Cost of Living in Japan

Updated: January 01, 2025

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 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 6.22 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 34.56 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.33 USD, a loaf of bread 1.47 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.67 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 1.52 USD and a monthly pass around 66.56 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 150.46 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 58.29 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 18.18 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 350.33 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 11487.7 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 41.6 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 55.3 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 657.13 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 426.15 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 6206.57 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 3420.19 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 2297.37 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 1.4% annually.

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.

Cost of Living in Japan

Japan

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing