NLVNet Life Value

Moving from
to

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

The verdict

United States is 9% more expensive. Tax rate goes from 26.7% to 16.2%. Quality of life drops by 3 points.

The QoL comparison between Japan (66) and the United States (63) is relatively close, but key differences emerge upon deeper inspection. Japan distinguishes itself prominently in safety, achieving a score of 93 against the US's 62, a significant 31-point differential that reflects a much lower perceived crime rate. Healthcare also shows Japan's strength, scoring 75 compared to the US's 59, a 16-point gap indicating more accessible or higher-quality medical services. While the US offers a more temperate climate score of 64 versus Japan's 44, the cost of living is notably higher in the US (price level 100) than in Japan (price level 88). Taxation policies lean towards the US at 63, compared to Japan's 47.

Japan holds a slight edge over the United States, predominantly driven by its substantially higher safety rating and more robust healthcare system, offering a more secure living environment.

Moving to United States? NLV varies by city.

Austin46Los Angeles45New York41San Francisco41

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%

🇺🇸 United States

Gross$38,617
Income Tax-$3,301
Social-$2,954
Net$32,362
Effective Rate16.2%

Net difference: +$4,039/year in United States.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: Japan = 92, United States = 100 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$3.60→$5.69
+58%
☕

Starbucks Tall Latte

$4.00→$5.50
+38%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$5.50→$7.00
+27%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$850.00→$799.00
-6%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$10.50→$15.49
+48%
⛽

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.40→$0.95
-32%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$1.50→$2.75
+83%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$80.00→$120.00
+50%
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 United States depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

$33,312

You keep the same $28,323/yr net in both countries. United States taxes 11.6% less.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

$36,209

Accounts for the fact that United States is 9% more expensive than Japan. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $39K

🇯🇵 Japan

55

-9

🇺🇸 United States

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 United States: 63/100

Cost of Living
50
59
+9
Climate
44
64
+20
Safety
93
62
-31
Healthcare
75
59
-16
Internet
86
76
-10
Taxation
47
63
+16

Moving to United States: Practicalities

Visa Openness

45/100

English Level

100/100

Expat Community

15.3%

Digital Nomad Visa

No

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Japan to United States?▾
The effective tax rate changes from 26.7% in Japan to 16.2% in United States. You keep about $4,039.07 more per year in United States.
Is United States cheaper to live in than Japan?▾
No. United States is about 9% more expensive across 30 everyday products. Budget accordingly.
What salary do I need in United States 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 United States. As a rule of thumb: a similar gross salary should maintain your lifestyle.
Is it worth moving from Japan to United States?▾
It depends on your priorities. You save on taxes but United States is more expensive to live in. The net benefit depends on your spending pattern.

Also Consider

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