Job Discussion Forums

[William.]

I'm aware there are many pros and cons to living in one of the bigger cities in Japan, but I'm just wondering, beyond apartment costs, how much more expensive are places like Kyoto/Tokyo/Osaka than more medium-sized Japanese cities or rural Japan?

What about medium-large cities NEAR Tokyo, such as Chiba? Are costs comparable to Tokyo? Or could one potentially save more working there if they can find a decently priced apartment not the size of a shoe-box?

[chinagirl]

I live about 35 minutes east from Ueno Station (Tokyo) in Chiba Prefecture. My rent is much lower and I get much more for the price. For the cost of a 1K in more fashionable areas of Tokyo I have a 3LDK and it's easy to get into the city. I find the cost of living out here quite reasonable.

[cornishmuppet]

I went into a supermarket in Asakawa while I was in Tokyo last weekend and it was actually cheaper than the ones I shop in in Nagano. I felt like a bit of a muppet buying stir fry sauces to take home though!

Go to Yoshinoya, Gusto, Dennys, any of those places in Tokyo, and it'll cost you the same as everywhere else.

[William.]

Thanks so much for the responses!

[bradley]

I used to live in Chiba as well and it was so much cheaper there....

[jgmodlin]

The cost of living in large cities is generally lower when you back out the cost of housing. I think this is true anywhere not just Japan. In cities there is always more competition and shipping costs are reduced, both of which translate into more affordable shopping. Add to this the access to better public transportation and more plentiful jobs and most people do better of financially in large Japanese cities, IMO.