Side-by-side city decision # Gijón vs Fukuoka. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link GijónSpain3/6 VS FukuokaJapan2/6 $1,445Gijón monthly budget $1,280Fukuoka monthly budget 300 MbpsGijón internet 180 MbpsFukuoka internet Decision summary Gijón Gijón leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Fukuoka Speed Fastest internet Gijón Vibe Best nomad vibe Tie Safety Highest safety Fukuoka Air Cleanest air Gijón Walk Most walkable Gijón Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Gijón](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/spain/gijon.md) Spain 3/6 Budget$1,445 Internet300 Mbps Vibe8/10 [Fukuoka](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/japan/fukuoka.md) Japan 2/6 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 MetricGijónFukuoka Total estimated budget $1,445 $1,280 1-bed center rent $850 $650 Coworking desk $180 $220 Local meal $15.2 $6.8 Cappuccino $2.1 $3.5 Gym membership $42 $65 Transport budget $35 $70 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricGijónFukuoka Internet speed 300 Mbps 180 Mbps Nomad vibe 8/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricGijónFukuoka Safety index 78/100 87/100 Air quality 82/100 78/100 Walkability 9/10 8/10 Female safety 8/10 9/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 8/10 6/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricGijónFukuoka Healthcare quality Excellent Excellent English proficiency Average Average Climate type Oceanic Humid subtropical Best time to visit May - Sep 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. [Gijón](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/spain/gijon.md) Spain → ### Strengths * Affordable coastal living compared with Madrid and Barcelona * Fast fiber internet is widely available * Excellent walkability and compact city center * Fresh Asturian food and strong café culture * Low violent-crime levels and quality public healthcare * Green landscapes, beaches, and mountain access nearby ### Trade-offs * Rainy, overcast weather is common outside summer * English is less widely spoken than in major tourist hubs * Smaller international nomad community * Limited direct international flight connections * Winter days can feel quiet and damp * Housing supply tightens around summer and university periods ### Common visa routes * Spain Digital Nomad Visa * Schengen short-stay visa waiver or tourist visa * Non-Lucrative Residence Visa [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.