Mito, the capital city of Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan, offers a unique blend of traditional culture and modern living. Understanding the cost of living in Mito is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay in this vibrant city.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the various expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to transportation and housing, 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 $6.46 on average, with a range between $3.88 and $9.7.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $35.55, with prices ranging from $19.39 to $96.96.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.17, with a range between $4.78 and $6.14.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.29 to $3.23, imported beer $1.94 to $3.88, cappuccino $1.29 to $5.17, and Coke/Pepsi $0.84 to $1.29.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.29 and $1.62 per liter, averaging $1.43.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.99 and $3.23, with an average price of $1.92.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.54 to $2.64, averaging $2.13.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.91 to $9.7 per kg, while oranges range from $1.94 to $5.82 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.94 and $3.88 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.9 to $1.62 per head.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.05 and $1.13 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.59, with a cost of $1.29 to $2.91 per km and $20.68 to $21.33 per hour of waiting.
  • Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs $21,602.51, while a Toyota Corolla is priced between $15,836.67 and $22,623.81.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre averages $387.84.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $103.42 and $193.92, averaging $133.5.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $25.86 to $45.25, with an average cost of $31.67.

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
$6.46
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$35.55
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$5.17
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.94
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.26
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.08
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.77
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.77
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.43
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.92
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.13
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.40
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.73
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$6.46
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.67
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.07
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$3.88
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.87
Apples (1kg)
$5.01
Oranges (1kg)
$2.94
Potato (1kg)
$2.80
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.34
Rice (white), (1kg)
$3.58
Tomato (1kg)
$4.57
Banana (1kg)
$2.42
Onion (1kg)
$3.56
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$13.45
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.12
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$21,602.51
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.23
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$2.51
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$20.68
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$17,614.25
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$387.84
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$133.50
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$31.67
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$25.71
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$38.78
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$13.25
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$37.71
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$27.47
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$57.42
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$102.13
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
2.05%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$262.87
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$11,635.10
Mito Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Mito offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Japanese cities, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.

Housing costs are notably lower, especially for rentals outside the city centre, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious residents.

Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable taxi fares and fuel prices, although car ownership can be expensive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mito presents a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and dining options, making it a viable choice for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle in Japan.

While transportation and utility costs are moderate, careful budgeting can help manage expenses effectively, ensuring a comfortable living experience in this charming city.