Asahikawa, located in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan, is known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living in Asahikawa is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this city.

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

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant typically costs around $10.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay approximately $40.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A combo meal at a fast-food restaurant costs about $6.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.10 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $0.65.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs cost approximately $2.50.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.92 per kg, while oranges are priced at $2.59 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $3.24 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.97 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.43.
  • Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced at $38.89.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.04 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4.34.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $388.91.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $291.68.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $453.73.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $324.09.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $162.05.
  • Internet - Internet services cost $42.13.

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: Feb, 2025

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 1 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2023.
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.10
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.65
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.48
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.65
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$6.48
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.75
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.59
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$3.24
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.89
Apples (1kg)
$2.92
Oranges (1kg)
$2.59
Potato (1kg)
$3.24
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.97
Rice (white), (1kg)
$2.27
Tomato (1kg)
$2.59
Banana (1kg)
$1.62
Onion (1kg)
$1.62
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$9.72
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.43
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$38.89
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.04
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.34
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$388.91
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$291.68
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$453.73
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$324.09
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$162.05
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$42.13
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$38.89
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$9.72
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$51.86
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$64.82
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$64.82
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,296.38
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
3%
Asahikawa Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Asahikawa offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Japanese cities. Housing and transportation are particularly budget-friendly.

Grocery prices are reasonable, making it easier to manage daily expenses. Dining out is also affordable, with various options available.

Utilities and internet costs are moderate, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Asahikawa.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Asahikawa presents a cost-effective living environment with its affordable housing, transportation, and grocery prices.

Whether you are planning to move or visit, understanding these costs will help you budget effectively and enjoy what the city has to offer.