Cost of Living in Japan (2024)
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the cost of living in Japan and essential saving tips for 2024! Delve into the intricacies of daily expenses, housing, transportation, and more. Whether you’re planning a move or simply curious about life in Japan, we’ve got you covered. Let’s navigate the financial landscape together and uncover savvy strategies to make your Japan experience both fulfilling and budget-friendly.
Here’s a breakdown of the cost of living in Japan, including key expenses for residents.
Source: Numbeo – Cost of Living in Japan
Food and Dining
| Category | Cost Range in JPY | Cost Range in USD | Cost Range in GBP | Cost Range in EUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | 600 – 1,662.64 | $5.28 – $14.62 | £3.84 – £10.64 | €4.51 – €12.49 |
| Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | 4,000 – 21,000 | $35.20 – $184.50 | £25.60 – £134.40 | €30.08 – €158.40 |
| Combo meal at McDonald’s (or equivalent) | 650 – 900 | $5.72 – $7.92 | £4.16 – £5.76 | €4.88 – €6.76 |
| Local beer (0.5 liter draught) | 250 – 800 | $2.20 – $7.04 | £1.60 – £5.12 | €1.88 – €6.00 |
| Imported beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 330 – 1,000 | $2.90 – $8.80 | £2.11 – £6.40 | €2.48 – €7.50 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 180 – 750 | $1.58 – $6.60 | £1.15 – £4.80 | €1.35 – €5.63 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 110 – 300 | $0.97 – $2.64 | £0.71 – £1.92 | €0.84 – €2.28 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 100 – 200 | $0.88 – $1.76 | £0.64 – £1.28 | €0.75 – €1.50 |
Grocery Items
| Category | Cost Range in JPY | Cost Range in USD | Cost Range in GBP | Cost Range in EUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milk (1 liter) | 160 – 282.92 | $1.41 – $2.49 | £1.03 – £1.82 | €1.21 – €2.14 |
| Loaf of fresh white bread (500g) | 120 – 500 | $1.06 – $4.40 | £0.77 – £3.21 | €0.90 – €3.75 |
| Rice (white, 1kg) | 280 – 1,000 | $2.46 – $8.80 | £1.79 – £6.40 | €2.11 – €7.50 |
| Eggs (regular, 12) | 216 – 420 | $1.90 – $3.70 | £1.38 – £2.70 | €1.62 – €3.15 |
| Local cheese (1kg) | 800 – 4,000 | $7.04 – $35.20 | £5.12 – £25.60 | €6.00 – €30.08 |
Transportation
| Category | Cost Range in JPY | Cost Range in USD | Cost Range in GBP | Cost Range in EUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-way ticket (local transport) | 160 – 330 | $1.41 – $2.90 | £1.03 – £2.11 | €1.21 – €2.48 |
| Monthly pass (regular price) | 4,400 – 16,000 | $38.72 – $140.80 | £28.16 – £102.40 | €33.12 – €120.00 |
| Taxi start (normal tariff) | 480 – 760 | $4.22 – $6.68 | £3.07 – £4.85 | €3.61 – €5.72 |
| Taxi 1km (normal tariff) | 260 – 600 | $2.29 – $5.28 | £1.66 – £3.84 | €1.95 – €4.51 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 152 – 180 | $1.34 – $1.58 | £0.97 – £1.15 | €1.14 – €1.34 |
Utilities
| Category | Cost Range in JPY | Cost Range in USD | Cost Range in GBP | Cost Range in EUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for 85m2 apartment | 15,000 – 46,000 | $132.00 – $404.80 | £96.00 – £294.40 | €112.64 – €345.60 |
| Mobile phone monthly plan (calls and 10GB+ data) | 2,200 – 5,700 | $19.36 – $50.16 | £14.08 – £36.48 | €16.56 – €42.84 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) | 3,988 – 7,000 | $35.10 – $61.60 | £25.54 – £44.80 | €30.02 – €52.41 |
Housing
| Category | Cost Range in JPY | Cost Range in USD | Cost Range in GBP | Cost Range in EUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent for 1 bedroom apartment in city centre | 60,000 – 174,000 | $528.00 – $1,531.20 | £384.00 – £1,117.60 | €451.20 – €1,310.40 |
| Rent for 1 bedroom apartment outside of centre | 40,000 – 100,000 | $352.00 – $880.00 | £256.00 – £640.00 | €300.80 – €752.00 |
| Rent for 3 bedrooms apartment in city centre | 100,000 – 500,000 | $880.00 – $4,400.00 | £640.00 – £3,200.00 | €752.00 – €3,760.00 |
| Rent for 3 bedrooms apartment outside of centre | 75,000 – 250,000 | $660.00 – $2,200.00 | £480.00 – £1,600.00 | €564.00 – €1,880.00 |
Saving Tips
Switching to a Budget-Friendly
SIM Card Depending on your smartphone usage, switching to a budget-friendly SIM card can be more cost-effective than using a major carrier. If you have minimal call time and frequently use Wi-Fi, a budget SIM card is often the better choice.
