NLVNet Life Value

Moving from
to

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

The verdict

Japan is 44% more expensive. Tax rate goes from 28.7% to 24.5%. Quality of life improves by 4 points.

Japan registers a Quality of Life score of 66, surpassing Poland's 62, primarily driven by substantial gaps in key metrics. The most striking difference is in cost of living, where Poland's 75 points significantly outweigh Japan's 50, indicating a far more affordable lifestyle. Healthcare presents another major disparity; Japan scores 75, a full 24 points higher than Poland's 51. Internet infrastructure also shows a considerable divide, with Japan scoring 86 against Poland's 68. Furthermore, Japan boasts a higher safety rating (93 vs. 86) and a lower price level (88 vs. 53), making the cost-of-living gap even more pronounced.

Japan prevails due to its markedly superior healthcare and internet infrastructure, despite Poland's compelling advantage in cost of living.

Moving to Japan? NLV varies by city.

Tokyo44

Tax Comparison

At $29,932 USD equivalent gross salary

🇵🇱 Poland

Grosszł119,728
Income Tax-zł7,167
Social-zł27,190
Netzł85,370
Effective Rate28.7%

🇯🇵 Japan

Gross¥4,467,463
Income Tax-¥436,820
Social-¥658,951
Net¥3,371,692
Effective Rate24.5%

Net difference: +$1,248/year in Japan.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: Poland = 64, Japan = 92 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$4.10→$3.60
-12%
☕

Starbucks Tall Latte

$3.80→$4.00
+5%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$3.50→$5.50
+57%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$900.00→$850.00
-6%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$9.00→$10.50
+17%
⛽

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.50→$1.40
-7%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$1.00→$1.50
+50%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$50.00→$80.00
+60%
See all 30 products →

What Salary to Ask For

If you earn zł119,728 gross in Poland ($29,932USD), here's what you need in Japan depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

¥4,188,247

You keep the same $21,343/yr net in both countries. Japan taxes 4.6% less.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

¥6,020,605

Accounts for the fact that Japan is 44% more expensive than Poland. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $30K

🇵🇱 Poland

54

-5

🇯🇵 Japan

49

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

Poland: 62/100 vs Japan: 66/100

Cost of Living
75
50
-25
Climate
47
44
-3
Safety
86
93
+7
Healthcare
51
75
+24
Internet
68
86
+18
Taxation
35
47
+12

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 Poland to Japan?▾
The effective tax rate changes from 28.7% in Poland to 24.5% in Japan. You keep about $1,247.74 more per year in Japan.
Is Japan cheaper to live in than Poland?▾
No. Japan is about 44% more expensive across 30 everyday products. Budget accordingly.
What salary do I need in Japan to match my lifestyle in Poland?▾
Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between Poland and Japan. As a rule of thumb: you need a higher gross salary because Japan is more expensive.
Is it worth moving from Poland to Japan?▾
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