Cost Comparison 2025

TokyovsEdmonton

Japan
Canada

Overall

💰

-24.4%

Tokyo is 24.4%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-40.0%

Housing is 40.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

+16.7%

Restaurants 16.7% pricier

Groceries

🛒

-29.1%

Food shopping 29.1% less

Comparing the cost of living between Tokyo, Japan and Edmonton, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Tokyo is more affordable than Edmonton by approximately 24.4%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Tokyo are higher than in Edmonton by 67%. A one-bedroom apartment in Tokyo's city center costs around ¥180,000, while the same in Edmonton is approximately CA$1,400.

Dining out in Tokyo offers significant savings compared to Edmonton. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs ¥1,000 in Tokyo versus CA$18 in Edmonton.

Public transportation in Tokyo is more expensive, with monthly passes at ¥10,000 compared to CA$100 in Edmonton.

Grocery shopping in Tokyo is more expensive by approximately 41%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Tokyo can expect to spend approximately ¥63,000 per month (excluding rent), while in Edmonton, the same lifestyle would cost around CA$695. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about ¥220,500 monthly in Tokyo versus CA$2,431 in Edmonton. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Tokyo, Japan
Edmonton, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
¥180,000
CA$1,400
1BR Outside Center
¥100,000
CA$1,100
3BR City Center
¥400,000
CA$2,400

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
¥1,000
CA$18
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
¥6,000
CA$80
Cappuccino
¥450
CA$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
¥500
CA$6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
¥200
CA$2
Bread (500g)
¥250
CA$3
Eggs (12)
¥300
CA$4
Cheese (1kg)
¥2,000
CA$14

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
¥200
CA$4
Monthly Pass
¥10,000
CA$100
Taxi Start
¥730
CA$4
Gasoline (1L)
¥170
CA$1

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
¥20,000
CA$200
Internet (60 Mbps)
¥4,000
CA$75
Mobile Minute
¥40
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Edmonton to Tokyo, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Tokyo to Edmonton requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Tokyo

Cost of Living Index90
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index95

Edmonton

Cost of Living Index68
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tokyo more expensive than Edmonton?

No, Tokyo is approximately 24.4% cheaper than Edmonton. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Tokyo compared to Edmonton?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 80% of your Edmonton salary when living in Tokyo. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Edmonton, you'd need about $40,179 in Tokyo for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Tokyo and Edmonton?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 67%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Edmonton offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Tokyo provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Tokyo if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Edmonton for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Tokyo vs Edmonton?

In Tokyo, a single person needs approximately ¥163,000 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about ¥470,500. In Edmonton, these figures are CA$1,795 for singles and CA$4,331 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Tokyo and Edmonton in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Edmonton to maintain your lifestyle from Tokyo

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers