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Japan cost of living in 2025

T

TheBeet

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Jun 1, 2025
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I'd like to start a thread from time to time for everyone to share their experiences with a specific country's cost of living, now lets start with Japan. Please include average prices for housing (rent or purchase), public transportation, groceries, health insurance and medical visits, tuition fees, utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet, phone), and leisure activities. Feel free to mention any other relevant expenses. This will be for the benefit of those people seeking knowledge and information on this forum. Thanks for contributing!
 
TheBeet said:
I'd like to start a thread from time to time for everyone to share their experiences with a specific country's cost of living, now lets start with Japan. Please include average prices for housing (rent or purchase), public transportation, groceries, health insurance and medical visits, tuition fees, utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet, phone), and leisure activities. Feel free to mention any other relevant expenses. This will be for the benefit of those people seeking knowledge and information on this forum. Thanks for contributing!
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My high school friend lived in Tokyo for a bit. She said that the rent isn't cheap but the cost of living is bearable. Groceries and train rides are pretty reasonable, but utilities and eating out add up quick. I don't know, maybe because it's a popular tourist destination? Health insurance was pretty good though. I think they really take care of your health if you're a migrant.
 
Absolutely, I've heard that too, the rent can really hit hard. But you know, if you keep an eye on your daily spending, it doesn't have to be too crazy.

By the way, did your friend end up in the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo or did she find a more laid-back spot? And how did she feel about the public healthcare system there? I'm curious to hear her thoughts
 
TheBeet said:
I'd like to start a thread from time to time for everyone to share their experiences with a specific country's cost of living, now lets start with Japan. Please include average prices for housing (rent or purchase), public transportation, groceries, health insurance and medical visits, tuition fees, utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet, phone), and leisure activities. Feel free to mention any other relevant expenses. This will be for the benefit of those people seeking knowledge and information on this forum. Thanks for contributing!
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my son lives in Tokyo now, he said the living cost there is quite cheap. like at least ¥120,000/ month including rent (around $800). but ofc depends on your lifestyle, it can be more than that, or maybe less if you live in a smaller city
 
SlobberKing said:
my son lives in Tokyo now, he said the living cost there is quite cheap. like at least ¥120,000/ month including rent (around $800). but ofc depends on your lifestyle, it can be more than that, or maybe less if you live in a smaller city
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Huh... I assume it's gonna get cheaper since the yen isn't getting any stronger.
 
I have a cousin who spent a couple of years teaching English in Osaka. She ended up finding a nice little apartment thanks to a connection at her school, her rent was a decent ¥60,000 a month. She really appreciated how efficient the public transport was, and she was surprised by how affordable the healthcare turned out to be. While grocery prices were reasonable, she mentioned that going out with friends could quickly add up. But overall, she felt like the perks of living in such a safe and clean place made it all worth it.
 

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