Side-by-side city decision # Cleveland vs Fukuoka. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link ClevelandUnited States1/6 VS FukuokaJapan5/6 $2,165Cleveland monthly budget $1,280Fukuoka monthly budget 230 MbpsCleveland internet 180 MbpsFukuoka internet Decision summary Fukuoka Fukuoka leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Fukuoka Speed Fastest internet Cleveland Vibe Best nomad vibe Fukuoka Safety Highest safety Fukuoka Air Cleanest air Fukuoka Walk Most walkable Fukuoka Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Cleveland](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-states/cleveland.md) United States 1/6 Budget$2,165 Internet230 Mbps Vibe7/10 [Fukuoka](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/japan/fukuoka.md) Japan 5/6 Budget$1,280 Internet180 Mbps Vibe8/10 Full comparison ## Compare what matters Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner. Differences only ### Monthly budget and costs 7 signals MetricClevelandFukuoka Total estimated budget $2,165 $1,280 1-bed center rent $1,350 $650 Coworking desk $300 $220 Local meal $18 $6.8 Cappuccino $4.8 $3.5 Gym membership $45 $65 Transport budget $95 $70 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricClevelandFukuoka Internet speed 230 Mbps 180 Mbps Nomad vibe 7/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricClevelandFukuoka Safety index 52/100 87/100 Air quality 72/100 78/100 Walkability 6/10 8/10 Female safety 6/10 9/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 7/10 6/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricClevelandFukuoka Healthcare quality Excellent Excellent English proficiency Excellent Average Climate type Humid continental Humid subtropical Best time to visit May - Oct Oct - Nov Beyond the numbers ## What each city asks you to trade Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture. [Cleveland](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-states/cleveland.md) United States → ### Strengths * Lower rents than most major US metro areas * Fast, widely available home internet * Excellent hospitals and medical specialists * Strong arts, music, and sports culture * Friendly neighborhoods with distinct character * Easy access to Lake Erie parks and trails ### Trade-offs * Cold, snowy, and overcast winters * Car dependence outside central neighborhoods * Safety varies sharply by block * Limited late-night public transit * No dedicated US digital nomad visa * City income tax and US tax rules can be complex ### Common visa routes * Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) for eligible nationalities, up to 90 days * B-1/B-2 visitor visa for eligible business or tourism visits * O-1 or employment-based visa for qualifying long-term professional work [Fukuoka](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/japan/fukuoka.md) Japan → ### Strengths * Lower living costs than Tokyo and Osaka * Fast, reliable fiber internet and extensive 5G * Exceptionally safe and clean urban environment * Excellent ramen, seafood, and casual dining * Airport is remarkably close to the city center * Walkable core with efficient subway connections ### Trade-offs * Summer heat, humidity, and typhoon risk can be intense * English is limited outside international-facing businesses * Apartments often require substantial upfront move-in fees * Digital-nomad community is smaller than Tokyo's * Some smaller shops and bars remain cash-oriented * Visa options for long-term remote workers are restrictive ### Common visa routes * Japan Digital Nomad Visa * Temporary Visitor Visa Waiver * Working Holiday Visa Reading the result ## Use this as a planning benchmark The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices. Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices. Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity. Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.