Favorable Living Environment

Japan is one of the most favorable countries to live in in the world. The island country has excellent public transportation and a safe living environment. It has rich cultural heritage, diverse geography, and seasonal variety. Alongside its history and traditional culture, with which many people are familiar, Japan has fantastic ski resorts, beautiful beaches, and many more diverse activities and attractions.

Fukuoka KYUSHU SHIKOKU Osaka KANSAI Hiroshima CHUGOKU Nagano CHUBU Yokohama Tokyo KANTO Fukushima Aomori TOHOKU Sapporo HOKKAIDO
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Japan consistently ranks highly
for life and work

According to the "Best Countries in the World" report by U.S. News and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, Japan ranked sixth in the world in 2023, behind Switzerland, Canada, Sweden, Australia, and the U.S.. Similarly, in 2023 the "Top Work Destinations" global survey conducted by Boston Consulting Group ranked Japan as sixth in the world, behind Australia, the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Germany.

Best Countries in the World 2023 - Japan Rankings

Top Work Destinations

Best Countries in the World 2023
- Japan Rankings

Best Countries in the World 2023 - Japan Rankings: Overall Rank: sixth; No Change in Rank from 2022; Overall score: 95.1 out of 100. Category, score, rank: adventure, 46.5, #30; agility, 86.3, #6; cultural influence, 80.8, #5; entrepreneurship, 95.2, #3; heritage, 80.8, #6; movers, 56.6, #11; open for business, 56.9, #37; power, 61.8, #8; quality of life, 69.6, #14; social purpose, 29.2, #23.

Top Work Destinations

Top Work Destinations Chart: 2020 Ranking: Canada, the U.S., Australia, Germany, the U.K., Japan, Switzerland, Singapore, France, New Zealand. 2023 Ranking: Australia, the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, Japan, Switzerland, Singapore, France, Spain.

Sources: “Best Countries,” U.S. News with BAV Group & Wharton School, 2023; “Decoding Global Talent” BCG, The Network, and The Stepstone Group, April 2024

Cost of Living in Japan

Although it is generally assumed that living expenses are an issue in Japan, this is not the case; living expenses, rent, and food prices are not as expensive as they are commonly thought to be.

Cost of Living Comparison (USD)

Eating out meal for 2, mid-range restaurant Rent 1-bedroom, city center Utilities basics, for 915 sqft apartment School for 1, International, primary New car Volkswagen Golf or similar
Cost of Living in Japan: Star plot comparing Cost of Living in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York, and London based on rent, utilities, school, new car, and eating out.
  • Japan

  • Hong Kong

  • Singapore

  • New York

  • London

*This chart compares living expenses, rent, food prices, and so on, in major financial cities. As the chart shows, Japan (blue) is not as expensive as it is commonly thought to be.