Agadir vs. Okinawa: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Agadir, with a population of approximately 538,000, presents a significantly lower cost of living compared to Okinawa, which affects a much smaller population of around 142,094. The average net salary in Agadir is $542.65 per month, substantially lower than Okinawa's $1,339.90. This disparity is reflected in the overall cost of living index, where Agadir scores 32.15 versus Okinawa's 56.37. While property prices in Agadir are more accessible, with a city center price per square meter of $1,568.03, Okinawa's comparable figure stands at $8,611.13. The mortgage interest rates also differ significantly, with Agadir at 6.5% and Okinawa at 2.23%. GDP per capita further highlights the economic gap, with Agadir at $8,900 versus Okinawa's considerably higher $46,200.

Okinawa demonstrates a clear advantage in quality of life metrics. The city boasts a higher safety index (87.96) compared to Agadir's 32.89. Health care facilities in Okinawa are rated significantly higher (87.96) than those in Agadir (39.29). Climate comfort is also better in Okinawa (80.64) than in Agadir (60.89). Commuting is more efficient in Okinawa, with an average commute time index of 22.14 versus Agadir's 29.1. Pollution levels are considerably lower in Okinawa (27.33) than in Agadir (37.2).

While rent is more affordable in Agadir, with a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $265.67 per month in the city center versus $339.68 in Okinawa, the overall cost burden differs significantly due to salary levels. Utilities for an 85m² apartment are substantially cheaper in Agadir ($70.80/month) compared to Okinawa ($160.28/month). Property prices, however, show a mixed picture, with Agadir being significantly more affordable for most property types.

Daily transportation costs differ substantially, with gasoline being cheaper in Agadir ($0.33/L) than in Okinawa ($1.10/L). However, public transport costs are higher per kilometer traveled in Aginada ($0.11/km) compared to Okinawa ($0.23/km). While the one-way public transport ticket is slightly cheaper in Agadir ($0.29) than Okinawa ($1.46), the overall transportation cost structure differs significantly between the two locations.

Childcare represents a significant cost difference between the two locations. Monthly childcare in Agadir averages $100.00, substantially lower than Okinawa's $329.05. Educational costs also differ, with international primary school tuition being higher in Okinawa ($5,636.10 annually) than in Agadir ($4,000.00 annually).

Okinawa offers a higher quality of life with better safety, health care, and climate comfort, alongside higher salaries and more expensive living costs. Agadir presents significantly lower living costs, particularly for housing and transportation, but with substantial trade-offs in terms of safety, health care quality, and overall quality of life metrics. The economic profiles differ dramatically, with Okinawa representing a much more affluent location despite its smaller population size.