Tokyo vs Utrecht: cost of living for digital nomads
Tokyo, Japan and Utrecht, Netherlands, 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
- Utrecht is about 6% cheaper than Tokyo for a month of nomad living ($2,645 vs $2,800).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,300 in Tokyo against $1,350 in Utrecht.
- Tokyo scores higher on safety (10/10 vs 8/10).
- Internet is faster in Tokyo: 230 Mbps typical against 200 Mbps.
- Both have a temperate climate.
Tokyo wins 3 of the measured lines; Utrecht wins 4.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Tokyo or Utrecht?
Utrecht is cheaper: about $2,645/month against $2,800/month in Tokyo, roughly 6% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Tokyo or Utrecht?
Tokyo scores higher on safety: 10/10 against 8/10 for Utrecht.
Which has faster internet, Tokyo or Utrecht?
Tokyo has faster typical internet: 230 Mbps against 200 Mbps in Utrecht.
| Line | Tokyo | Utrecht |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $2,800 | $2,645 |
| Rent | $1,300 | $1,350 |
| Food | $650 | $560 |
| Transport | $120 | $65 |
| Coworking | $200 | $180 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 230 | 200 |
| Climate | temperate | temperate |
| City size | metro | mid |
| Setting | coast | inland |
| 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): Tokyo November 11, 2026, Utrecht September 10, 2026.