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Complete side-by-side comparison of Japan and Philippines for digital nomads and remote workers.
Philippines is 47% more affordable than Japan, with a cost of living index of 8 compared to 15 (NYC = 100). Japan scores higher on safety (78 vs 57/100). Japan has stronger healthcare infrastructure (index 80 vs 67).
NYC = 100 for cost indexes. Higher safety/healthcare = better. Lower pollution/traffic = better.
Philippines is the more budget-friendly destination with a cost of living index of 8 versus 15 for Japan (NYC baseline = 100). That's a 47% difference that adds up significantly over months of living abroad.
Rent is often the biggest expense: Philippines has a rent index of 20 compared to 33. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and dining follow a similar pattern.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $6.37 in Japan versus $4.10 in Philippines. These everyday costs paint the real picture of how far your money goes.
Japan ranks higher for safety with an index of 78/100, compared to 57/100 for Philippines. Both countries are generally safe for tourists and expats, though standard precautions apply in major cities.
Healthcare quality in Japan scores 80/100 versus 67/100 in Philippines. International health insurance is recommended regardless of your destination.
Air quality is notably better in Japan with a pollution index of 37 versus 72. This could be a deciding factor if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Japan has a higher GDP per capita at $33,810 versus $3,906 in Philippines. This reflects in the overall infrastructure, services, and cost levels you'll experience.
Japan uses the Japanese Yen (JPY) while Philippines uses the Philippine Peso (PHP). Both countries have widely available ATMs and increasing digital payment adoption in urban areas.
Japan has a more established digital nomad scene with 2 popular nomad cities, while Philippines offers 2 cities. Top picks in Japan include Osaka, Tokyo.
Getting around is easier in Japan with a traffic index of 140 compared to 180. Lower traffic means less time commuting and more flexibility in your daily routine.
Source: Numbeo (national averages, USD)
Philippines is 47% more affordable than Japan. The cost of living index is 8 vs 15 (NYC = 100), affecting rent, food, and daily expenses.
Japan has a higher safety index of 78/100 compared to 57/100. Both countries are generally safe for travelers, but exercise standard precautions in tourist-heavy areas.
Japan ranks higher for healthcare with an index of 80/100 versus 67/100. Modern hospitals and English-speaking doctors are available in major cities of both countries. International health insurance is recommended.
Japan has a more established digital nomad scene with 2 popular nomad cities compared to 2 in Philippines. The best choice depends on your priorities: cost, weather, visa terms, and community size.
Check the dedicated visa guide pages for each country to see current DN visa availability, duration, cost, and requirements. Visa policies can change, so always verify with official sources before traveling.