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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Atami 2024
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Cost of Living in Atami

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Atami helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Atami is around ¥50,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around ¥80,000 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around ¥30,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around ¥50,000 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average price of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Atami is around ¥7,000,000. The average price of a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around ¥12,000,000. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around ¥4,000,000. The average price of a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around ¥7,000,000.
Transportation The cost of a one-way ticket on the local train in Atami is around ¥200. The cost of a one-way ticket on the express train is around ¥400. The cost of a one-way ticket on the bus is around ¥200. The cost of a one-way ticket on the taxi is around ¥1,000.
Groceries The cost of a loaf of bread in Atami is around ¥200. The cost of a liter of milk is around ¥150. The cost of a dozen eggs is around ¥200. The cost of a kilogram of rice is around ¥400. The cost of a kilogram of apples is around ¥200.
Restaurants The cost of a meal at a fast food restaurant in Atami is around ¥500. The cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant is around ¥1,500. The cost of a meal at a high-end restaurant is around ¥3,000.
Utilities The cost of electricity in Atami is around ¥2,000 per month. The cost of water is around ¥1,000 per month. The cost of gas is around ¥2,000 per month. The cost of internet is around ¥3,000 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of tuition for preschool in Atami is around ¥50,000 per month. The cost of tuition for elementary school is around ¥60,000 per month. The cost of tuition for middle school is around ¥70,000 per month. The cost of tuition for high school is around ¥80,000 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Atami

"The cost of living in Atami, is considered moderate compared to other cities in Japan. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while a similar apartment outside the city center is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also relatively low. Groceries in Atami are reasonably priced, with local markets offering fresh produce at competitive rates. Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant is quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can be a bit more expensive. Public transportation in Atami is efficient and reasonably priced, with monthly passes available for frequent commuters. Owning a car can be quite expensive, considering the costs of gasoline and maintenance. Healthcare in Atami is of high quality and is generally affordable, especially for residents who are covered by Japan's national health insurance system. Fitness clubs and sports facilities in the city offer services at moderate rates. Entertainment and leisure activities in Atami can range from inexpensive to pricey, depending on one's preferences. Movie tickets, theater performances, and entrance fees to local attractions are generally affordable. Overall, the cost of living in Atami is manageable and offers a good quality of life, especially for those who enjoy the city's rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural scenery," said one expat living in Atami.

Can I live in Atami on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Atami for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Ajiro or Izusan, as they tend to be more budget-friendly. You might have to settle for a smaller space or an older building, but it's definitely doable. On the other hand, I would avoid neighborhoods like Atami Sun Beach or Korakuen, as they tend to be more expensive.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Atami is a small city, so it's possible to walk or bike to most places, which will save you money on public transportation. If you do need to take the train or bus, try to use a commuter pass or take advantage of off-peak fares to save some money.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite expensive in Japan, so I recommend cooking at home as much as possible. You can find affordable groceries at local supermarkets like MaxValu or Yaoko. Also, be on the lookout for discounts on fresh produce and meats in the evenings, as stores often mark down items that are close to their expiration date.For entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Atami, such as visiting the beautiful parks, beaches, and hot springs. You can also find affordable movie theaters, karaoke, and other entertainment options if you're willing to do some research and be flexible with your schedule.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Atami is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about transportation, cooking at home, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Atami.

Can I live in Atami on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Atami for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. The cost of living in Atami is generally lower than in bigger cities like Tokyo, but it's still not exactly cheap. First, you'll want to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Ajiro or Izu-Taga, as they tend to be more budget-friendly. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $600-$800 a month. I would avoid neighborhoods like Atami Sun Beach or Korakuen, as they tend to be more expensive and cater to tourists.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Public transportation in Atami is pretty good, but it can add up if you're not careful. I recommend getting a monthly pass for the train or bus, which can save you a lot of money in the long run. If you're planning on traveling outside of Atami frequently, you might want to consider getting a Japan Rail Pass, which can save you a lot on train fares.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite expensive in Atami, especially if you're used to Western-style restaurants. I recommend cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. You can also find some affordable Japanese restaurants and izakayas if you're willing to venture off the beaten path.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Atami, like visiting the beautiful parks and beaches, or taking advantage of the numerous hot springs in the area. However, if you're used to going out to bars and clubs frequently, you might have to cut back on that, as it can get quite expensive.In terms of healthcare, Japan has a national health insurance system that covers most medical expenses, but you'll still need to pay a monthly premium and a small co-pay for each visit. Make sure to budget for this, as well as any medications you might need.Overall, living in Atami on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on eating out, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work and enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful seaside town," said one expat living in Atami.

Can I live in Atami on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Atami for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. Atami is a beautiful coastal city with a lower cost of living compared to Tokyo or other major cities in Japan. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to choose a neighborhood that's more affordable. I recommend looking into areas like Ajiro, Izusan, or Yumigahama. These neighborhoods are not only more budget-friendly, but they also offer a more local and authentic experience. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Atami Bay or Hatsushima Island, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.In terms of housing, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or a slightly older building to save on rent. However, you can still find modern amenities and comfortable living spaces within your budget. Just be prepared to spend some time searching for the right place.When it comes to transportation, you might have to rely more on public transportation like buses and trains, as owning a car can be quite expensive in Japan. However, Atami has a good public transportation system, and you can easily get around the city without a car.Eating out can also be a bit pricey, especially if you're used to Western-style restaurants. However, there are plenty of affordable local eateries where you can enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine without breaking the bank. You can also save money by cooking at home and shopping at local markets for fresh produce.Lastly, you might have to cut back on some leisure activities and entertainment, as these can be quite expensive in Japan. However, there are still plenty of affordable options for enjoying your time in Atami, such as visiting local parks, beaches, and hot springs, or attending local festivals and events.Overall, living in Atami on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your spending on housing, transportation, food, and entertainment, you can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life in this beautiful coastal city," commented an expat living in Atami.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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