Cost of Living in Kanazawa

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center: ¥60,000 - ¥80,000 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: ¥40,000 - ¥60,000 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: ¥100,000 - ¥150,000 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: ¥70,000 - ¥100,000 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: ¥300,000 - ¥500,000 Price per square meter outside city center: ¥200,000 - ¥350,000
Transportation	One-way local transportation ticket: ¥200 - ¥300 Monthly transportation pass: ¥10,000 - ¥15,000 Taxi starting tariff: ¥600 - ¥700 Taxi 1km tariff: ¥300 - ¥400 Gasoline (1 liter): ¥130 - ¥150
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): ¥150 - ¥200 Bread (500g): ¥150 - ¥300 Rice (1kg): ¥400 - ¥600 Eggs (12): ¥200 - ¥300 Chicken breasts (1kg): ¥500 - ¥800 Beef round (1kg): ¥1,000 - ¥1,500 Apples (1kg): ¥300 - ¥500 Tomatoes (1kg): ¥300 - ¥500 Potatoes (1kg): ¥200 - ¥300 Water (1.5-liter bottle): ¥80 - ¥150 Bottle of wine (mid-range): ¥1,000 - ¥2,000 Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): ¥200 - ¥300 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): ¥300 - ¥500
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: ¥700 - ¥1,000 Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: ¥3,000 - ¥5,000 Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: ¥500 - ¥800 Cappuccino: ¥300 - ¥500 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): ¥400 - ¥600 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): ¥500 - ¥800 Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): ¥100 - ¥200 Water (0.33-liter bottle): ¥80 - ¥150
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: ¥10,000 - ¥20,000 per month Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): ¥3,000 - ¥5,000 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition: ¥30,000 - ¥60,000 per month Elementary school tuition: ¥50,000 - ¥100,000 per month Middle school tuition: ¥60,000 - ¥120,000 per month High school tuition: ¥70,000 - ¥150,000 per month

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle choices. It's also important to consider that prices may change over time due to inflation and other economic factors.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Kanazawa

"The cost of living in Kanazawa is considered moderate compared to other major cities in Japan. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while those located outside of the city center are even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also relatively low. Groceries in Kanazawa are reasonably priced, with local markets offering fresh produce, meat, and seafood at competitive rates. Eating out at restaurants can range from inexpensive at local eateries to more costly at high-end establishments. Public transportation in Kanazawa is efficient and affordable, with options including buses and trains. Owning a car can be more expensive due to costs of maintenance, fuel, and parking. Healthcare in Kanazawa is of high quality and is generally affordable, especially for those covered under Japan's national health insurance system. Overall, while the cost of living in Kanazawa is not the cheapest in Japan, it is quite reasonable, especially when compared to larger cities like Tokyo or Osaka," said one expat living in Kanazawa.

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

"I've been living in Kanazawa 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 Morinosato or Nonoichi, as they tend to be more affordable than areas like Higashi Chaya or Korinbo, which are more expensive and touristy.When it comes to transportation, you'll want to rely on public transit like buses and trains, as owning a car can be quite expensive. The good news is that Kanazawa has a pretty good public transportation system, so getting around shouldn't be too difficult.For groceries and daily necessities, you'll want to shop at local supermarkets and discount stores like Gyomu Super or Don Quijote, where you can find affordable products. Eating out can be expensive, so try to cook at home as much as possible. However, there are some affordable dining options like conveyor belt sushi restaurants and ramen shops if you want to treat yourself occasionally.In terms of entertainment, you'll need to be mindful of your budget. Going to the movies or visiting tourist attractions can be pricey, so try to take advantage of free or low-cost activities like visiting parks, temples, and local festivals. There are also some affordable gyms and sports facilities in the city if you're into fitness.Overall, living in Kanazawa on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be conscious of your spending and make some sacrifices. By living in a more affordable neighborhood, relying on public transportation, and being mindful of your entertainment and dining choices, you should be able to make it work," commented an expat living in Kanazawa.

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

"I've been living in Kanazawa for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment expenses.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into areas like Moriyama or Teramachi. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable rent prices. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $600-$800 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more upscale neighborhood, you might want to consider areas like Higashiyama or Nishi Chaya. These areas are closer to the city center and have more modern amenities, but the rent prices can be quite high, sometimes reaching up to $1,500 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.As for transportation, the public transportation system in Kanazawa is quite good, so you can save money by using buses and trains instead of owning a car. A monthly bus pass costs around $50, which is quite affordable. If you do decide to own a car, keep in mind that parking fees and gas can add up quickly.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite expensive in Kanazawa, especially if you're used to Western-style restaurants. However, there are plenty of affordable Japanese restaurants and supermarkets where you can buy groceries and cook at home. I'd recommend setting a monthly food budget and sticking to it, as it's easy to overspend on dining out.Entertainment-wise, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to do in Kanazawa, such as visiting parks, temples, and museums. However, if you're used to going out to bars and clubs, you might have to cut back on those expenses, as they can be quite pricey in Japan.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Kanazawa is definitely doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being conscious of your spending habits, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful city," said one expat living in Kanazawa.

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

"I've been living in Kanazawa for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make a few sacrifices, but overall, it's a great place to live.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to save money, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in more affordable neighborhoods like Tatsunokuchi, Morimoto, or Nonoichi. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they're still well-connected by public transportation, and you can find a nice apartment for around $800 to $1,200 a month. On the other hand, if you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood, you might want to check out Higashi Chaya or Korinbo, but keep in mind that the rent will be higher, around $1,500 to $2,500 a month.As for utilities, you can expect to pay around $200 to $300 a month for electricity, gas, and water, depending on your usage. Internet and mobile phone plans are also quite affordable, with prices ranging from $30 to $60 a month.When it comes to food, you can save money by cooking at home and shopping at local supermarkets. Eating out can be a bit pricey, especially if you go to high-end restaurants, but there are plenty of affordable options like ramen shops, izakayas, and sushi bars where you can have a meal for around $10 to $15.Transportation is another expense you'll need to consider. A monthly bus pass in Kanazawa costs around $50, and if you plan on traveling outside the city, you can take advantage of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which connects Kanazawa to Tokyo and other major cities. However, keep in mind that Shinkansen tickets can be quite expensive, so you might want to limit your trips or look for discount passes.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there's plenty to do in Kanazawa without breaking the bank. You can visit the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, or the historic Higashi Chaya District. There are also many festivals and events throughout the year, like the Hyakumangoku Festival and the Kanazawa Jazz Street.In conclusion, living in Kanazawa on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. Just be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing and transportation, and you'll be able to make the most of your time in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Kanazawa.