Cost of living in Japan

[8Ball]

Well I've landed myself a job in Japan, and all thats left now are admin stuff like signing contracts,visa etc. So with the job search out of the way, the issue on my mind now is living in Japan. Basic info.

-I'll most likely be located in the Kanto region.
-My base salary will be 250000yen/m
-10% tax will bring it down to 225000 yen
-accomodation will be 50000 yen/m leaving me with 175000yen
-transport to and from work will be covered by the company

So basically each month, I'll be left with 175000yen to cover bills, food and going out.

Realistically, how much will I expect to pay each month for bills, food and going out? Lets say for example, I'll eat out at a fancy restaurant twice a week, and go out drinking, karaoke or watever once a week. Of course, I will have to pay my own travel expenses too.

Also, for those of you working in Japan, how much are you saving each month and how much what kind of expenses are you paying for?

Thanks peeps!

[gfell]

Well, first of all CONGRATS on landing yourself a teaching job in Japan. I'm sure you will thoroughly enjoy the experience.

To be conservative, I would budget the following per month:

• Electricty, gas, water ￥10,000
• ADSL internet connection (if needed) ￥5050
• Fancy restaurant: ￥5000 each time
• Drinking: ￥8000 (depends how much you drink of course. The average beverage in a bar is about ￥700)
• Karaoke: ￥2000 (this fee will most likely include free drinking, yes, alcoholic drinks included)
• Mobile phone ￥4000 (thats if you only make a small amount of calls per month)

I suppose it all depends on how much you party to the amount you can save. Pity though, because at the moment the exchange rates aren't the best for sending money back to Australian from Japan. I always try to wait till the exchange rates are below the 80 level.

Hope the above info helps you.

[8Ball]

Thanks Gfell! I'm really looking forward to the experience too!
The budgets given me a good idea what to expect.

Do you think aiming to save 75000yen/m is too ambitious for my salary? Given that I'm only 21 and it's my first time going to Japan, so obviously I'll want to be going out and trying everything

[gfell]

Yes, very possible to save that amount per month. That's probably a very conservative figure you have.

You have the right idea - experience Japan as much as you can rather than hoarding the money. These type of experiences don't come by often. Enjoy yourself!

We are always here if you have any further questions!

[Shasta]

In addition to the utilities that gfell-san mentioned, I'm also paying about 40,000 a month in insurance. Is insurance already taken out of the salary you mentioned?

I save about 120,000 yen when I don't do anything special during the month and I make 330,000 to start. I live in a small town, so I can live pretty simply, although I do pay almost 30,000 a month for previous loans as well.

I would say that 75,000 might be a little difficult to save if you're living in a city and want to see other parts of Japan as well since travel inside Japan is so expensive. Don't forget about having to pay 150 yen for 6 slices of bread. I spend a lot of money on groceries.

[gfell]

Travel within Japan is also very expensive. However, you can save yourself by buying off-peak tickets, and general train tickets at discount shops known as "Kinken Shoppu".

When you're in Japan, just ask a Japanese person where is the nearest Kinken Shoppu and I'm sure they'll let you know.