Job Discussion Forums

Tombraider · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 1 Location: Atlanta, GA

Hi all,

I want to move to Sapporo next year and I am wondering how much I should budget for living expenses. I will hopefully be going through Nova so money is not necessarily the problem its just that I have to send 1000 back home each month. I am wondering if it is possible to live on 1000 in a more rural area. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

1000? Is that US$1000? I assume so because of the address in your avatar.

Working for NOVA, you will probably make 263,000-273,000 yen/month after your probation period.

Figure 125,000 yen/month for living expenses (depends on the rent more than anything else) and other basic necessities. That leaves 138,000 to 148,000 yen/month for everything else in life. What you have left to send home depends on how much of this you spend on things like sightseeing, drinking and dancing, film, cable TV, video/DVD rentals, movies, trips home, souvenirs, medical expenses not covered under insurance, etc.

Just remember that if you opt for NOVA's insurance, you must pay for all expenses up front and wait to get reimbursed.

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

You can do it if you don't mind living a sad, lonely, boring, monotonous, thrifty life. If you are more specific about what you would like to do and how often you would like to do it, we can give you a better estimate about how much you could potentially save per month.

Do you want a cell phone?
Do you want an internet connection in your apartment?
Do you want to socialize with friends on the weekend?
Do you want to eat 3 satisfying meals a day?
Do you intend to purchase anything at all, ever?
Do you want to go on dates?
Do you want to ever entertain yourself, besides watching TV at home?
Do you intend to travel anywhere?

Have you secured a job before leaving the US? If not, anticipate startup costs upward of $4000.

Sapporo is definitly not rural. It is the capital of Hokkaido and has a population larger than 1.5 Million. You will definitely need the heater in the winter, and that will run up your electricity bill.

Mike L. · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 519