Compare countries · Japan vs United Kingdom
Japan vs United Kingdom
Japan(Asia)·
United Kingdom(Europe)
Across 13 comparable indicators: Japan leads on 7, United Kingdom on 6. 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
United Kingdom
67.8
Worse than 86% of countries
Japan: 30% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Japan
14.7
Around the global middle
United Kingdom
32.1
Worse than 90% of countries
Japan: 54% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
Japan
1.40
Better than 93% of countries
United Kingdom
1.67
Better than 79% of countries
Japan: more peaceful (1.40 vs 1.67).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
Japan
77.2
Better than 93% of countries
United Kingdom
51.7
Worse than 59% of countries
Japan: higher perceived safety (77.2 vs 51.7).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
Japan
0.920
Better than 88% of countries
United Kingdom
0.940
Better than 93% of countries
United Kingdom: higher human development (0.940 vs 0.920).
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
Japan
$55,422
Better than 79% of countries
United Kingdom
$64,606
Better than 86% of countries
United Kingdom: 17% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
Japan
84.0 yrs
Better than 95% of countries
United Kingdom
81.4 yrs
Better than 81% of countries
Japan: 2.6 years longer on average.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
Japan
80.1
Better than 96% of countries
United Kingdom
72.7
Better than 80% of countries
Japan: better-rated healthcare (80.1 vs 72.7).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
Japan
256 Mbps
Better than 89% of countries
United Kingdom
167 Mbps
Better than 73% of countries
Japan: 53% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
Japan
63/100
Better than 65% of countries
United Kingdom
80/100
Better than 90% of countries
United Kingdom: freer press (80 vs 63 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
Japan
6.13
Better than 58% of countries
United Kingdom
6.69
Better than 81% of countries
United Kingdom: happier on the Cantril ladder (6.69 vs 6.13).
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
Japan
446
Worse than 80% of countries
United Kingdom
700
Better than 94% of countries
United Kingdom: stronger English proficiency (700 vs 446).
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
Japan
83.8
Better than 59% of countries
United Kingdom
87.8
Better than 69% of countries
United Kingdom: more pleasant climate rating (87.8 vs 83.8).
Deciding between Japan and United Kingdom for real?
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Find your match →Full Japan profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full United Kingdom profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.