I’ve been thinking about this a lot and wanted to hear other perspectives. I’m originally from Germany and have been living in Tokyo for over four years now.
On paper, salaries in Germany and across Europe are often higher. I see it with my friends back home. They have good jobs and earn well. But when I compare everyday life, I honestly feel like the lifestyle I have here in Tokyo is better in many ways.
There is just so much to do without needing to spend much money. Between Tokyo and places like Yokohama, nearby beaches, parks, and just walking around different neighborhoods, it never really feels boring.
Food is a big difference as well. The variety here is huge, and you can eat really well for a reasonable price. Going out for food or coffee is something you can do regularly. In Germany, it often feels more like something you do occasionally because it is more expensive and the quality or service is not always on the same level.
What I also notice is the travel aspect. Yes, traveling back to Europe or the US from Japan is definitely more expensive. But I guess people who choose to live in Japan usually do so because they actually prefer being here or in Asia. For me personally, when I was still living in Germany, I used to spend a lot of money just to come to Japan once or twice a year. Now that I live here, I can travel to places like Korea or Taiwan much more easily and for a lot less money, which actually feels like a big advantage.
I am not even getting into work culture here, because that is a separate topic. But from my experience, if you manage to work in a foreign or more international company in Japan, many of the typical downsides can be reduced.
So I am curious how others see this. Especially people who have lived in both Europe and Japan. Do you also feel that the overall lifestyle in Tokyo is higher, even if salaries might be lower?
by LocalLand4883