London vs Tokyo: cost of living for digital nomads
London, United Kingdom 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 London for a month of nomad living ($2,800 vs $3,830).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,300 in Tokyo against $2,100 in London.
- Tokyo scores higher on safety (10/10 vs 7/10).
- Internet is faster in Tokyo: 230 Mbps typical against 220 Mbps.
- Both have a temperate climate.
London wins 0 of the measured lines; Tokyo wins 7.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, London or Tokyo?
Tokyo is cheaper: about $2,800/month against $3,830/month in London, roughly 27% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, London or Tokyo?
Tokyo scores higher on safety: 10/10 against 7/10 for London.
Which has faster internet, London or Tokyo?
Tokyo has faster typical internet: 230 Mbps against 220 Mbps in London.
| Line | London | Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $3,830 | $2,800 |
| Rent | $2,100 | $1,300 |
| Food | $700 | $650 |
| Transport | $180 | $120 |
| Coworking | $250 | $200 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 7/10 | 10/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 220 | 230 |
| Climate | temperate | temperate |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | inland | coast |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 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): London September 11, 2026, Tokyo October 31, 2026.