1,370 cities covered · Currency: JPY (¥) · Capital: Tokyo
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | ¥1,429 ($9.22) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | ¥5,718 ($36.89) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | ¥429 ($2.77) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | ¥32,400 ($209) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | ¥5,241 ($33.81) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | ¥13,818 ($89.15) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | ¥4,002 ($25.82) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | ¥4,002 ($25.82) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | ¥1,048 ($6.76) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | ¥80,521 ($519) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | ¥56,015 ($361) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | ¥168,045 ($1,084) | per month |
Tōkyō · pop. 37,785,000
Ōsaka · pop. 15,126,000
Aichi · pop. 9,197,000
Kanagawa · pop. 3,757,630
Fukuoka · pop. 2,286,000
Hokkaidō · pop. 1,959,313
Kanagawa · pop. 1,538,262
Hyōgo · pop. 1,521,707
Kyōto · pop. 1,431,419
Saitama · pop. 1,325,843
Saitama · pop. 1,324,854
Hiroshima · pop. 1,198,021
Miyagi · pop. 1,061,177
Chiba · pop. 975,014
Tōkyō · pop. 940,071
Fukuoka · pop. 935,084
Ōsaka · pop. 827,277
Niigata · pop. 790,646
Shizuoka · pop. 788,211
Tōkyō · pop. 749,451
Kumamoto · pop. 738,385
Tōkyō · pop. 737,187
Kanagawa · pop. 725,696
Okayama · pop. 720,043
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Japan
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Japan
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Japan
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Japan
Living costs in Japan vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of ¥151,309 ($976) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.
Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.