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Australia vs JapanSalaries & cost of living, compared

In Japan, the average salary is 52% lower than in Australia ($31,300 vs $65,000 a year). The overall cost of living is 31% lower. Once prices are taken into account, a typical salary stretches 30% less far in Australia — the number that actually shapes your standard of living.

Average salary / yr

Australia$65,000
Japan$31,300

Higher pay: Australia

Cost of living (US=100)

Australia90.2
Japan62.4

Pricier: Australia

Real purchasing power

Australia72062
Japan50160

Goes further: Australia

A $65,000 salary in Australia feels like about $93,958 in Japan once local prices apply.

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Frequently asked questions

Are salaries higher in Australia or Japan?

The average wage is higher in Australia — $65,000 versus $31,300 per year.

Is Australia or Japan more expensive to live in?

Australia has the higher overall cost of living — a price level of 90.2 versus 62.4 (United States = 100).

Where does your money go further, Australia or Japan?

After adjusting the average wage for local prices, real purchasing power is higher in Australia. That is usually the number that matters most for day-to-day life.

Salaries use OECD average wages; cost of living uses World Bank price levels (2026-07-25). India's wage is an estimate. Figures are ballpark for comparison, not precise.