← Back to WhereToFIRE Calculator

🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇯🇵 Japan

Side-by-side early retirement comparison — taxes, cost of living, healthcare, and FIRE number.

Key Takeaway

Japan is similar in cost than Australia for retirees. Capital gains tax is 20% in Japan vs 0% in Australia. Use the calculator to see your personalized FIRE number for both countries.

Side-by-Side Comparison

🇦🇺
Australia
🇯🇵
Japan
Cost of Living
Overall Index
80
83
Rent (City)
$2,400/mo
$1,200/mo
Rent (Suburb)
$1,600/mo
$700/mo
Taxes
Capital Gains (LT)
0%
20%
Top Income Tax
45%
45%
Healthcare
Est. Annual Cost
$0
$2,000
Public Access
Yes
Yes
Other
Currency
A$ AUD
¥ JPY

Tax Comparison for Retirees

🇦🇺 Australia Taxes

A$0–A$18,2000%
A$18,200–A$45,00019%
A$45,000–A$120,00033%
A$120,000–A$180,00037%
A$180,000+45%

🇯🇵 Japan Taxes

¥0–¥1,950,0005%
¥1,950,000–¥3,300,00010%
¥3,300,000–¥6,950,00020%
¥6,950,000–¥9,000,00023%
¥9,000,000–¥18,000,00033%
¥18,000,000–¥40,000,00040%
¥40,000,000+45%

Calculate Your Exact FIRE Number

Enter your portfolio, spending, and retirement age to see a personalized comparison between Australia and Japan — with Monte Carlo simulations and tax modeling.

🔥 Open Calculator — Australia vs Japan

FAQ: Australia vs Japan for Retirement

Is it cheaper to retire in Japan or Australia?

Japan has a cost of living index of 83 compared to Australia's 80(where US = 100). Japan is similar in cost than Australia for retirees.

How do taxes compare between Australia and Japan?

Capital gains tax is 20% in Japan vs 0% in Australia. The top income tax rate is 45% in Japan vs 45% in Australia. For FIRE retirees, the effective tax rate depends on your withdrawal strategy — use our calculator for a personalized estimate.

What about healthcare in Japan vs Australia?

Estimated annual healthcare costs are $2,000 in Japanvs $0 in Australia. Japan offers public healthcare access for residents. Australia offers public healthcare access for residents.

More Comparisons

More about retiring in AustraliaMore about retiring in Japan