Cost of Living: Perth vs Tokyo (2026)
Australia vs Japan — relocation comparison
For the Kids
Schools, pediatric care, and whether your children can actually enroll
Sources: OECD PISA 2022 · Wikipedia · Numbeo · official health systems
Settler Essentials
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
The Short Version
- •Rent is 25% cheaper in Tokyo ($1359/mo vs $1821/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Perth (29°C vs 28°C).
- •Tokyo is safer by homicide rate (0.2 vs 0.8 per 100k).
- •English is easier to get by in Perth (95/100 vs 36/100 English proficiency).
Perth vs Tokyo — Common Questions
Is Perth cheaper than Tokyo?▾
Tokyo is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1359/month in Tokyo vs $1821/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Perth or Tokyo?▾
Tokyo is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Perth has a rate of 0.83 per 100,000 and Tokyo has 0.23 per 100,000.
Should I move to Perth or Tokyo?▾
Perth and Tokyo are almost suspiciously well-matched. Flip a coin. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.
Is it easier to get residency in Perth or Tokyo?▾
Perth: no specific remote work visa. Tokyo: Japan Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 6 months (no renewal)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Can I live in Perth or Tokyo without speaking the local language?▾
English is easier to get by in Perth (EF EPI score: 95/100) than in Tokyo (36/100). In Perth, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Tokyo, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.
Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.
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