Montevideo vs Tokyo: cost of living for digital nomads

Montevideo, Uruguay 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

  • Montevideo is about 39% cheaper than Tokyo for a month of nomad living ($1,700 vs $2,800).
  • Rent is the biggest gap: $780 in Montevideo against $1,300 in Tokyo.
  • Tokyo scores higher on safety (10/10 vs 8/10).
  • Internet is faster in Tokyo: 230 Mbps typical against 100 Mbps.
  • Both have a temperate climate.

Montevideo wins 5 of the measured lines; Tokyo wins 2.

Frequently asked questions

Which city is cheaper, Montevideo or Tokyo?

Montevideo is cheaper: about $1,700/month against $2,800/month in Tokyo, roughly 39% less for a typical remote worker's budget.

Which city is safer, Montevideo or Tokyo?

Tokyo scores higher on safety: 10/10 against 8/10 for Montevideo.

Which has faster internet, Montevideo or Tokyo?

Tokyo has faster typical internet: 230 Mbps against 100 Mbps in Montevideo.

LineMontevideoTokyo
Monthly total (USD)$1,700$2,800
Rent$780$1,300
Food$450$650
Transport$45$120
Coworking$130$200
Safety (out of 10)8/1010/10
Internet (Mbps)100230
Climatetemperatetemperate
City sizemetrometro
Settingcoastcoast
Nomad score (out of 10)7/107/10

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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): Montevideo October 31, 2026, Tokyo November 11, 2026.