Tokyo vs Zurich: cost of living for digital nomads
Tokyo, Japan and Zurich, Switzerland, 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 34% cheaper than Zurich for a month of nomad living ($2,800 vs $4,240).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,300 in Tokyo against $2,300 in Zurich.
- Tokyo scores higher on safety (10/10 vs 9/10).
- Internet is faster in Zurich: 250 Mbps typical against 230 Mbps.
- Both have a temperate climate.
Tokyo wins 6 of the measured lines; Zurich wins 2.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Tokyo or Zurich?
Tokyo is cheaper: about $2,800/month against $4,240/month in Zurich, roughly 34% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Tokyo or Zurich?
Tokyo scores higher on safety: 10/10 against 9/10 for Zurich.
Which has faster internet, Tokyo or Zurich?
Zurich has faster typical internet: 250 Mbps against 230 Mbps in Tokyo.
| Line | Tokyo | Zurich |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $2,800 | $4,240 |
| Rent | $1,300 | $2,300 |
| Food | $650 | $850 |
| Transport | $120 | $110 |
| Coworking | $200 | $280 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 230 | 250 |
| Climate | temperate | temperate |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | coast | inland |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 6/10 |
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 October 31, 2026, Zurich September 11, 2026.