⚖️ City comparison
Osaka vs Shanghai
Osaka (Japan) and Shanghai (China), compared on what matters when you move from the US: cost, weather, safety, internet, visas and tax.
The short version
- They cost about the same: $1,524 vs $1,567 a month all-in.
- Rent is lower in Osaka: $768 vs $950 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Shanghai has more pleasant weather: 5 pleasant months a year vs 4.
- Similar temperatures: coldest-month highs 49°F vs 50°F, hottest 94°F vs 94°F.
- Residents rate Shanghai safer: a safety index of 74 vs 67 out of 100 (Numbeo survey).
- Internet is faster in Shanghai: 439 vs 254 Mbps median download.
- The air is cleaner in Osaka: PM2.5 of 11.4 vs 26.9 µg/m³ a year.
- Japan has a nomad visa ($5,299/mo); China has no nomad visa.
Side by side
| Measure | 🇯🇵 Osaka | 🇨🇳 Shanghai |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 76 | 80 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $1,524 | $1,567 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $768 | $950 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $756 | $617 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 4 | 5 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 49–94°F | 50–94°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 67/100 (residents) | 74/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 254 Mbps | 439 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 11.4 µg/m³ | 26.9 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | Very low (EF) | Low (EF) |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | Very high | Very high |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | Very high | Moderate |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | Moderate | Moderate |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | ~10h to Seattle | ~11.5h to Seattle |
| 🕘 US work-hour overlap | 0 h | 0 h |
| 🗓️ Visa-free stay (US passport) | 90 days | Visa needed |
| 🛂 Nomad visa | Digital Nomad Visa (2024) | No nomad visa |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | 🟡 Moderate · Worldwide, with relief for newcomers, top 45% | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide, with relief for newcomers, top 45% |
Best months to be there
🇯🇵 Osaka
3 best months
🇨🇳 Shanghai
3 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Osaka climate · Shanghai climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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