Lausanne vs Tokyo: cost of living for digital nomads
Lausanne, Switzerland and Tokyo, Japan, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Tokyo is about 27% cheaper than Lausanne for a month of nomad living ($2,800 vs $3,810).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,300 in Tokyo against $2,000 in Lausanne.
- Tokyo scores higher on safety (10/10 vs 9/10).
- Internet is faster in Lausanne: 250 Mbps typical against 230 Mbps.
- Both have a temperate climate.
Lausanne wins 2 of the measured lines; Tokyo wins 6.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Lausanne or Tokyo?
Tokyo is cheaper: about $2,800/month against $3,810/month in Lausanne, roughly 27% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Lausanne or Tokyo?
Tokyo scores higher on safety: 10/10 against 9/10 for Lausanne.
Which has faster internet, Lausanne or Tokyo?
Lausanne has faster typical internet: 250 Mbps against 230 Mbps in Tokyo.
| Line | Lausanne | Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $3,810 | $2,800 |
| Rent | $2,000 | $1,300 |
| Food | $800 | $650 |
| Transport | $100 | $120 |
| Coworking | $250 | $200 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 250 | 230 |
| Climate | temperate | temperate |
| City size | mid | metro |
| Setting | inland | coast |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 6/10 | 7/10 |
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Lausanne September 11, 2026, Tokyo October 31, 2026.