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

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, 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 will typically cost $7.75 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $38.77.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.85.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $3.88, imported beer $3.23, cappuccino $2.91, and Coke/Pepsi $1.29.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.03 and $3.23 per liter, averaging $2.13.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $2.58 on average.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $1.94.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples and oranges both average $7.75 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes average $3.88 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.29 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.62.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.09 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4.52.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $387.66.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $258.44.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $137.3.
  • Internet - Internet services average $25.84.

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: Jan, 2025

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 3 user contributions, as of the most recent update in September, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$7.75
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$38.77
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$4.85
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.88
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.23
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.29
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.65
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.91
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.13
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.58
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.94
Local Cheese (1kg)
$19.38
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.71
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$19.38
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.42
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.91
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.46
Apples (1kg)
$7.75
Oranges (1kg)
$7.75
Potato (1kg)
$3.88
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.29
Rice (white), (1kg)
$3.23
Tomato (1kg)
$6.46
Banana (1kg)
$3.23
Onion (1kg)
$3.88
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$19.38
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.62
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.09
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.52
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$387.66
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$258.44
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$137.30
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$25.84
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$19.38
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$32.30
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$9.69
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$25.84
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$64.61
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$77.53
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,584.40
Ibaraki Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Ibaraki offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in Japan, with reasonable prices for dining and housing.

Transportation and utilities are also cost-effective, making it an attractive option for those looking to balance quality of life with expenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ibaraki presents a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and dining options.

The city is ideal for individuals and families seeking a cost-effective lifestyle without compromising on essential amenities and services.