Shimonoseki, a city located in Japan, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living in Shimonoseki is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this vibrant 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 $7.11 on average, with a range between $4.85 and $9.7.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $50, with prices ranging from $38.78 to $90.5.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.49, with a range between $4.85 and $6.14.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer is priced at $3.23, imported beer ranges from $2.26 to $3.85, cappuccino from $0.97 to $5.78, and Coke/Pepsi from $0.65 to $1.8.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.29 and $1.94 per liter, averaging $1.58.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.65 and $1.94, with an average price of $1.26.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.94 to $2.56, averaging $2.44.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.59 to $6.46 per kg, while oranges range from $1.29 to $4.52 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2.59 and $3.23 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.78 to $0.97 per head.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.05 and $1.13 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4.33, with a cost of $2.07 to $6.46 per km and $20.68 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 $25,590.18.

Housing Costs

  • Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - Monthly preschool costs range from $129.28 to $646.39, averaging $387.84.
  • International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly tuition for international primary school ranges from $10,988.71 to $12,604.7, averaging $11,635.1.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $159.84 and $228.93, averaging $202.23.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $29.86 to $42.02, with an average cost of $33.32.

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

We don't have enough data available for this city...
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$7.11
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$50.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$5.49
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.23
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.06
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.94
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.74
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.77
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.58
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.26
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.44
Local Cheese (1kg)
$19.39
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.74
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$6.46
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.78
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.94
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$3.62
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.94
Apples (1kg)
$4.09
Oranges (1kg)
$2.91
Potato (1kg)
$2.91
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.92
Rice (white), (1kg)
$3.30
Tomato (1kg)
$4.52
Banana (1kg)
$1.51
Onion (1kg)
$3.31
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$12.28
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.11
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$21,602.51
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.33
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$4.33
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$20.68
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$18,355.85
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$202.23
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$33.32
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$25.34
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$12.93
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$37.49
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$19.39
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$58.18
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$56.56
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
1.67%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$387.84
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$11,635.10
Shimonoseki Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Shimonoseki offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Japanese cities. Dining out is reasonably priced, especially at casual restaurants.

Grocery prices are moderate, with essentials like milk and bread being quite affordable. Transportation costs are manageable, with gasoline prices being competitive.

Housing and education costs can vary significantly, but there are options available to suit different budgets. Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to an overall balanced cost of living.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shimonoseki presents a balanced cost of living that can accommodate various lifestyles and budgets. The city offers affordable dining and grocery options, making it an attractive place for both locals and expatriates.

While housing and education costs can be higher, the availability of diverse options allows for flexibility in budgeting. Overall, Shimonoseki is a city that combines cultural richness with economic practicality, making it a desirable location for many.