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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.

💰 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 .

☀️ Current Weather

The weather in Kyoto is currently 19°C 🌧️, while Shanghai is experiencing 24°C 🌤️.

🛡️ Safety Comparison

Kyoto has a safety score of 95.0 , while Shanghai scores 79.0 .

Costs
$3,420
per month
Internet
90
Mbps
Weather
19° 🌧️
High today
Costs
$3,450
per month
Internet
100
Mbps
Weather
24° 🌤️
High today
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Overall Kyoto wins

61.0
Overall Score
57.0

Quality of Life Kyoto wins

95.0
Safety
79.0

Kyoto is 16% better

90.0
Healthcare
68.0

Kyoto is 22% better

Cost

32.0
Cost of Living
32.0

Climate Kyoto wins

83.0
Air Quality
29.0

Kyoto is 54% better

Infrastructure Kyoto wins

88.0
Internet Speed
74.0

Kyoto is 14% better

Social Shanghai wins

43.0
Nightlife
76.0

Shanghai is 33% better

98.0
Culture
83.0

Kyoto is 15% better

86.0
Food Scene
87.0

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 4.0% higher than Shanghai overall.

💰 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 (16% better)
  • Healthcare (22% better)
  • Air Quality (54% better)
  • Internet Speed (14% better)
  • Culture (15% better)
Shanghai Wins In:
  • Nightlife (33% better)

💡 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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