By switching to a budget SIM card, you can reduce your smartphone bill from over ¥8,000 to less than ¥3,000. However, it’s important to check the contract plan beforehand, as some may offer slower data speeds or higher call rates. Ensure the plan aligns with your usage needs before making the switch.
For more information on choosing a budget SIM card, check out our detailed guide, “Buying a SIM Card in Japan (2024): A Step-by-Step Guide with Rakuten Mobile”.
When looking to reduce your mobile expenses, consider Rakuten Mobile as a budget-friendly option. With its competitive pricing and transparent fee structure, Rakuten Mobile offers affordable plans suitable for various usage patterns. Plus, with no minimum usage period and the ability to cancel at any time, Rakuten Mobile provides flexibility and convenience for users seeking to save money on their mobile bills.
Affordable Apartment Options for Your Japan Adventure
When it comes to saving money in Japan, choosing an affordable apartment can be a game-changer. Opting for accommodations outside of major city centers, such as Tokyo or Kyoto, can significantly reduce costs while still offering convenient access to public transportation. Additionally, considering apartment-sharing options or guesthouses can provide budget-friendly alternatives to traditional hotels. Prioritizing amenities such as a kitchenette can also help cut down on dining expenses by allowing travelers to prepare their meals. Finally, booking accommodations during off-peak seasons or taking advantage of last-minute deals can further stretch your budget, ensuring a more economical yet enjoyable stay in Japan.
For more information on finding an affordable apartment, check out our detailed guide, “Finding An Affordable Apartment in Japan (2024): No Guarantees Needed + Multilingual Support”.
Choose an Online Bank Account
Utilizing online banking without hidden fees can make a significant difference. By selecting transparent banking services, travelers can sidestep unexpected charges and effortlessly handle their finances while away. Seek out online banking options with competitive exchange rates, minimal ATM withdrawal fees, and no additional charges for foreign transactions. With transparent banking, travelers can confidently manage their finances and maximize their budget while experiencing Japan’s diverse offerings.
For more information on choosing an online bank account, check out our detailed guide, “Opening an Online Bank Account in Japan (2024): A Step-by-Step Guide with Rakuten Bank”.
Reviewing Subscription Services
Subscription services offer access to movies, manga, music, and more for a monthly fee. Starting at just a few hundred yen per month, these services are affordable and accessible. However, since each service offers different content, many people subscribe to multiple services within the same category.
Even if you cancel a subscription, you can rejoin at any time. Take a look back at your usage over the past month and reconsider any subscription services you’re not using. You can always rejoin when you want to use the service again.
Cooking at Home Instead of Eating Out
Preparing your own meals can significantly reduce your food expenses compared to dining out. Eating out frequently can result in substantial spending. A single restaurant meal can cost several thousand yen, whereas cooking at home can be done for just a few hundred yen.
Transitioning from eating out to cooking at home every day can be challenging if you’re not used to it. You can start by gradually incorporating home-cooked meals into your routine, perhaps by using supermarket deli items or salads to supplement your meals.
Avoiding Delivery and Convenience Stores
While convenient, ordering delivery or frequenting convenience stores can be more expensive than cooking at home. These options include not only the cost of ingredients but also labor, delivery fees, and profit margins, making them more expensive than cooking at home.
Therefore, if you frequently rely on delivery or convenience stores, it can lead to significant expenses. Many people, especially for lunch or drinks.
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