Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo

Kyoto is approximately less expensive than Aichi based on cost of living including rent. This makes Kyoto a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.

Kyoto has a FIRE Score of N/A/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is N/A, suggesting moderate safety levels.

Recommended profile: Kyoto is best suited for digital nomads who prioritize experience over savings.

Side by side

Best in row

Japan

Aichi

Normal Precautions
Nomad73

Japan

Kyoto

Normal Precautions
Nomad63
Cost
Cost of living index
72.1
-
One person, excluding rent
Best in row. $1,118/mo
$1,550/mo
Family of four, excluding rent
Best in row. $4,038/mo
$5,600/mo
Total monthly, rent included
$806/mo
-
Monthly savings
$2,194/mo
Best in row. $3,000/mo
Housing
1BR, city centre
$401
-
1BR, outside centre
$295
-
3BR, city centre
$949
-
3BR, outside centre
$633
-
Scores
FIRE score
77/100
-
Nomad score
22/100
Best in row. 50/100
Retiree score
Best in row. 66/100
56/100
Overall score
Best in row. 73/100
63/100
Safety & infrastructure
Safety index
85
-
Internet speed
Best in row. 200 Mbps
88 Mbps
Walkability score
-
-

Estimates from published local prices. N/A means no figure is published for that city.

About these cities

About Aichi

Aichi is a quietly excellent value play for expats who want Japan without Tokyo prices: a city-center one-bedroom runs $401/mo, utilities $97/mo, and a transport pass $51/mo, all against a cost of living index of 72/100. The catch is income, since the average local net salary of $1,596/mo is modest and English proficiency is limited, so remote workers earning abroad get far more out of the place than job seekers hunting locally. Add a safety index of 85/100, excellent healthcare, and 200 Mbps internet, and the practical case is strong. Retirees may find it slightly less compelling at a 66/100 score, but for digital nomads and FIRE-minded savers, Aichi delivers.

About Japan

Safe, efficient, and financially punishing for anyone chasing early retirement. A 1BR in central Tokyo runs $531.81/mo, cheap by American standards, but progressive income tax up to ~55% (incl. local) erases most remote-work savings. No retirement visa exists, and the digital nomad route requires $6,667/mo income with zero path to permanent residency or citizenship without a long, difficult grind.

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Aichi vs Kyoto -- Frequently Asked Questions

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