Cost of Living in Kamogawa
Summary: If you're moving to Kamogawa, understanding the the cost of living in Kamogawa helps you know 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 Kamogawa 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 ¥40,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around ¥60,000 per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The average price of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Kamogawa is around ¥7,000,000. The average price of a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around ¥10,000,000. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around ¥5,000,000. The average price of a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around ¥7,000,000. |
Transportation | The cost of a monthly train pass in Kamogawa is around ¥7,000. The cost of a single ride on the train is around ¥200. The cost of a taxi ride within the city is around ¥800. The cost of a taxi ride outside the city is around ¥1,500. |
Groceries | The cost of a loaf of bread in Kamogawa 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 ¥300. |
Restaurants | The cost of a meal at a fast food restaurant in Kamogawa 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 Kamogawa 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. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition for preschool in Kamogawa is around ¥50,000 per month. The cost of private school tuition for elementary school is around ¥60,000 per month. The cost of private school tuition for middle school is around ¥70,000 per month. The cost of private school tuition for high school is around ¥80,000 per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Kamogawa
"The cost of living in Kamogawa is considered to be relatively moderate. Housing costs are lower than in larger cities like Tokyo or Osaka, making it more affordable for both locals and expats. The cost of groceries and dining out is also reasonable, with a variety of options available for different budgets. Transportation costs are also manageable, especially for those who choose to use public transportation. However, like any other place, the cost of living can vary greatly depending on one's lifestyle and spending habits. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also part of the monthly expenses and are at a standard rate. Healthcare is of high quality and is affordable due to Japan's healthcare system. Overall, Kamogawa offers a comfortable lifestyle at a moderate cost," said one expat living in Kamogawa.
Can I live in Kamogawa on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Kamogawa for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I recommend looking into areas like Awa-Kamogawa or Futomi, as they tend to have lower rent prices compared to more central areas like Chuo or Umigotan. When it comes to housing, you'll likely need to settle for a smaller apartment, maybe even a one-room studio. Utilities can be quite expensive in Japan, so be prepared to cut back on your usage of electricity, gas, and water to save money. As for transportation, owning a car can be quite costly, so I suggest relying on public transportation or even getting a bicycle to get around. The train system in Kamogawa is pretty reliable, and you can save money by purchasing a commuter pass if you'll be traveling to the same places regularly.Eating out can also be expensive, so you'll need to cook most of your meals at home. Shopping at local markets and discount grocery stores can help you save on food expenses. Also, try to avoid buying imported goods, as they tend to be pricier.When it comes to entertainment and leisure activities, you'll need to be more selective about what you spend your money on. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Kamogawa, like visiting parks, beaches, and local festivals. However, you might have to cut back on things like going to the movies, concerts, or other paid events.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Kamogawa is possible, but it requires some sacrifices and careful budgeting. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on utilities, relying on public transportation, cooking at home, and being selective about leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Kamogawa.
Can I live in Kamogawa on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Kamogawa 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 want to avoid living in the more expensive neighborhoods like Kamogawa City Center or the areas close to the beach. Instead, consider more affordable neighborhoods like Hiratsuka or Yawata, which are still close to public transportation and have all the necessary amenities.When it comes to housing, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or share a house with roommates to save on rent. Utilities can also be quite expensive, so be mindful of your energy consumption and try to use energy-efficient appliances.Eating out can be pricey, so you'll want to cook at home as much as possible. Shopping at local markets and discount grocery stores can help you save on food expenses. Additionally, you might have to cut back on some luxuries like gym memberships or frequent trips to the city for entertainment.Transportation costs can add up quickly, so consider using public transportation or even biking to get around. Owning a car in Kamogawa can be expensive due to parking fees, insurance, and maintenance costs.Overall, living in Kamogawa on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices to ensure you stay within your budget," said one expat living in Kamogawa.
Can I live in Kamogawa on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Kamogawa 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. The cost of living here is relatively lower compared to bigger cities like Tokyo or Osaka. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you might want to consider living in a more affordable neighborhood. Some of the more expensive areas in Kamogawa include the central areas around Kamogawa Station and the coastal areas with ocean views. On the other hand, more affordable neighborhoods can be found further inland, such as the areas around Awa-Kamogawa Station or the residential neighborhoods near the mountains. These areas still offer easy access to modern amenities, but the rent is generally cheaper.Another sacrifice you might have to make is the size of your living space. Japanese apartments and houses are generally smaller than what you might be used to, especially if you're coming from a Western country. You might have to downsize and live in a smaller space to stay within your budget.In terms of transportation, owning a car in Kamogawa can be quite expensive due to the costs of parking, insurance, and maintenance. Instead, you could rely on public transportation, such as trains and buses, which are quite efficient and affordable. This might mean that you'll have to walk or bike more often, but it's a great way to save money and stay active.Eating out can also be quite expensive in Japan, especially if you're dining at high-end restaurants. To save money, you could cook more meals at home using local ingredients from supermarkets or farmers' markets. There are also plenty of affordable dining options, such as local izakayas, ramen shops, and convenience store meals.Lastly, while there are many modern amenities available in Kamogawa, you might have to adjust your expectations when it comes to entertainment and shopping options. There are fewer options compared to larger cities, so you might have to travel to nearby cities like Chiba or Tokyo for more variety.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Kamogawa is definitely achievable, but it might require some adjustments and sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and lifestyle choices," commented an expat living in Kamogawa.
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.