NLVNet Life Value

Moving from
to

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

The verdict

Ireland is 11% more expensive. Tax rate goes from 26.7% to 27.0%. Quality of life drops by 4 points.

Ireland and Japan present a study in contrasting lifestyle priorities, despite Japan's slight lead in overall Quality of Life at 66/100 compared to Ireland's 62/100. A critical divergence emerges in healthcare, where Japan’s score of 75 significantly outpaces Ireland’s 55, a 20-point difference suggesting superior medical infrastructure or access. Internet quality also sees a substantial gap, with Japan at 86 and Ireland at 70. However, Ireland offers a more favorable cost of living, scoring 57 to Japan's 50, reflecting Ireland's price level of 115 versus Japan's 88, indicating Japan is comparatively cheaper. Both nations register identical high safety scores of 93, yet Ireland's taxation burden (53) is higher than Japan's (47), adding another layer to the cost equation.

Japan emerges as the stronger option due to its significantly better healthcare and internet infrastructure, alongside a more favorable cost of living profile.

Moving to Ireland? NLV varies by city.

Dublin44

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%

🇮🇪 Ireland

Gross€35,428
Income Tax-€3,336
Social-€6,244
Net€25,849
Effective Rate27.0%

Net difference: $148/year in Ireland.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: Japan = 92, Ireland = 102 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$3.60→$5.70
+58%
☕

Starbucks Tall Latte

$4.00→$5.00
+25%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$5.50→$7.50
+36%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$850.00→$900.00
+6%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$10.50→$14.00
+33%
⛽

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.40→$1.80
+29%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$1.50→$2.50
+67%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$80.00→$115.00
+44%
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 Ireland depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

€35,705

You keep the same $28,323/yr net in both countries. But Ireland taxes 0.5% more.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

€39,586

Accounts for the fact that Ireland is 11% more expensive than Japan. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $39K

🇯🇵 Japan

55

-9

🇮🇪 Ireland

46

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 Ireland: 62/100

Cost of Living
50
57
+7
Climate
44
38
-6
Safety
93
93
0
Healthcare
75
55
-20
Internet
86
70
-16
Taxation
47
53
+6

Moving to Ireland: Practicalities

Visa Openness

55/100

English Level

100/100

Expat Community

17.6%

Digital Nomad Visa

No

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Japan to Ireland?▾
The effective tax rate changes from 26.7% in Japan to 27.0% in Ireland. You keep about $147.61 less per year in Ireland.
Is Ireland cheaper to live in than Japan?▾
No. Ireland is about 11% more expensive across 30 everyday products. Budget accordingly.
What salary do I need in Ireland 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 Ireland. As a rule of thumb: you need a higher gross salary because Ireland is more expensive.
Is it worth moving from Japan to Ireland?▾
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