[gommm]

Having lived in Kyoto for quite a while and going occasionally to Tokyo, I don't completely agree with you...

Restaurants for one are cheaper and better value for money in Kyoto than in Tokyo... The housing situation is also quite different... What doesn't change all that much though are transport prices (although, as soon as you go to a place with only JR and no competition prices are much higher) and every day items... All in all, I think for the same quality of life in Tokyo than in Kyoto, one would need maybe 30-40% more wage...

That said, I agree with you on wages, I was quite surprised at how low the salaries in Japan are. Young employees just don't get paid much no matter their level of education, their productivity or their usefulness to the company... Seniority is the biggest criteria for salary increases (that and being married and having kids).