Living Cost in Japan

Living costs and expenditures in Japan

Japan, known as the land of the rising sun, sees a growing community of international students for studies. The most expensive cities are Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka. On the other hand, the most affordable cities are Kyoto and Fukuoka. For international students, the living cost per month is based on overheads including accommodation and other miscellaneous charges besides the University fees. Housing expenses cost 120000 to 245000 Japanese yen, three months transportation cost 20000 yen, Restaurant cost 800-1000 Yen, monthly phone bill 2000 Yen, Social expenses 3000 Yen or less, Phone/books/medical expenses 7500 Yen. Those students who have gotten hourly work permits will get paid 1200-1300 Yen for late-night shifts. International students are allowed to work a part-time job of 28 hours per week as long as they meet the income threshold of 3 million yen

Rental expenses on monthly basis are:

Tokyo                   244600 Japanese Yen

Yokohama           204000 Japanese Yen

Osaka                   181000 Yen

Kyoto                   150000 Yen

Fukuoka                20000-70000 Yen

Miscellaneous Expenses:

Utility Cost                     20000 Yen

One dozen eggs             214yen

One loaf of bread is 200 yen

One liter of milk        246 yen

One pound of chicken  470 yen

One pound of apples   730 yen

One bottle of beer is 260 yen

One bottle of wine is 1,700 yen

Health insurance           5000-10000 yen

Single airfare ticket       170 yen

Gas per liter                     130 yen

Mobile phones subscription and connectivity           2000-6000 yen

Household goods                    100 Yen

How to save your budget in Japan:

• Cook your own food
• Shop at wholesale markets
• Get your point cards from big electric stores
• Consider shopping online
• Save money by cycling
• Consider moving to share house to cut off living expense
• Use electricity from 11 pm to 7 a.m. which is cheaper
• Look out for sales and mark months in your Calendar
• Use recycle shops to buy goods between February to April
• Buy a commuter pass to reduce transportation fees
• Enhance call options with add unlimited call options, free call apps, I telephony, and Cancel unnecessary options.