Cost of living in Osaka
Osaka, a vibrant city in Japan, is known for its modern architecture, nightlife, and delicious street food. Understanding the cost of living in Osaka is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this bustling metropolis.
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 $6.46 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 $32.28, with prices ranging from $19.37 to $45.19.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.84, with a range between $4.18 and $5.16.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.26 to $3.87, imported beer $3.23 to $5.16, cappuccino $2.58 to $4.52, and Coke/Pepsi $0.77 to $1.29.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.23 and $1.66 per liter, averaging $1.42.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.65 and $4.84, with an average price of $1.38.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.55 to $2.71, averaging $2.22.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.61 to $4.52 per kg, while oranges range from $0.97 to $3.23 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.16 and $1.81 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.65 to $1.61 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.29 and $1.81, with a monthly pass priced between $32.28 and $58.1.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.05 and $1.13 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.61, with a cost of $1.94 to $3.61 per km and $21.95 to $38.73 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $419.59 to $774.62, averaging $583.34.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $290.48 to $645.52, averaging $369.59.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $968.28 to $1936.56, averaging $1240.17.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $580.97 to $1129.66, averaging $787.43.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2517.53 to $4195.88, averaging $3356.7.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2582.08 to $2775.73, averaging $2678.91.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $96.83 and $150.89, averaging $123.29.
- Internet - Internet services range from $24.53 to $32.28, with an average cost of $28.3.
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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Transportation
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Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
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Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
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Buy Apartment Price
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Osaka offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in Japan, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.
Housing costs are moderate, especially outside the city centre, making it a viable option for those looking to save on rent.
Transportation is efficient and affordable, with public transport being a cost-effective option for daily commuting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Osaka presents a balanced cost of living with affordable dining and transportation options, making it an attractive city for both residents and visitors.
While housing in the city centre can be pricey, options outside the centre offer more budget-friendly alternatives. Overall, Osaka provides a comfortable lifestyle with a mix of modern amenities and cultural experiences.