City comparison

New York vs Tokyo

New York scores higher on salary; Tokyo has a lower cost of living. Compare New York and Tokyo on earnings, rent pressure, career opportunity, and 3-year financial impact.

Overall verdict

Tokyo scores higher overall

Tokyo is a step down on both savings and career opportunity

How they compare

If you want to save more

New YorkOverall fitTokyo
57 / 48+9 New
New YorkSavingsTokyo
50 / 38+12 New
New YorkCareerTokyo
90 / 60+30 New
New YorkLow pressureTokyo
46 / 66+20 Tokyo

If you want career growth

New YorkOverall fitTokyo
73 / 57+16 New
New YorkSavingsTokyo
50 / 38+12 New
New YorkCareerTokyo
90 / 60+30 New
New YorkLow pressureTokyo
46 / 66+20 Tokyo

If you want better balance

New YorkOverall fitTokyo
65 / 65
New YorkSavingsTokyo
50 / 38+12 New
New YorkCareerTokyo
90 / 60+30 New
New YorkLow pressureTokyo
46 / 66+20 Tokyo

Financial impact: moving from New York to Tokyo

Based on a representative $80,000 USD salary. Not tax-adjusted.

-$1,791
Monthly
-$21,492
1 year
-$64,476
3 years

Moving from New York to Tokyo: trade-offs

You gain

+Less financial pressure — lower rent-to-income ratio means more breathing room
+Better quality of life — Tokyo scores higher on lifestyle and liveability

You lose

Weaker savings potential — Tokyo is 12 points lower on savings capacity
-$1,791/mo estimated net reduction — $21,492 over the first year
Smaller career market — fewer top-tier roles and lower salary ceiling than your current city

New York

US
Salary index
86
Cost index
86
Rent pressure
54
Opportunity
92

Tokyo

JP
Salary index
46
Cost index
60
Rent pressure
34
Opportunity
68

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