Kurume, located in Japan, offers a unique blend of traditional and modern living. Understanding the cost of living in Kurume is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this vibrant 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 $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 $1.61 to $3.85, cappuccino averages $1.29, and Coke/Pepsi costs between $0.65 and $1.80.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.29 and $1.94 per liter, averaging $1.58.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.65 and $1.94, with an average price of $1.26.
  • 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 $4.32, with a cost of $2.07 to $6.46 per km and $20.66 per hour of waiting.
  • Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs $21,573.27, while a Toyota Corolla is priced between $15,815.23 and $25,821.58.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $193.66.

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 2 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$7.10
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$50.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$5.49
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.23
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.61
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.84
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.73
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.29
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.58
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.26
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.44
Local Cheese (1kg)
$19.37
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.74
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$6.46
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.78
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.94
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$3.61
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.94
Apples (1kg)
$4.09
Oranges (1kg)
$2.90
Potato (1kg)
$2.90
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.91
Rice (white), (1kg)
$3.29
Tomato (1kg)
$4.52
Banana (1kg)
$1.51
Onion (1kg)
$3.31
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$12.26
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.11
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$21,573.27
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.32
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$4.32
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$20.66
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$18,397.51
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$193.66
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$201.96
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$33.28
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$25.31
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$12.91
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$37.44
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$19.37
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$58.10
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$56.48
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
1.67%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$387.31
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$11,619.35
Kurume Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Kurume offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Japanese cities, with low rental prices and reasonable dining costs.

Transportation and utilities are moderately priced, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.

Grocery prices are competitive, though some imported goods may be more expensive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kurume provides a cost-effective living environment with a balance of affordability and quality of life.

Whether you're planning to move or visit, understanding these costs will help you budget effectively and enjoy your time in this charming city.