Cambodia vs Japan
Cambodia costs roughly 35% less than Japan, though Japan scores higher on both safety and healthcare, making it one of the more financially compelling destinations for Japan expats. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Cambodia is approximately 35% less expensive than Japan based on cost of living including rent. This makes Cambodia a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Cambodia has a FIRE Score of 98/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 52.7, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Cambodia is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Cambodia
A Healthcare Index of 25.8 rules this out for retirees with serious medical needs. Skip it if you need English-language ease too, proficiency is low. But budget-focused remote workers or younger retirees chasing sub-$1,000/month living, with rent from around $273 and a real digital nomad visa route, will find it hard to beat.
$2,008/mo
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About Japan
Safe, efficient, and financially punishing for anyone chasing early retirement. A 1BR in central Tokyo runs $531.81/mo, cheap by American standards, but progressive income tax up to ~55% (incl. local) erases most remote-work savings. No retirement visa exists, and the digital nomad route requires $6,667/mo income with zero path to permanent residency or citizenship without a long, difficult grind.
$1,638/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
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Country Details →Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Cambodia | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 1: Normal Precautions |
| Quality of Life Index | 93.8 | 185.2 +91.4 |
| Healthcare Index | 25.8 | 80 +54.2 |
| Safety Index | 52.7 | 77.1 +24.4 |
| Cost of Living Index | 33.9 +11.7 | 45.6 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $576.1 +254.2 | $830.3 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $2,072.5 +927.6 | $3,000.1 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $415.52 +116.29 | $531.81 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $272.75 +91.03 | $363.78 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $800 +480.64 | $1,280.64 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $523.2 +205.58 | $728.78 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 81.17 Mbps | 398.79 Mbps +317.6 |
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Income thresholds, fees, processing time and residency paths for Cambodia and Japan, side by side.
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