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Osaka vs Shanghai – Digital Nomad Guide

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

💰 Cost of Living

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

🌐 Internet Infrastructure

For internet speeds, Osaka offers 100 Mbps, while Shanghai provides 100 Mbps making Shanghai's connection 0.0% faster .

☀️ Current Weather

The weather in Osaka is currently 20°C 🌤️, while Shanghai is experiencing 22°C 🌧️.

🛡️ Safety Comparison

Osaka has a safety score of 95.0 , while Shanghai scores 78.0 .

Costs
$3,420
per month
Internet
100
Mbps
Weather
20° 🌤️
High today
Costs
$3,450
per month
Internet
100
Mbps
Weather
22° 🌧️
High today
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Overall Osaka wins

62.0
Overall Score
57.0

Osaka is 5% better

Quality of Life Osaka wins

95.0
Safety
78.0

Osaka is 17% better

88.0
Healthcare
70.0

Osaka is 18% better

Cost

32.0
Cost of Living
31.0

Climate Osaka wins

63.0
Air Quality
29.0

Osaka is 34% better

Infrastructure Osaka wins

89.0
Internet Speed
69.0

Osaka is 20% better

Social Osaka wins

70.0
Nightlife
74.0
93.0
Culture
81.0

Osaka is 12% better

90.0
Food Scene
85.0

Osaka is 5% better

Total Cost of Living Comparison

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

Housing

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

Daily Life

Item Osaka 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 Osaka Shanghai Difference

Utilities

Item Osaka Shanghai Difference
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Final Verdict: Osaka vs Shanghai

Osaka ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 5.0% higher than Shanghai overall.

💰 Cost Analysis

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

🌐 Infrastructure

  • Internet Speed: Shanghai leads with 0% faster connection
  • Public Transport: Shanghai has better public transportation

🎯 Key Advantages

Osaka Wins In:
  • Overall Score (5% better)
  • Safety (17% better)
  • Healthcare (18% better)
  • Air Quality (34% better)
  • Internet Speed (20% better)
  • Culture (12% better)
  • Food Scene (5% better)
Shanghai Wins In:
  • No significant advantages found

💡 Final Recommendation

Choose Osaka if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Overall Score. However, Shanghai might be preferable if Overall Score 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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