Compare countries · Japan vs Singapore
Japan vs Singapore
Across 13 comparable indicators: Japan leads on 5, Singapore on 6, 2 effectively tied. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Japan
47.5
Worse than 61% of countries
Singapore
87.7
Worse than 97% of countries
Japan: 46% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Japan
14.7
Around the global middle
Singapore
73.1
Worse than 99% of countries
Japan: 80% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
Japan
1.40
Better than 93% of countries
Singapore
1.36
Better than 94% of countries
Singapore: more peaceful (1.36 vs 1.40).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
Japan
77.2
Better than 93% of countries
Singapore
77.5
Better than 94% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
Japan
0.920
Better than 88% of countries
Singapore
0.949
Better than 96% of countries
Singapore: higher human development (0.949 vs 0.920).
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
Japan
$55,422
Better than 79% of countries
Singapore
$163,354
Better than 99% of countries
Singapore: 195% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
Japan
84.0 yrs
Better than 95% of countries
Singapore
83.3 yrs
Better than 93% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
Japan
80.1
Better than 96% of countries
Singapore
71.9
Better than 74% of countries
Japan: better-rated healthcare (80.1 vs 71.9).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
Japan
256 Mbps
Better than 89% of countries
Singapore
421 Mbps
Better than 99% of countries
Singapore: 64% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
Japan
63/100
Better than 65% of countries
Singapore
45/100
Worse than 69% of countries
Japan: freer press (63 vs 45 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
Japan
6.13
Better than 58% of countries
Singapore
6.58
Better than 76% of countries
Singapore: happier on the Cantril ladder (6.58 vs 6.13).
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
Japan
446
Worse than 80% of countries
Singapore
700
Better than 94% of countries
Singapore: stronger English proficiency (700 vs 446).
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
Japan
83.8
Better than 59% of countries
Singapore
57.5
Worse than 91% of countries
Japan: more pleasant climate rating (83.8 vs 57.5).
Deciding between Japan and Singapore for real?
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Find your match →Full Japan profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full Singapore profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.