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.

Tokyo54

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

🇯🇵 Japan

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

-16

Climate

-19

Safety

Healthcare

+13

Internet

+13

Taxation

+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.

Italy vs Japan

Side-by-side comparison

Tax in Japan

Brackets & rates

Crypto Tax in Japan

Crypto gains by country

Cost of Living Japan

30 real prices

NLV in Japan

Net Life Value at $75K