Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo

MitoOverall winner

Chumphon is approximately 13% less expensive than Mito based on cost of living including rent. This makes Chumphon a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.

Chumphon has a FIRE Score of 76/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 60, which is relatively safe.

Recommended profile: Chumphon is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.

Side by side

Best in row

Thailand

Chumphon

Increased Caution
FIRE76

Japan

Mito

Normal Precautions
FIRE95
Cost
Cost of living index
35.8
-
One person, excluding rent
Best in row. $555/mo
$1,550/mo
Family of four, excluding rent
Best in row. $2,005/mo
$5,600/mo
Total monthly, rent included
$813/mo
Best in row. $786/mo
Monthly savings
$2,187/mo
Best in row. $2,214/mo
Housing
1BR, city centre
Best in row. $280
$316
1BR, outside centre
$446
Best in row. $316
3BR, city centre
$580
Best in row. $443
3BR, outside centre
Best in row. $365
$380
Scores
FIRE score
Best in row. 85/100
73/100
Nomad score
Best in row. 53/100
50/100
Retiree score
51/100
Best in row. 81/100
Overall score
76/100
Best in row. 95/100
Safety & infrastructure
Safety index
60
Best in row. 89.7
Internet speed
30 Mbps
Best in row. 200 Mbps
Walkability score
-
-

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

About these cities

About Mito

Mito is a brutally practical choice for anyone who wants Japan without Tokyo's price tag, and the numbers back that up. A one-bedroom runs a flat $316/mo whether you're in the center or not, and a three-bedroom outside the center is just $380/mo, which is absurdly cheap for a city of 271,000 people. The overall expat score of 95/100 and a FIRE score of 95/100 tell you this is a place to bank cash, not burn it, especially with a single person's non-rent costs at $650/mo and a cheap $6 meal on every corner. But don't come expecting to chat up locals in English, proficiency is limited, and the $6,667/mo income requirement for the digital nomad visa is a steep gate for a city where the comfortable tier total is only $2,100/mo.

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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Chumphon vs Mito -- Frequently Asked Questions

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