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Kyoto vs Shanghai – Digital Nomad Guide

Trying to decide between Kyoto, Japan and Shanghai, China? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.

πŸ’° Cost of Living

Kyoto has a monthly cost of $3,420, which is 0.9% lower than Shanghai's $3,450.

🌐 Internet Infrastructure

For internet speeds, Kyoto offers 90 Mbps, while Shanghai provides 100 Mbps – making Shanghai's connection 11.1% faster .

β˜€οΈ Current Weather

The weather in Kyoto is currently 31°C 🌀️, while Shanghai is experiencing 33°C 🌀️.

πŸ›‘οΈ Safety Comparison

Kyoto has a safety score of 97.0 , while Shanghai scores 76.0 .

Costs
$3,420
per month
Internet
90
Mbps
Weather
31° 🌀️
High today
Costs
$3,450
per month
Internet
100
Mbps
Weather
33° 🌀️
High today
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Overall Kyoto wins

61.0
Overall Score
58.0

Quality of Life Kyoto wins

97.0 β˜…
Safety
76.0

Kyoto is 21% better

93.0 β˜…
Healthcare
70.0

Kyoto is 23% better

Cost

32.0
Cost of Living
31.0

Climate Kyoto wins

83.0 β˜…
Air Quality
29.0

Kyoto is 54% better

Infrastructure Kyoto wins

90.0 β˜…
Internet Speed
73.0

Kyoto is 17% better

Social Shanghai wins

42.0
Nightlife
β˜… 75.0

Shanghai is 33% better

97.0 β˜…
Culture
87.0

Kyoto is 10% better

88.0
Food Scene
90.0

Total Cost of Living Comparison

Category Kyoto Shanghai Difference
Monthly Total $3,420 $3,450 -0.9%
Daily Average $114 $115 per day

Housing

Item Kyoto Shanghai Difference
Apartment (1 bedroom) $750.00 per month $850.00 per month -11.8%

Daily Life

Item Kyoto Shanghai Difference
Coffee $3.50 per cup $2.50 per cup +40.0%
Beer $5.00 per pint $3.00 per pint +66.7%
Meal (Inexpensive) $8.00 per meal $4.00 per meal +100.0%

Transportation

Item Kyoto Shanghai Difference

Utilities

Item Kyoto Shanghai Difference
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Final Verdict: Kyoto vs Shanghai

Kyoto ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 3.0% higher than Shanghai overall.

πŸ’° Cost Analysis

  • Monthly Budget: $3,420 vs $3,450
  • Daily Expenses: $114 vs $115
  • Kyoto is 0.9% cheaper for digital nomads

🌐 Infrastructure

  • Internet Speed: Shanghai leads with 10% faster connection
  • Public Transport: Shanghai has better public transportation

🎯 Key Advantages

Kyoto Wins In:
  • Safety (21% better)
  • Healthcare (23% better)
  • Air Quality (54% better)
  • Internet Speed (17% better)
  • Culture (10% better)
Shanghai Wins In:
  • Nightlife (33% better)

πŸ’‘ Final Recommendation

Choose Kyoto if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Safety. However, Shanghai might be preferable if Safety is your top priority. Both cities offer unique advantages for digital nomads, with distinct trade-offs in cost of living, infrastructure, and lifestyle options.

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