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 26.7% to 34.7%. Quality of life drops by 2 points.

Japan achieves a marginally higher Quality of Life score at 66/100 compared to Germany's 64/100. A key differentiator lies in taxation, where Germany's score of 27 indicates a much higher tax burden than Japan's 47. Japan also presents a more favorable cost of living profile, scoring 50 against Germany's 63, despite Germany having a higher price level (94 vs Japan's 88). Safety is marginally better in Japan (93 vs 89), and its healthcare system is also rated slightly higher (75 vs 73). While Germany's climate score is 46 (10°C), Japan’s is 44 (16°C), indicating a warmer average temperature.

Japan slightly outperforms Germany, primarily due to its lower taxation and favorable cost of living, alongside superior safety and healthcare.

Moving to Germany? NLV varies by city.

Berlin48Munich46

Tax Comparison

At $38,617 USD equivalent gross salary

🇯🇵 Japan

Gross¥5,763,731
Income Tax-¥686,320
Social-¥850,150
Net¥4,227,261
Effective Rate26.7%

🇩🇪 Germany

Gross€35,428
Income Tax-€4,765
Social-€7,520
Net€23,144
Effective Rate34.7%

Net difference: $3,096/year in Germany.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: Japan = 92, Germany = 93 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$3.60→$5.50
+53%
☕

Starbucks Tall Latte

$4.00→$4.70
+18%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$5.50→$5.00
-9%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$850.00→$900.00
+6%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$10.50→$13.49
+28%
⛽

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.40→$1.80
+29%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$1.50→$3.00
+100%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$80.00→$90.00
+13%
See all 30 products →

What Salary to Ask For

If you earn ¥5,763,731 gross in Japan ($38,617USD), here's what you need in Germany depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

€40,546

You keep the same $28,323/yr net in both countries. But Germany taxes 9.3% more.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

€40,987

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

Net Life Value at $39K

🇯🇵 Japan

55

-8

🇩🇪 Germany

47

NLV combines net income, cost of living, and quality of life into one score. Your overall quality of life may decrease — but other factors (visa, climate, lifestyle) might compensate.

Calculate with your exact salary →

Quality of Life

Japan: 66/100 vs Germany: 64/100

Cost of Living
50
63
+13
Climate
44
46
+2
Safety
93
89
-4
Healthcare
75
73
-2
Internet
86
82
-4
Taxation
47
27
-20

Moving to Germany: Practicalities

Visa Openness

60/100

English Level

64/100

Expat Community

18.8%

Digital Nomad Visa

No

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Japan to Germany?▾
The effective tax rate changes from 26.7% in Japan to 34.7% in Germany. You keep about $3,096.06 less per year in Germany.
Is Germany cheaper to live in than Japan?▾
Cost of living is similar between the two countries (within 5% across 30 products).
What salary do I need in Germany to match my lifestyle in Japan?▾
Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between Japan and Germany. As a rule of thumb: a similar gross salary should maintain your lifestyle.
Is it worth moving from Japan to Germany?▾
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🇯🇵 → 🇪🇸 Spain🇯🇵 → 🇵🇹 Portugal🇯🇵 → 🇮🇹 Italy