Singapore vs Tokyo: cost of living for digital nomads
Singapore, Singapore 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 31% cheaper than Singapore for a month of nomad living ($2,800 vs $4,040).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,300 in Tokyo against $2,400 in Singapore.
- Tokyo scores higher on safety (10/10 vs 9/10).
- Internet is faster in Singapore: 280 Mbps typical against 230 Mbps.
- Singapore is tropical; Tokyo is temperate.
Singapore wins 2 of the measured lines; Tokyo wins 4.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Singapore or Tokyo?
Tokyo is cheaper: about $2,800/month against $4,040/month in Singapore, roughly 31% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Singapore or Tokyo?
Tokyo scores higher on safety: 10/10 against 9/10 for Singapore.
Which has faster internet, Singapore or Tokyo?
Singapore has faster typical internet: 280 Mbps against 230 Mbps in Tokyo.
| Line | Singapore | Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $4,040 | $2,800 |
| Rent | $2,400 | $1,300 |
| Food | $650 | $650 |
| Transport | $90 | $120 |
| Coworking | $280 | $200 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 280 | 230 |
| Climate | tropical | temperate |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | island | 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): Singapore September 11, 2026, Tokyo November 11, 2026.