Cost of Living in Ito
Summary: If you're moving to Ito, understanding the the cost of living in Ito helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Ito is around ¥50,000 per month. For a two-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around ¥70,000 per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in Ito is around ¥6,000,000. For a two-bedroom apartment, the average price is around ¥8,000,000. |
Transportation | The cost of public transportation in Ito is relatively inexpensive. A one-way ticket on the bus or train costs around ¥200. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Ito is relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around ¥200, a liter of milk costs around ¥150, and a dozen eggs costs around ¥200. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Ito is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a casual restaurant costs around ¥800, while a meal at a more upscale restaurant costs around ¥2,000. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Ito is relatively inexpensive. The average monthly cost for electricity, gas, and water is around ¥10,000. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Ito varies depending on the school. The average tuition for preschool is around ¥50,000 per month, while the average tuition for elementary school is around ¥70,000 per month. The average tuition for middle school is around ¥90,000 per month, and the average tuition for high school is around ¥120,000 per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Ito
"The cost of living in Ito can be considered moderate compared to other cities in Japan. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while those located outside of the city center are relatively cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also a significant part of monthly expenses. Groceries in Ito can be quite costly, with items such as fruits, vegetables, and meat being more expensive than in some Western countries. Eating out at restaurants can also add to the cost, especially if dining at mid-range to high-end establishments. Public transportation in Ito is efficient and reliable, but the cost can add up if used daily. Owning a car can be an alternative, but it comes with its own costs such as fuel, maintenance, and parking. Healthcare in Japan is of high quality, but it can be expensive if not covered by insurance. Education, particularly international schooling, can also be a significant expense for those with children. Overall, while the cost of living in Ito can be high, it is offset by the high quality of life, safety, and the natural beauty that the city offers," said one expat living in Japan.
Can I live in Ito on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Ito 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 Usami or Futo, as they tend to be more budget-friendly. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or one that's a bit older, but it's definitely doable.As for transportation, I suggest getting a bicycle or using public transportation, as owning a car can be quite expensive. The train system in Ito is pretty reliable, and you can get a monthly pass for around $100, which will save you money in the long run.When it comes to food, eating out can be pricey, so I recommend cooking at home as much as possible. There are plenty of local markets where you can buy fresh produce and other groceries at reasonable prices. If you do want to eat out occasionally, there are some affordable options like ramen shops and conveyor belt sushi restaurants.For entertainment, you might have to cut back on some of the more expensive activities like going to the movies or attending concerts. However, there are plenty of free or low-cost things to do in Ito, like visiting the beautiful beaches, hiking in the nearby mountains, or exploring the local parks and gardens.In terms of expensive neighborhoods to avoid, I would stay away from areas like Kawana and Komuro, as they tend to have higher rent prices and more upscale shops and restaurants.Overall, living in Ito on $1,500 a month is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment," commented an expat living in Japan.
Can I live in Ito on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Ito for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Usami or Futo, as they tend to be more budget-friendly. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Kawana or Komuro, as the rent prices there can be quite high.When it comes to transportation, you'll find that public transport is quite efficient and affordable in Ito. You can save money by using trains and buses instead of owning a car, which can be quite expensive due to parking fees, insurance, and maintenance costs.Eating out can be a bit pricey in Ito, 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. I recommend trying out places like ramen shops, izakayas, and conveyor belt sushi restaurants.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities you can enjoy in Ito. You can visit the beautiful beaches, go hiking in the nearby mountains, or explore the local parks and gardens. If you're into cultural experiences, you can also visit local temples and shrines, or attend one of the many festivals that take place throughout the year.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on shopping for non-essential items, as imported goods can be quite expensive in Japan. However, you can still find affordable clothing and household items at local shops and discount stores.Overall, living in Ito on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and enjoying local cuisine and activities, you can live comfortably while staying within your budget," said one expat living in Japan.
Can I live in Ito on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Ito for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible for an expat to live comfortably on $5,000 a month here. Ito is a smaller city compared to Tokyo or Osaka, so the cost of living is generally lower. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the modern amenities you're used to.For housing, I recommend looking into neighborhoods like Usami or Futo, which are more affordable and still offer a decent quality of life. You can find a nice apartment or even a small house for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. I would avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Kawana or Komuro, as the rent there can be quite high.When it comes to transportation, Ito has a decent public transportation system, but it's not as extensive as in bigger cities. You might want to consider getting a bicycle or even a small car to get around more easily. Gas prices can be a bit high, but if you're only using the car for local trips, it shouldn't be too much of a burden on your budget.Eating out can be quite affordable in Ito, especially if you stick to local restaurants and avoid the more touristy areas. You can find a good meal for around $10 to $15, and there are plenty of convenience stores where you can grab a quick bite for even less. Groceries can be a bit more expensive than what you're used to, but if you shop at local markets and avoid imported goods, you can still keep your food budget under control.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of options in Ito that won't break the bank. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, visit local parks, or take advantage of the numerous hot springs in the area. There are also plenty of cultural events and festivals throughout the year that are either free or have a minimal entrance fee.In terms of sacrifices, you might find that some of the modern amenities you're used to aren't as readily available in Ito. For example, you might have to give up on having a gym membership, as there aren't many options in the area. Additionally, you might have to adjust your expectations when it comes to shopping, as there aren't as many international brands or large shopping centers in Ito compared to bigger cities.Overall, living in Ito on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. You might have to make some adjustments and sacrifices, but the lower cost of living and the beautiful surroundings make it worth it in my opinion," commented an expat living in Japan.
About the Author
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.