Morioka, the capital city of Iwate Prefecture in Japan, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living in Morioka is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this charming city.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from housing and groceries to leisure activities, 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 around $10, offering affordable dining options for residents and visitors.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay approximately $40 for a three-course meal for two.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6, providing a quick and budget-friendly option.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.16 per liter, making it a staple with a reasonable cost.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $0.65, offering an affordable option for daily consumption.
  • Local Cheese - Local cheese is available at $5.16 per kg, providing a taste of local dairy products.
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle) - A 1.5-liter bottle of water costs $0.84, ensuring hydration is accessible and affordable.
  • Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) - A mid-range bottle of wine is priced at $4.52, perfect for those who enjoy a glass with dinner.
  • Cigarettes (20 Pack, Marlboro) - A pack of Marlboro cigarettes costs $3.87, reflecting the local pricing for tobacco products.
  • Chicken Fillets - Chicken fillets are priced at $2.58 per kg, offering a cost-effective protein source.
  • Lettuce - A head of lettuce costs $0.65, making fresh vegetables an affordable part of the diet.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way ticket for local transport is typically priced at $2, providing an economical way to navigate the city.
  • Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transportation costs around $50, offering savings for regular commuters.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $419.59, offering affordable urban living.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $322.76, providing a more budget-friendly option.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an apartment cost around $150 per month, covering essential services.
  • Internet - Internet services are priced at approximately $40 per month, ensuring connectivity is affordable.

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: Feb, 2025

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 2 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2023.
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.16
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.65
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.16
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.84
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$4.52
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$3.87
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.58
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.65
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$419.59
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$322.76
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$38.73
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$10.33
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,972.06
Morioka Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

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

Dining out is budget-friendly, and public transportation provides an economical way to travel around the city.

Residents can enjoy a balanced lifestyle with access to affordable leisure activities and essential services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Morioka presents a cost-effective living environment with a blend of traditional and modern amenities.

Whether you're planning to move or visit, understanding the cost of living in Morioka will help you manage your finances and enjoy all that this city has to offer.