Cost of living in Maebashi
Maebashi, the capital city of Gunma Prefecture in Japan, offers a unique blend of urban and rural living. Understanding the cost of living in Maebashi is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $4.52 on average, with a range between $4.52 and $12.91.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $32.28, with prices ranging from $25.82 to $51.64.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.16, with a range between $4.52 and $5.81.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.81 to $3.87, imported beer $2.13 to $4.52, cappuccino $0.97 to $3.87, and Coke/Pepsi $0.65 to $1.94.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.1 and $1.94 per liter, averaging $1.28.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.29 and $2.58, with an average price of $1.72.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.05 to $2.58, averaging $1.69.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.78 to $12.91 per kg, while oranges range from $2.58 to $6.46 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.29 and $5.16 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.63 to $2.58 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.58.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1 and $1.13 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.23, with a cost of $2.58 to $4.26 per km and $32.28 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $387.31.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1872.01.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $580.97.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $484.14.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $96.83 and $281.2, averaging $143.63.
- Internet - Internet services range from $22.59 to $38.73, with an average cost of $29.95.
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"
Maebashi offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Japanese cities, with low dining and grocery prices.
Housing costs vary significantly between the city centre and outside areas, with city centre apartments being more affordable.
Transportation is reasonably priced, with affordable public transport and fuel costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Maebashi presents a cost-effective living environment, especially for those looking to balance urban amenities with rural charm.
The city's affordable dining, grocery, and transportation costs make it an attractive option for both residents and visitors.
Potential residents should consider the variation in housing costs when choosing between city centre and suburban living.