Cost of living in Otsu
Otsu, the capital city of Shiga Prefecture in Japan, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living in Otsu is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this picturesque city.
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 $8.71 on average, with a range between $5.49 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 $64.55.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.52, with a range between $4.52 and $5.16.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.81 to $6.46, imported beer $2.13 to $9.68, cappuccino $0.97 to $4.2, and Coke/Pepsi $0.52 to $1.16.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.1 and $2.26 per liter, averaging $1.5.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.71 and $2.58, with an average price of $1.59.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.05 to $2.78, averaging $2.09.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.78 to $12.91 per kg, while oranges range from $2.58 to $7.75 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
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.05 and $1.13 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.9, with a cost of $2.07 to $5.16 per km and $16.14 to $16.53 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs $21,573.27, while a Toyota Corolla is priced at $15,922.82.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $322.76.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $290.48.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $516.42.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $419.59.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $64.55 and $342.93, averaging $104.29.
- Internet - Internet services range from $19.37 to $45.19, with an average cost of $29.05.
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"
Otsu offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Japanese cities, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.
Housing costs are notably low, especially for apartments outside the city centre, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious residents.
Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable gasoline prices and taxi fares, though car purchases can be a significant expense.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Otsu presents a balanced cost of living, combining affordable housing and dining with moderate transportation expenses.
This makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle in Japan without sacrificing access to cultural and natural attractions.