Cost of living in Karuizawa
Karuizawa, a picturesque town in Japan, is known for its natural beauty and serene environment. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or visiting.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Karuizawa, covering 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 $3.23 on average, with a range between $3.23 and $12.93.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $32.32, with prices ranging from $25.86 to $51.71.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.17, with a range between $4.52 and $5.82.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.81 to $3.88, imported beer $2.13 to $4.52, cappuccino $0.97 to $3.88, and Coke/Pepsi $0.65 to $1.94.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.97 and $1.94 per liter, averaging $1.1.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.29 and $2.59, with an average price of $1.72.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.05 to $2.59, averaging $1.54.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.78 to $12.93 per kg, while oranges range from $2.59 to $6.46 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.29 and $5.17 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.63 to $2.59 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.05 and $1.13 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.91, with a cost of $2.59 to $4.27 per km and $16.16 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs $21,602.51, while a Toyota Corolla is priced at $15,944.4.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for preschool is between $420.16 and $646.39 monthly, averaging $574.99.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly fees for international primary school range from $7,756.74 to $19,391.84, averaging $12,927.89.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $96.96 and $281.59, averaging $143.82.
- Internet - Internet services range from $22.62 to $38.78, with an average cost of $29.99.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $14.22 and $26.37, averaging $25.38.
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.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Karuizawa offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to major Japanese cities, especially in dining and grocery expenses.
Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable fuel prices and taxi fares.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Karuizawa presents a balanced cost of living with affordable dining and grocery options.
While housing and education costs can be significant, the overall expenses are manageable, making it an attractive location for families and individuals alike.