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Canada vs JapanSalaries & cost of living, compared

In Japan, the average salary is 45% lower than in Canada ($31,300 vs $57,000 a year). The overall cost of living is 26% lower. Once prices are taken into account, a typical salary stretches 26% less far in Canada — the number that actually shapes your standard of living.

Average salary / yr

Canada$57,000
Japan$31,300

Higher pay: Canada

Cost of living (US=100)

Canada84
Japan62.4

Pricier: Canada

Real purchasing power

Canada67857
Japan50160

Goes further: Canada

A $57,000 salary in Canada feels like about $76,731 in Japan once local prices apply.

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Frequently asked questions

Are salaries higher in Canada or Japan?

The average wage is higher in Canada — $57,000 versus $31,300 per year.

Is Canada or Japan more expensive to live in?

Canada has the higher overall cost of living — a price level of 84 versus 62.4 (United States = 100).

Where does your money go further, Canada or Japan?

After adjusting the average wage for local prices, real purchasing power is higher in Canada. 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.