Cost of Living in Japan

If you've ever considered moving to Japan, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Japan?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Japan and whether the reported $2188 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $2297.37.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Japan
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

6.22 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

34.56 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

4.84 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

3.11 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.8 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.97 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

1.02 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.76 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.33 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.47 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

3.52 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.67 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

12.42 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

6.26 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

16.86 $

Apples (1 lb)

5.12 $

Banana (1 lb)

2.33 $

Oranges (1 lb)

4.34 $

Tomato (1 lb)

4.35 $

Potato (1 lb)

3.08 $

Onion (1 lb)

2.36 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.29 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.85 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

7.09 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.98 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.49 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

3.8 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.52 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

66.56 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

4.15 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

2.76 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

20.74 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.13 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

19354.19 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

15511.94 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

150.46 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.27 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

32.04 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

58.29 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

18.18 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

12.44 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

350.33 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

11487.7 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

41.6 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

30.21 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

55.3 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

83.1 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

657.13 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

426.15 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1304.33 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

836.82 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

6206.57 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

3420.19 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

2297.37 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

1.4 %

Japan

How Safe Is Japan for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Japan

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Generally, Japan is a very safe country to travel to, probably one of the safest. Still, never let your guard down, and be wary of pickpockets and scammers as you would in any other country.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transport and taxis are safe and reliable, but it is recommended that you be very careful with your valuables in public transport, since that's where pickpockets operate. Women on crowded trains should bear in mind the existence of chikan, which means molesters, or gropers, though they usually target local women since they're less likely to make a scene.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in tourist landmarks and crowded areas, as in any country. Be vigilant at all times and never leave your belongings in plain sight. Be careful in crowded areas, in railway and bus stations and especially in public transport. Still, compared to major Western countries, pickpocketing is not nearly as common in Japan.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

As a complete opposite to the calm criminal situation, natural disasters are common and mostly occur in the form of earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

You shouldn't worry too much about being mugged or kidnapped in Japan since it rarely occurs. However, never accept drinks from strangers, and avoid entering shady bars and clubs in red-light districts.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Even though there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Japan's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out, so remain aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Scams are very common in Japan, like in any other country that is a top tourist destination. Still, even scammers do not operate here as much as they do in the West. There have been reports of fraudulent credit card charges, especially in the areas of Roppongi and Kabuki-Cho in Tokyo, so it is highly recommended not to allow waiters or vendors make any transactions with your credit card on their own. Keep an eye on your credit card all the time

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women traveling solo are completely safe in Japan. If you have your wits with you and follow your common sense, avoid dark and desert alleys or walking alone with strange people at night, your trip should go smoothly.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Most countries do not need a visa for any stays shorter than 90 days. If your nationality is one of the following: China, Russia, CIS countries, Georgia, or the Philippines, you will need to obtain a visa. However, if you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

Japanese yen is the official currency in Japan. It is recommended that you exchange your money in official post offices or banks, in order to get the best rate possible. Credit cards are accepted at most major establishments, but it's still advised to keep your cash with you at all times.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

Japan generally has a temperate climate, characterized by four distinct seasons: in winter, from December to February, the weather is dry and sunny along the Pacific coast and the temperatures rarely drop below 0°C. The best time to visit Japan is in late spring, from March to May and late autumn, September to November, since there is little precipitation, the skies are clear, and temperatures are mild. To top it all off, spring's when the delicate cherry blossom leaves everyone in awe and vivid colors of autumn are visually jaw-dropping.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Tokyo International Airport, often referred to as Haneda Airport or Tokyo Haneda Airport, is one of the two primary airports that serve the Greater Tokyo Area. It is located in Ōta, Tokyo, 14 km south of Tokyo Station.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Japan, since it covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Japan with other countries

Cost of living in countries