Cost of living in Kumamoto
Kumamoto, a city in Japan known for its rich history and cultural heritage, offers a unique living experience. Understanding the cost of living in Kumamoto is crucial for both potential residents and visitors to plan their finances effectively.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, to help you make informed decisions about living in Kumamoto.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $7.10 on average, with a range between $4.84 and $9.68.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $50, with prices ranging from $38.73 to $90.37.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.49, with a range between $4.84 and $6.13.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer is priced at $3.23, imported beer ranges from $2.26 to $3.85, cappuccino from $0.97 to $5.78, and Coke/Pepsi from $0.65 to $1.80.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.16 and $1.94 per liter, averaging $1.18.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.65 and $1.94, with an average price of $1.10.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.94 to $2.56, averaging $2.44.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.58 to $6.46 per kg, while oranges range from $1.29 to $4.52 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2.58 and $3.23 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.77 to $0.97 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.05 and $1.13 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.55, with a cost of $2.07 to $6.46 per km and $20.66 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $258.21.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $193.66.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $451.86.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $387.31.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $159.62 and $228.62, averaging $201.96.
- Internet - Internet services range from $29.82 to $41.96, with an average cost of $33.28.
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"
Kumamoto offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in Japan, especially in terms of housing and dining.
Transportation costs are moderate, with reasonable prices for gasoline and taxi services.
Grocery prices are competitive, making it easier to manage daily expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kumamoto presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a blend of affordability and quality of life.
With reasonable housing costs and accessible amenities, Kumamoto is well-suited for both families and individuals looking to settle in Japan.