Cost of living in Japan (not just the city)
(Updated August 2020)
If day-dreams of life in Japan have reached the reality stage, living costs are likely to be the make-or-break factor in your calculations. Essentials like rent, bills, food and transport can soon add up, not to mention everyday extras like shopping, eating out and exploring your new base.
How Much Does It Cost To Live In Japan?
Known worldwide as a buzzing metropolis of neon streets, incense-filled temples and incredible food, it’s no wonder Tokyo is the top choice for most people moving to Japan. As the 10th most expensive city in the world when it comes to rent, however, the capital city comes with a hefty price tag. Balancing average costs like a monthly transport ticket ($121/¥13,140), internet ($36/¥3,910), the odd cinema ticket ($15/ ¥1,600) and even your morning coffee ($4.20/¥450), it’s easy to see how city-life can add up.
Average Cost To Living In Japan
According to government estimates, living in Tokyo increases your living costs by about 10% (and often more) - making the countryside a tempting option (albeit with lower salaries). With commutable prefectures like Kanagawa and Saitama offering medium savings, distant rural areas like Akita, Aomori and Kagoshima have the lowest average rent prices - almost 50% lower than those of Tokyo. Along with rent, you can expect reductions in food prices thanks to the supply of delicious locally-grown produce as well as savings on utilities, childcare and some transport.
One of the most promising aspects of living costs in Japan is the ability to make reductions. With cycling a popular option - even on the busy capital streets - plentiful public transport and popular car-sharing options, travel budgets are easy to cut. Share houses and smaller studio apartments make rent reduction possible while traditional entertainment costs can be lowered with trips to the free local sights like temples, museums and shrines.
From city to countryside, the living costs of Japan can vary extensively, and depending on your home country may not be all that different. Whatever you find, working out your expenses, making savings and adding up the benefits of a new experience should all be factored into your calculations.
By Lily Crossley-Baxter
Cost Of Food, Transport, Accommodation and Lifestyle Explained by Sayaka Ito
Cost of Food in Japan
Among the frequently asked questions I get is the cost of food in Japan.
Delicious Food In Japan
The most common meal to get is the beautiful bento box.
Bento boxes are widely available in all supermarkets and convenient stores throughout the country. They are prepared daily, so you can expect them to be fresh. The most popular includes the standard bento which has a little bit of everything (cooked fish, rice, soy sauced hard-boiled egg, pickles and vegetables). Others include kara-age (fried chicken), katsu (bread crumbed fried chicken), salmon, cooked fish, & hamburger curry.
The prices can vary between 500 yen ($5) and 1600 yen ($16). However, it is absolutely normal (and a pleasant surprise!) to get them at a 50% discount just before the shops close, to sometimes grab dinner for just 250 yen ($2.50).
The decision to prepare or buy your own lunch will obviously affect your cost of living in Japan. Just keep in mind that bento boxes are a part of everyday life in Japan, and it will actually save you time and money.
It can cost more to cook your own food in Japan, than grabbing the convenient lunch boxes, or having a simple delicious bowl of ramen (500 yen), which can be a surprise for people from overseas. This is because the cost of ingredients will add up to more than what you will spend on a simple meal at a restaurant, if used to adding many vegetables. Depending on which supermarket you go to, or if you choose to go to a convenience store or local farmers market, this will of course change the cost.
Cost of Transport
Most language schools will be located near the city, where a train will be used to commute to. Lucky students will have student dormitories that are walking or cycling distance to the school, which means transport fee is zero.
The cost of transport is often overlooked by people planning to study, so it is good to keep in mind that it can cost anywhere from 500 yen per day (250 yen one way) if taking the train, which will add up to over 10,000 JPY per month minimum, if you calculate going to school 5 days a week for 4 weeks.
Accommodation Fees
The cost of accommodation will depend on the type: Share house (single or shared room), private apartment, staying with a Japanese host family (home stay), staying at a friend’s place or school dormitory; the location; and a whole lot of other factors such as how old; the size and demand.
There is a wide price range, even though it is the same city.
To choose accommodation, you should take into account what your preferences are, and the cost will be a large factor too.
Share houses are a great way to make new friends and enjoy a social life without going out of the way, and keep your accommodation costs low. Some come with free washers and dryers, while others will come with coin laundry, which can cost around 300yen per load, and 200yen for drying.
If you like your privacy and quiet, then you may consider private apartments, which can cost almost double or more of a shared share house room.
Home-stay is a great way to learn about the Japanese culture and also be able to practice the language you have learnt in school. Breakfast and dinner is usually included too, and you can have home-stay in Tokyo from just 3,000 JPY/night, including meals. This is a highly recommended option from me, as it will give you lasting memories and a second home in Japan, and home-cooked Japanese meals is something to treasure. However, it does come with many rules and a curfew, as you are not staying in a hotel but in someone’s home. These cons may be why the cost is not higher.
If the school has their own dormitory, this is a great option as the cost is usually lower than other share houses, and it will be a close distance to the school, meaning the commute will take less time and cost less!
There is no perfect accommodation type; it is up to each individual’s preferences and what they are willing to pay for.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle of course affects the cost of living; as small daily purchases soon add up.
For example, if you want to eat healthy fresh vegetables and fruits daily, this will actually cost a lot more than what it may do in other countries.
In Japan, it is common to drink vegetable juice, or green powered ‘aojiru’ instead, which allows you to take in your daily vitamins while not breaking the bank.
A bottle of beer on the other hand is much cheaper than can be expected, around 500yen.
A pack of cigarettes in Japan can cost anywhere from 200 yen – 480 yen. (Make sure to only smoke in designated areas).
If you don’t think too much and buy a bottle of water or can of a drink every time you see a vending machine or convenience store (which are on every corner), this can add up. It is not difficult to do so, as there is so much colourful variety and different ones all the time to choose from. It will cost you 100-150yen per time, which can add up to 4,500yen a month, just to keep hydrated! Carrying a bottle of water or green tea around is recommended for this reason.
There are always seasonal goods and limited edition items in Japan, which makes life here interesting and different all the time. You should accommodate savings for spending money for yourself and friends, as there are so many wonderful things to buy. A good tip is to visit the 100yen store first, as it is common to see something there which is the same quality as in another store, but of course for only 100yen. Souvenirs such as chopsticks and wonderful magnets can be bought here too.
Insurance
For people coming less than 3 months, please get travel/health insurance online or from your home country.
For people studying long-term, you will need to enroll into National Health Insurance, which costs about 1,500 JPY/month ($15/month) for the first year. See more about insurance.
To me, any cost is worth it to live in this beautiful country.
Written by Sayaka Ito