Are you like the world’s top YouTuber, PewDiePie, who fell in love with Japan? Do you plan to spend your heyday at the Land of the Rising Sun? PewDiePie and his wife Marzia have just relocated to Japan after announcing their plans two years ago. After nine years in Brighton, England, the two decided to go to Japan. If you’ve come across this article, you might be curious about how high the cost of living in Japan is. While this may hold you back from fulfilling your dream, you may change your mind if you understand why. Please keep reading for more information on Japan’s cost of living, particularly its rent, utilities, transportation, food, education, and medical expenses.
The High Standard Of Living In Japan
Renting
Even if you live anywhere else, renting will be your most significant expense. Because Japan’s cities are among the world’s most densely inhabited, rents have risen. You’ll still have to pay a premium even in remote locations since tourists often visit these areas. An apartment share may cost around $700, a private one-bedroom costs at least $1200, and a luxury three-bedroom apartment costs at least $3,000.
Utilities
Additionally, budgeting for utilities is a need. A basic apartment with 85 square feet of space, including heating and air conditioning, water, and trash disposal, costs $170 per month in essential utilities. Starting at $37 per month, you can have 60 Mbps internet service.
Food
Make a budget for eating out since it is an essential element of Japanese culture. As a result, preparing your meals a few evenings each week will save you a considerable sum of cash. Consider eating in at least four evenings out of the week, depending on the quality of your kitchen.
Prices as of April 2022 for the following items:
$4.57 for one kilo of rice
$2 for a loaf of bread
$4 for vegetables/fruits
$8.95 for a kilogram of chicken
$2.38 for a dozen of eggs
$2 to $5 per serving of streetfood
Education
Japan has among the top-ranking universities in the world, according to experts. The OECD continually ranks it among the best in the world for scientific education. Nevertheless, it’s not so popular among expats. This is because prior knowledge of Japanese is required for enrollment. It is thus out of reach for the vast majority of international youngsters. The average yearly cost of attendance at an international school is around $27,000.
Healthcare Costs
Medical care in Japan is excellent, and it’s considerably more advanced than most other nations. In exchange for paying for it with taxes, they provide healthcare to all inhabitants, whether short-term visitors or residents. Only if you remain in the country for more than a year are you eligible for this program. The payment is based on your income, and you can’t usually get out of paying it. Because of this, many expats- who have lived here for over a year choose the public option. It’s less expensive than private health insurance plans, and its system is efficient and quick.
Transportation
Japan’s public transportation system is the best in the world. To go from Hokkaido to Kyushu, Japan has a high-speed rail network. Most significant cities have substantial metro rail systems, making it easy to get out of town. Due to their low price (even by Japanese standards), people seldom see vehicles. A one-day Tokyo Metro card costs $5, and a bullet train ticket costs $5. A cab fare costs $50. This is why bicycles are so popular in the cities. Consider obtaining one for yourself.
Transportation
Conclusion
There are benefits and downsides to visiting Japan, but overall, it’s a worthwhile trip that may provide a lifetime of memories and chances. A place that is a dream for one person may be a nightmare for another. Before making a move to the nation, weigh the benefits and drawbacks.
