Are you considering a move to Kyoto, Japan, and wondering about the cost of living? Kyoto is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Kyoto and help you understand whether $2021 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $1789.59.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
7.48 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
42.53 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
5.1 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.72 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
4.76 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.95 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.01 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.74 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.38 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.54 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
3.64 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.02 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
15.2 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
7.86 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
15.2 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
4.71 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
2.55 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
6.12 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
4.31 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
2.19 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
2.79 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.19 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.83 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
6.8 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.72 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.59 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
3.81 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.74 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
63.01 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.4 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
3.06 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
17.42 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.15 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
19733.16 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
17011.34 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
123.9 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
25.52 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
53.76 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
-- |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
12.25 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
324.92 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
9186.13 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
27.05 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
23.79 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
59.88 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
60.82 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
505.41 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
331.72 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1145.43 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
748.5 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
4678.1 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
4605.67 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
1789.59 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
1.65 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Kyoto come to a total of approximately $2021. This includes an average monthly rent of around $505 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $136 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $969 per month.
Living in Kyoto appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $1789.59. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Kyoto, you would likely need an income exceeding $1789.59.
In Kyoto, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $1789.59, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Kyoto is approximately $505. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $331.72 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Kyoto can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $722 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Japan can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Japan.
Kyoto is considered the safest city in Japan since the crime levels are very low. It is one of the very few cities that is safe to walk at night and to travel on public transport, but sensible precautions are necessary, as in any other major city.
It is a very rare situation that taxis are a safe mode of transport in such a huge city, but this is the case in Kyoto. Pickpockets might operate in public transport. Unlike other Japanese cities, a tourist is advised to use the buses here. You can drive in Kyoto but must carry your driving license with you at all times. Driving is on the left, and you should pay particular attention to pedestrians crossing roads at green lights or cyclists traveling on the pavements or the wrong side of the road and without lights at night.
Just as in any other tourist place, the flow of tourists attracts pickpockets. Foreigners can be targeted by criminals, especially in bars and nightclubs, due to the money they have on them. The incidents of bag snatching have occurred.
Natural disasters risk is very high in Kyoto, and there are risks of earthquakes and tsunamis. There is even a note with instructions in hotel rooms, in case of risky situations. Several active volcanoes and the risk of tropical cyclones exists. Bear in mind that the tropical cyclone season lasts from June to December.
Mugging and kidnapping risks are not common in Kyoto, since personal attacks, including sexual assault and rape, are rare, but bear in mind that they might happen.
There have not been reports of terrorism in the recent history of Japan, but the attacks could happen in public areas, including those frequented by foreigners, so you should be vigilant wherever you find in the world.
There are no reported scams, except some drink spiking, after which the victims woke up to find out that a large amount of money has been billed to their credit card. So, do not accept drinks or food from strangers and avoid talking to them in bars or at night.
Kyoto is not a dangerous city for women travelers since there have not been cases of sexual assaults against female tourists.
There are 98 airports in Japan, but Kyoto does not have its airport. It uses Osaka's two airports.
Whether you need a visa or not, depends on the country you are coming from. For travelers that come to stay less than 90 days, a visa is not necessary. However, if you come from China, Russia, CIS countries, Georgia, and the Philippines you are required to have a visa. All the information about the entry requirements can be found online or by contacting the embassy, high commission or consulate.
Japan is a quite expensive country and it is advisable to always exchange your money in banks, post offices or some large hotels. JP Post Bank ATMs usually accept foreign cards and the official Japanese currency is the Yen. You may have difficulty using foreign credit and debit cards so make sure that your card is accepted there before coming to Japan. ATMs are available 24 hours a day. Cash is preferred in Japan.
The weather in Japan is generally mild, but sometimes heavy snowfalls and extremely low temperatures might occur in winter in Japan. You should bear in mind that conditions can change suddenly.
Regardless of how healthy and fit you are, a travel insurance policy needs to be part of your travel.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 46°F | 47°F | 54°F | 65°F | 73°F | 79°F | 86°F | 89°F | 81°F | 71°F | 60°F | 51°F |
| Temp | 39°F | 40°F | 46°F | 56°F | 65°F | 72°F | 79°F | 82°F | 74°F | 63°F | 53°F | 43°F |
| Low | 33°F | 34°F | 40°F | 49°F | 58°F | 66°F | 74°F | 75°F | 68°F | 56°F | 46°F | 37°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 7°C | 8°C | 12°C | 18°C | 22°C | 26°C | 30°C | 31°C | 27°C | 21°C | 15°C | 10°C |
| Temp | 3°C | 4°C | 7°C | 13°C | 18°C | 22°C | 26°C | 27°C | 23°C | 17°C | 11°C | 6°C |
| Low | 0°C | 1°C | 4°C | 9°C | 14°C | 18°C | 23°C | 23°C | 20°C | 13°C | 7°C | 2°C |