Italy?▾
Cost of living is similar between the two countries (within 5% across 30 products).
What salary do I need in Japan to match my lifestyle in Italy?▾
Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between Italy and Japan. As a rule of thumb: a similar gross salary should maintain your lifestyle.
Is it worth moving from Italy to Japan?▾
It depends on your priorities. The financial difference is small. Consider quality of life, climate, healthcare, and personal factors.

Also Consider

🇮🇹 → 🇺🇸 United States🇮🇹 → 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇮🇹 → 🇫🇷 France🇮🇹 → 🇩🇪 Germany🇮🇹 → 🇪🇸 Spain🇮🇹 → 🇵🇹 Portugal