Compare countries · Japan vs United States
Japan vs United States
Japan(Asia)·
United States(North America)
Across 13 comparable indicators: Japan leads on 7, United States on 4, 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
United States
68.8
Worse than 90% of countries
Japan: 31% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Japan
14.7
Around the global middle
United States
40.7
Worse than 95% of countries
Japan: 64% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
Japan
1.40
Better than 93% of countries
United States
2.39
Worse than 79% of countries
Japan: more peaceful (1.40 vs 2.39).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
Japan
77.2
Better than 93% of countries
United States
50.8
Worse than 63% of countries
Japan: higher perceived safety (77.2 vs 50.8).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
Japan
0.920
Better than 88% of countries
United States
0.927
Better than 90% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
Japan
$55,422
Better than 79% of countries
United States
$90,027
Better than 95% of countries
United States: 62% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
Japan
84.0 yrs
Better than 95% of countries
United States
78.9 yrs
Better than 75% of countries
Japan: 5.1 years longer on average.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
Japan
80.1
Better than 96% of countries
United States
67.0
Better than 59% of countries
Japan: better-rated healthcare (80.1 vs 67.0).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
Japan
256 Mbps
Better than 89% of countries
United States
308 Mbps
Better than 96% of countries
United States: 20% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
Japan
63/100
Better than 65% of countries
United States
63/100
Better than 64% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
Japan
6.13
Better than 58% of countries
United States
6.82
Better than 85% of countries
United States: happier on the Cantril ladder (6.82 vs 6.13).
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
Japan
446
Worse than 80% of countries
United States
700
Better than 94% of countries
United States: stronger English proficiency (700 vs 446).
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
Japan
83.8
Better than 59% of countries
United States
75.8
Worse than 60% of countries
Japan: more pleasant climate rating (83.8 vs 75.8).
Deciding between Japan and United States for real?
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Find your match →Full Japan profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full United States profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.