Japan is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world with a long history and it also has one of the most advanced technologies. This guide will give you a breakdown of the key expenses to consider:
Accommodation
You know that rent is one of the largest costs that may be incurred when living in Japan and even more if you reside in Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto. You can make ¥60, 000-¥100, 000+ per month for a studio or one-bedroom apartment in the central area or $440-$740.
However, the size and age of the apartment will dictate whether it will be expensive or cheap.
It may be useful to search for a house for rent in the suburbs or even in other cities where the prices are certainly lower and rents start from ¥30,000 to ¥50,000 ([USD 220 – $370]) per month. Rent house expenses like electricity, water, heating etc will be ¥ 10,000-¥ 15,000 ($75- $110) extra in addition to the rent house expenses.
Food
In Japan food is not costly especially when it comes to food buying, some of the stores that you can come across are supermarkets and Don Quijote which is a cut-price supermarket store. Groceries: You will spend ¥ 20000 – ¥30000 ([USD 150-$220]) per month for the foodstuff alone.
A meal outside the home cannot be simply characterized as going out for a meal and may include a quick bite, a restaurant dinner or a gourmet dinner. Some of the foods are very affordable, for instance, ¥500-¥800 ([USD 4 – $6]). Such as the bento boxes that are sold in convenience stores.
This means that a meal that would cost between ¥1,000 and ¥2,000 ([USD 7 to $15]) in a local restaurant or other restaurant may even be more expensive if taken in an expensive restaurant or fine dining restaurant.
They include foods that contain a lot of calories and in just a few minutes you can consume more calories than you do in a whole day.
Transportation
Still, Japan which has such a population has good public transport that includes the train and the bus systems.
Trains can be expensive, and this is a common feeling that many users have especially those in large cities. If you intend to utilize the bus often, it would be wise to purchase a commuter pass as a more effective option.
The cost of the subway ride is between ¥80 – ¥200 (about [USD 0. 60-$1. 50]) for a single trip, though the price increases with the distance to be covered.
Bicycles are applied in the transport sector and are cheap when compared to other forms of transport in the second and third cities.
Other expenses
Mobile phones are a significant commodity in Japan, and for a basic contract that includes a certain amount of data usage. The cost is approximately ¥4000 ([USD 30]) monthly. Internet service can be taken individually from cable TV and the charges are roughly ¥6000 ($45) per month.
Clothing
Fashion is highly appreciated in Japan, and the cost of these clothes is usually high, especially when they are from renowned designers. However, there are also numerous shops where such clothing is available for purchase at a very low price.
Entertainment
Entertainment such as movies, television programs, entertainment places, going out at night, etc can differ in terms of the amount of money that is needed. Avoid eating meals in restaurants during lunch times and try to find days that may offer cheap rates or nothing charged for attractions like temples or parks.
Total Monthly costs
A person living in a large metropolitan city, for instance, Tokyo will spend ¥180,000 – ¥250,000 ([USD 1,320 -$1,850]) on expenses for living. These include the basic needs which are shelter/rent, food, transport, light and water, other expenditure such as entertainment and so on.
If you decide to live in the city that is not one of the biggest ones then I can say that you will be lucky because your expenses will be much, much less and will be within the range of ¥120,000 and ¥180,000 ([USD 900 – $1,320]) per month.
Additional factors to consider
They include:
Learning Japanese
As much as you may not be very fluent in the language you will be able to ‘navigate’ within the community, and I believe that chances of employment will be higher.
Healthcare
Japan does have its national health insurance system but there are some services which are not covered under this insurance. Another could utilize private health insurance to have an added security blanket in case of an emergency.
Education
Another thing that most international schools are known for is the fact that they are rather costly, particularly if a child is ready to enrol at the school at a more advanced grade.
Conclusion
This is only an illustrative estimate and it may differ depending on the choices made and the city in which the person resides. However, make sure that you incorporate your requirements into the formula and do not set up the budget without further consideration.
You may also find these articles helpful
Living in Lithuania – Expat life
Belgium: cost of relocation
Spain: living as student in Barcelona