Osaka is the direct rival to Tokyo, making it the perfect city to compare the average cost of living in Japan. Located in the heart of the Kansai region, this is a fantastic budget-friendly place to live, and it's great for its proximity to Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and Wakayama. Read on to find out how different the prices might be compared to the US and the UK.

Groceries
Milk (1L) ¥169 ($1.50 - £1.13)
Loaf of bread (500g) ¥156 ($1.39 - £1.05)
Apples (1kg) ¥500 ($4.44 - £3.35)
Beer (500mL bottle) ¥233 ($2.07 - £1.56)
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) ¥485 ($4.31 - £3.25)

Transportation
One-way ticket (local transport) ¥200 ($1.78 - £1.34)
Gasoline (1L) ¥126 ($1.12 - £0.84)

Monthly Utilities
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment ¥16,053 ($142.63 - £107.63)

Monthly Rent
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre ¥82,988 ($737.21 - £556.45)

Average Salaries
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) ¥258,486 ($2,296.19 - £1,733.22)

We now take a look at Birmingham, UK to compare a British city similar to Osaka in Japan.

To summarize the results below, if you're a non-smoker, then your average supermarket shop may not see much of a difference in costs, but Birmingham does come through as cheaper overall. However, the cost of public transportation along with its reliability once again goes to Japan with Osaka as the clear winner there. Your monthly utilities and rent tend to be more affordable in Osaka with your average salary also being a little higher. Taking everything into consideration (even for those who enjoy a cigarette from time to time), it is very clear that the more affordable of the two cities is: Osaka!

Groceries
Milk (1L) £0.94 - cheaper by £0.19
Loaf of bread (500g) £0.93 - cheaper by £0.75
Apples (1kg) £1.88 - cheaper by £1.47
Beer (500mL bottle) £1.43 - cheaper by £0.13
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) £9.25 - more expensive by £6.00

Transportation
One-way ticket (local transport) £2.40 - more expensive by £1.06
Gasoline (1L) £1.16 - more expensive by £0.32

Monthly Utilities
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment £144.98 - more expensive by £37.35

Monthly Rent
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre £662.50 - more expensive by £106.05

Average Salaries
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) £1,629.36 - receiving £103.86 less per month

Now we take a comparable city in the US to compare living costs. Let's see how Boston compares to Osaka in affordability.

From our breakdown listed below, the average cost of groceries averages out to be similar between the two cities (again, unless you are a smoker). Similarly, the cost of public transportation and gasoline do not show a large difference in cost. The cost of utilities is slightly cheaper in Osaka, which over the course of time adds up to be more affordable. However, the massive difference in cost comes down to the average monthly rent. Osaka is the clear winner here with the monthly rent showing a significant difference. Nevertheless, the cost is made up in Boston as you will receive a similar amount through your average salary. The average cost of living between the two is very similar, even when taking into account the rent and salary differences. Though it is a tight call, the slightly more affordable city due to the fact that the extra amount received in the salary not fully covering the extra needed for the rent, is: Osaka!

Groceries
Milk (1L) $0.80 - cheaper by $0.70
Loaf of bread (500g) $2.78 - more expensive by $1.39
Apples (1kg) $4.76 - more expensive by $0.32
Beer (500mL bottle) $1.99 - cheaper by $0.08
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) $10.59 - more expensive by $6.28

Transportation
One-way ticket (local transport) $2.50 - more expensive by $0.72
Gasoline (1L) $0.65 - cheaper by $0.47

Monthly Utilities
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment $151.83 - more expensive by $9.20

Monthly Rent
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre $2,536.61 - more expensive by $1,799.40

Average Salaries
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $4,033.14 - receiving $1736.95 more per month