⚖️ City comparison
Beijing vs Osaka
Beijing (China) and Osaka (Japan), compared on what matters when you move from the US: cost, weather, safety, internet, visas and tax.
The short version
- Osaka is 6% cheaper: $1,524 vs $1,617 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Osaka: $768 vs $1,030 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Beijing has more pleasant weather: 5 pleasant months a year vs 4.
- Osaka is warmer: highs average 4°F more across the year (coldest-month high 49°F vs 37°F in Beijing; hottest 94°F vs 94°F).
- Residents rate Beijing safer: a safety index of 74 vs 67 out of 100 (Numbeo survey).
- Internet is faster in Beijing: 346 vs 254 Mbps median download.
- The air is cleaner in Osaka: PM2.5 of 11.4 vs 26.8 µg/m³ a year.
- China has no nomad visa; Japan has a nomad visa ($5,299/mo).
Side by side
| Measure | 🇨🇳 Beijing | 🇯🇵 Osaka |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 79 | 76 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $1,617 | $1,524 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $1,030 | $768 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $588 | $756 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 5 | 4 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 37–94°F | 49–94°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 74/100 (residents) | 67/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 346 Mbps | 254 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 26.8 µg/m³ | 11.4 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | Low (EF) | Very low (EF) |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | Very high | Very high |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | Moderate | Very high |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | Moderate | Moderate |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | ~11h to Seattle | ~10h to Seattle |
| 🕘 US work-hour overlap | 0 h | 0 h |
| 🗓️ Visa-free stay (US passport) | Visa needed | 90 days |
| 🛂 Nomad visa | No nomad visa | Digital Nomad Visa (2024) |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide, with relief for newcomers, top 45% | 🟡 Moderate · Worldwide, with relief for newcomers, top 45% |
Best months to be there
🇨🇳 Beijing
3 best months
🇯🇵 Osaka
3 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Beijing climate · Osaka climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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