Cost of Living in Japan

Question

How much does it cost to live in Japan on average, in a big city like tokyo, and out in the country? Also, I have seen some people say that it can cost ALOT. So how do Japanese people do it? And how much on average to jobs in Japan pay?

Answer 1

The cost of living is higher in Japan than in most other countries. However, with careful planning and budgeting, you can get by on a comparable amount of money. Plan for between $20 and $30 a day for food and other personal expenses. (Please note: Breakfasts and dinners are included in the homestay option.) Prices and exchange rates are subject to change.

Housing Costs in Japan

Living inside Tokyo is very costly. In other major cities, houses are very pricey and several expatriates would opt to live in small apartments. Single-room apartments are still expensive if located within the city, prices decrease as the area moves out farther into surrounding prefectures and suburbs.

Most people choose to rent rather than own since home ownership in Japan is one of the most costly in the world. Rural areas are more affordable and here the residents are also the property owners. Toyama Prefecture is one place where people can find fair house prices.

Food Cost in Tokyo

Rice (koshihikari brand 5kg) 2,341 yen

White Bread (1kg) 407 yen

Cotton Tofu (100g) 34 yen

Beef Loin (100g) 855 yen

Pork Loin (100g) 239 yen

Chicken (100g) 123 yen

Ham (100g) 299 yen

Milk (1,000ml) 204 yen

Hen Eggs (10 pieces) 214 yen

Tuna Fish (100g) 405 yen

Cabbage (1kg) 184 yen

Daikon Radishes (1kg) 163 yen

Fuji Apple (1kg) 472 yen

Mandarin Oranges (1kg) 571 yen

Strawberries (100g) 150 yen

Rapeseed Oil (1 bottle, 1000g) 391 yen

Miso Soy Bean Paste (1 kg) 320 yen

Strawberry Cakes (1 piece, 100g) 379 yen

Chocolates (1 sheet) 96 yen

Beer (350ml 6 packs) 1,205 yen

Sencha Green Tea (100g) 641 yen

Instant Ramen Noodle in Cup (77g) 137 yen

Eating Out Cost in Tokyo

Sushi: Nigiri (1 serving) 1,222 yen

Curry Rice(1 serving) 670 yen

Delivered Pizza (1 piece, M size) 2,038 yen

Ramen (1 bowl) 559 yen

Other Living Cost in Tokyo

Prastic Wrap (1 roll, 20m) 165 yen

Toilet Paper (12 rolls) 270 yen

Laundry Detergent (1.1kg) 366 yen

Cleaning (1 shirt) 222 yen

Multiple Vitamins (60 tablets) 1,695 yen

Movie Admission (1 adult) 1,800 yen

Hair Cut 3,711 yen

House Rent (one month/3.3 square meter) 9,217 yen

Water Charge (one month basic charges) 903 yen

Gas (one month basic charges) 1,084yen

Electricity (one month basic charges) 273 yen

Taxi (first fares) 660yen

Telephone (one month circuit charges) 1,785 yen

Mobile Phone (one month basic charges) 4,725 yen

Stamps (postcard) 50 yen

Stamps (letter) 80 yen

Here are some sample prices to give you an idea of the cost of living.

Big Mac, large fries, and medium drink (“value meal”)

Â¥550

  Umbrella, economical

Â¥1,000



Turkey subway sandwich, half

Â¥390

Sony Walkman

Â¥8,000-30,000



Turkey subway sandwich, full

Â¥700

36-exposure film

Â¥500



House coffee at Starbucks, short

Â¥250

36-exposure film processing

Â¥2,000



House coffee at Douters

Â¥180

First-run movie

Â¥1,800



Coke Cola from vending machine

Â¥120

Tokyo Disneyland, one-day passport

Â¥5,500



Donut at Mr. Donut

Â¥60-200

One year membership at YMCA

Â¥2,800



Two-hour all-you-can-eat/drink Shabu Shabu

Â¥3,000

Round-trip train fare between Tokyo and Kyoto

Â¥15,660



Obento (box lunch)

Â¥500

Round-trip night bus between Tokyo and Kyoto

Â¥14,200



Deodorant

Â¥500-900

Minimum fee for subway

Â¥160



Shaving cream, 200g

Â¥630

Pre-paid cell phone

Â¥4,800

Answer 2

Yes it is very expensive.

Most people in Tokyo don't own cars, so there goes a huge expense.

Many Japanese people live with their parents for a long time.

Most people don't own actual houses so they don't have big mortgage payments.

Many colleges are cheaper.

Honestly it's not much different than people living in major cities in U.S.. They just have slightly lower standard of living. Not as many unnecessary luxuries.