Cost of living in Okinawa
Okinawa, a beautiful island prefecture in Japan, is known for its unique culture, stunning beaches, and warm climate. Understanding the cost of living in Okinawa is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this vibrant region.
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 $7.11 on average, with a range between $5.17 and $9.7.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $36.16, with prices ranging from $29.09 to $75.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.54, with a range between $5.17 and $5.82.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.94 to $4, imported beer $3 to $6, cappuccino $1.94 to $4, and Coke/Pepsi $0.84 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.28 and $1.94 per liter, averaging $1.62.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.97 and $4.28, with an average price of $2.11.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.55 to $3.1, averaging $1.92.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.62 to $8.52 per kg, while oranges range from $0.97 to $6.46 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.62 and $5.67 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.78 to $2.26 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.49 and $2.26, with a monthly pass priced between $19.39 and $67.45.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.97 and $1.13 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.91, with a cost of $1.29 to $4.52 per km and $11.64 to $12.06 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $361.98 to $969.59, averaging $414.99.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $323.2 to $581.76, averaging $371.68.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $646.39 to $1583.67, averaging $879.1.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $517.12 to $1098.87, averaging $645.1.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $96.96 and $226.24, averaging $162.68.
- Internet - Internet services range from $19.39 to $103.42, with an average cost of $29.73.
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"
Okinawa offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major Japanese cities, especially in terms of housing and dining.
Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable public transport options and reasonable fuel prices.
Grocery prices are varied, with some items like local produce being quite affordable, while others, such as imported goods, can be more expensive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Okinawa presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for both locals and expatriates.
While some costs, such as imported goods, can be higher, the overall affordability in housing and dining makes it a desirable place to live.
Potential residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget accordingly to make the most of living in this beautiful island region.