London vs Tokyo: Cost of Raising a Child

Side-by-side comparison of 18-year parenting costs, category breakdowns, and family benefits.

London is 33.3% more expensive than Tokyo for raising a child from birth to 18 — a gap of $90,000 USD.

$270,000

London (0-18)

$180,000

Tokyo (0-18)

$-90,000

Difference (USD)

Category-by-Category Comparison

Category	London	Tokyo	Difference
Housing & Space	$72,900	$54,000	$-18,900
Food & Nutrition	$40,500	$27,000	$-13,500
Education & Childcare	$43,200	$36,000	$-7,200
Healthcare & Insurance	$16,200	$12,600	$-3,600
Clothing & Daily Goods	$24,300	$14,400	$-9,900
Travel & Entertainment	$27,000	$14,400	$-12,600
Prenatal & Infant Setup	$13,500	$9,000	$-4,500
Festivals & Social Etiquette	$32,400	$12,600	$-19,800
Total	$270,000	$180,000	$-90,000

Family Benefits Comparison

London, UK

Child Benefit: £25.60/week
30 Hours Free Childcare

Tokyo, Japan

児童手当: ¥15,000/month
018 Support: ¥5,000/month

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it more expensive to raise a child in London or Tokyo?

London is more expensive by approximately $90,000 (33.3%) over 18 years. Tokyo offers better value for families on a budget.

What is the biggest cost difference between London and Tokyo?

The housing category shows the largest absolute difference. London housing costs $72,900 vs Tokyo at $54,000, a gap of $18,900.

Which city has better subsidies for families?

London offers: Child Benefit: £25.60/week; 30 Hours Free Childcare. Tokyo offers: 児童手当: ¥15,000/month; 018 Support: ¥5,000/month. Compare eligibility based on your residency status.

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Disclaimer: Cost estimates are based on aggregated data as of 2026-09-07. Actual costs vary by family situation and economic conditions. This comparison is for informational purposes only.