Japan vs US: Cost of Living, Salary & Prices comparison (2024)

FAQs

Japan vs US: Cost of Living, Salary & Prices comparison? ›

Cost Of Living In Japan Vs. USA. The average cost of living in Japan for one person is $1,200 a month, while in the USA it's $2,213 a month. For a family to live in Japan, it costs $3,051 a month on average, compared to $5,003 in the United States.

Cost of living in United States is 51% more expensive than in Japan.

In 2021, the average annual salary in Japan was approximately 4,530,000 Yen or 41,000 USD. This figure provides only a partial view of the elements affecting an individual's income. The average monthly salary in Japan is 3,794 USD.

Summary of cost of living in Japan: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,915.3$ (450,777.2¥) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 826.2$ (127,744.1¥) without rent. Cost of living in Japan is, on average, 33.2% lower than in United States.

Cost of Living in Japan FAQs

A. According to the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi, an Indian student needs YEN 89,000 (INR 50,000) per month excluding rent and travel expenses. If you are going to study in Japan for first time then keep a budget of YEN 700,000 (INR 393,260) for the first three months to settle yourself.

The Japanese healthcare system consistently rates among the best in the world. While the public system is modern and accessible, it doesn't completely cover healthcare costs. Depending on income level, patients have to pay around 30% of their medical fees. Due to this, most people tend to carry private insurance plans.

For a 1-bedroom in Tokyo, the monthly rent for housing can cost upwards of 50,000 yen ($1,713). In other cities, a one-bedroom apartment in Japanese cities is approximately 82,000 yen ($562). Despite the large disparity between rental costs, the average rent in the United States eclipses both.

Japan is cheaper than you think. Way cheaper. In fact, Japan is arguably the least expensive country in the developed world, rivaled only by Portugal and South Korea. And now that the yen is at a three-decade low against the US dollar, it feels particularly cheap for those coming from the USA.

As one of the world's leading economies, Japan offers competitive salaries, especially in the IT, technology, and manufacturing sectors. The average monthly salary in Japan has been steadily increasing over the years, reflecting the country's economic stability and growth.

Plus, on average, these tend to be less expensive than the US equivalent. In 2024, American folks are forking out an average of 36.1% more for their grocery shopping than people in the Japan!

Is 5000 usd a lot in Japan? ›

Is $5000 enough for a trip to Japan for one person? It's more than enough, though of course it depends on what you plan to do and how long you intend to stay. Your flight and lodging are the most potentially costly items.

According to a report by the Japan Real Estate Institute, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Tokyo's 23 wards was around 230,000 yen (approximately $2,100 USD) per month as of 2020.

Groceries and eating out

Local supermarkets are relatively inexpensive if you stick to Japanese food like seasonal vegetables and seafood, and soy bean products. Pre-cooked products can be purchased at discounted prices shortly before closing time in the evening.

Many Japanese companies offer annual incentives, known as “bonuses,” which can amount to one or even two months of salary in addition to the base salary. The average monthly salary in Japan is around 515,000 Japanese yen. Salaries can range from a low average of 130,000 yen to a high average of 2,300,000 yen.

In conclusion, while $1000 dollars may not be enough to fully explore all of Japan's attractions, it's still possible to have a budget-friendly trip. By carefully planning transportation, opting for affordable accommodations, and trying local street food, you can make the most of your budget.

The Cheapest Country in the Developed World

This is because Japan has had almost no inflation for the last decade or so, while prices elsewhere have skyrocketed. And, on top of this, the yen has recently fallen in value, meaning that your money now buys a LOT more in Japan.

Can a U.S. citizen live in Japan? As you practice your Japanese, you may be wondering whether U.S. citizens can even live in Japan. Yes, however, as with nearly all international moves, you'll need to thoroughly research and follow Japan's immigration rules.

However, this depends on where you come from. But, if you want to move to Japan permanently, you will need to apply for a long-term stay visa at the Japanese diplomatic missions (embassy/consulate) in your home country to enter Japan. Once you get the status of a permanent resident in Japan, it will be indefinite.

Average Rent in Japan

Prices in the capital range from a single room in shared housing for about 20,000 JPY (190 USD) per month to over 150,000 JPY (1,400 USD) for a private apartment. The average amount for a two-bedroom unit is a little over 200,000 JPY (1,870 USD) monthly.