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 30.2%. Quality of life drops 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 Italy? NLV varies by city.

Rome53Florence52Milan47

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%

🇮🇹 Italy

Gross€35,428
Income Tax-€7,085
Social-€3,610
Net€24,733
Effective Rate30.2%

Net difference: $1,364/year in Italy.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

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

🍔

Big Mac

$3.60→$5.20
+44%
☕

Starbucks Tall Latte

$4.00→$4.20
+5%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$5.50→$6.00
+9%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$850.00→$900.00
+6%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$10.50→$12.99
+24%
⛽

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.40→$1.90
+36%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$1.50→$2.00
+33%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$80.00→$85.00
+6%
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 Italy depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

€37,723

You keep the same $28,323/yr net in both countries. But Italy taxes 4.4% more.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

€36,493

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

Net Life Value at $39K

🇯🇵 Japan

55

-4

🇮🇹 Italy

51

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

Japan: 66/100 vs Italy: 63/100

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

Moving to Italy: Practicalities

Visa Openness

55/100

English Level

48/100

Expat Community

10.5%

Digital Nomad Visa

Available

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Japan to Italy?▾
The effective tax rate changes from 26.7% in Japan to 30.2% in Italy. You keep about $1,363.58 less per year in Italy.
Is Italy 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 Italy 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 Italy. As a rule of thumb: a similar gross salary should maintain your lifestyle.
Is it worth moving from Japan to Italy?▾
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