Job Discussion Forums

[Kruusadar]

I�ll keep it short for you pros out there, please let me know how this looks. My fianc� and I are beginning work in Japan in March. Our combined monthly salary is 520,000 �so how does this budget look�.I know it can be a subjective answer, but a ball park estimate�for a 30 year old couple who goes out one or two times a week and likes to travel and save�

This is our �monthly budget��

100,000 for apartment and utilities�our apartment is 75,000 yen the other 25,000 for utilities No home phone.
100,000 for groceries, misc shopping, cosmetics, etc. for two people..who like to eat healthy
100,000 for monthly expenses of going out, fun, new piece of clothing, gym, cell phone
150,000 for long term saving
50,000 for saving for traveling

1. What is the story with cell phones�will my unlocked jailbroken iphone 3gs work there, can I get service?
2. What is the story with health insurance, I hear first year is cheap, but then it goes up 10x. What if I don�t stay a second year, am I hit with fees, etc?
3. Anyone have any insight or thoughts on Nagoya�how is it, your personal reviews.
I have done extensive research on all these questions, but still looking for a new, first hand perspective.

Thank you so much!


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[Glenski]

This is our �monthly budget��

100,000 for apartment and utilities�our apartment is 75,000 yen the other 25,000 for utilities No home phone.
100,000 for groceries, misc shopping, cosmetics, etc. for two people..who like to eat healthy
100,000 for monthly expenses of going out, fun, new piece of clothing, gym, cell phone
150,000 for long term saving
50,000 for saving for traveling

Going out, etc. seems a bit high. Would you spend US$1000 per month on doing similar stuff? Your cell phone would run 10,000 to set up and 5000-8000 per month (each), barring any discounts for family plans.

Your food bill seems awfully high, too. Just what do you describe as "eating healthy"?

The total of what you've listed comes to 500,000, not 520,000, BTW.

[Kruusadar]

Thank you so much for responding...I could be a little more clear.

100,000 for food would be eating home/occassional street food and misc purchases for home...toilet paper, soap, etc.

thanks again for the insight on the insurance as well! I will look into that.

Your time you take to write all these replies is greatly appreciated!

Kenn

[Glenski]

Your food/groceries/whatever budget still seems high, but everyone is different. Best of luck.

[steki47]

Nagoya is a major city, 4th largest in Japan. Good subway system, bullet train, international airport, etc. The Japanese used to make fun of Nagoya, seeing it as a large collection of hicks. Recently, it became the second richest city in the country.

Lots of shopping, restaurants, bars-anything you would want.
Check out: http://www.seekjapan.jp/japanzine
They also have a free print magazine that gives lots of listings about Nagoya action.

[japancube]

Hello,

Having lived in Nagoya for several years with my wife who was also working, Ie can say that you should easily be able to live on about 250,000-300,000 per month. We lived on just one of our paychecks and were able to save the other. As far as cell phones go. You can get a family plan for your phones costing about 6,000 yen or so for the lot.

Have fun, it's a great city to live in.

[japancube]

I forgot to write that you didn't add income tax into your budget. Your take home will be about 30,000-40,000 less depending on the type of health insurance your employer provides.

[Kruusadar]

Guys,

You all came through and gave me a clearer picture. Thanks so much. Not in regards in bringing my IPHONE 3gs over....can I get a sim card only, or should I sell my iphone here? that is my only concern.

As far as taxes and health insurance, I was told my first year it is pretty low cost...only about 4 %? does that sound right?

why you are all in the helpful mood, any insight on these topics..

1. Gym/martial arts in Nagoya...Gokiso or Kawana district...any ideas?

2. Also anyone know anything about the Gokiso or Kawana areas?


thanks again you guys! Hope someday I can return the favor in questions you might have!

[steki47]