Akita, located in the northern region of Japan, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living in Akita is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this city.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, to help you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $6.46.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $19.37.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5, with a range between $4.84 and $5.16.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer costs $1.94, imported beer $3.23, cappuccino $3.55, and Coke/Pepsi $0.98.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.83 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $1.94.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $2.32.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced at $4.52 per kg.
  • Lettuce (1 head) - A head of lettuce costs $1.29.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.97.
  • Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced at $29.69.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.07 and $1.94 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares cost $2.58 per km.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $451.86 to $580.97, averaging $516.42.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $193.66 to $451.86, averaging $322.76.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $903.73 to $1161.94, averaging $1032.83.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $451.86 to $645.52, averaging $548.69.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $258.21.
  • Internet - Internet services average $51.64.

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for Japan are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Japan, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 9 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$6.46
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$19.37
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$5.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.94
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.23
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.98
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.84
Cappuccino (regular)
$3.55
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.83
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.94
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.32
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$9.68
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.58
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$2.97
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.52
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.29
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.97
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$29.69
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.50
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$32,275.98
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$2.58
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$25,820.79
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$516.42
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$322.76
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,032.83
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$548.69
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$258.21
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$51.64
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$51.64
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$12.91
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$42.71
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$47.30
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$88.23
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$161.38
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,147.43
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$225.93
Akita Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Akita offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Japanese cities. Dining out is inexpensive, and public transportation is budget-friendly.

Housing costs are moderate, with more affordable options available outside the city centre. Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced.

Overall, Akita provides a balanced lifestyle with manageable expenses, making it an attractive option for residents and newcomers alike.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Akita presents a cost-effective living environment with its affordable dining, transportation, and housing options.

The city's moderate utility costs and reasonable internet prices further enhance its appeal as a place to live or visit.

Whether you're planning to move to Akita or just exploring your options, understanding these costs will help you make informed financial decisions.