Nara, JapanCost of Living in Nara
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Nara helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
| Category | Details | 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 | |
| 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 transport ticket | ¥210 |
| Monthly transport pass | ¥6,000 - ¥10,000 | |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | ¥130 - ¥150 | |
| Taxi (1 km) | ¥600 - ¥800 | |
| Groceries | Milk (1 liter) | ¥150 - ¥200 |
| Bread (500g) | ¥200 - ¥300 | |
| Rice (1 kg) | ¥400 - ¥600 | |
| Chicken breasts (1 kg) | ¥600 - ¥1,000 | |
| Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | ¥700 - ¥1,000 |
| Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | ¥3,000 - ¥5,000 | |
| Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught) | ¥400 - ¥600 | |
| 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 | |
| Mobile phone (1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff, no discounts or plans) | ¥20 - ¥40 | |
| Private School Tuition | Preschool | ¥50,000 - ¥100,000 per month |
| Elementary School | ¥500,000 - ¥1,000,000 per year | |
| Middle School | ¥600,000 - ¥1,200,000 per year | |
| High School | ¥700,000 - ¥1,500,000 per year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Nara
"Living in Nara, can be considered moderately expensive, especially when compared to smaller towns and rural areas in Japan, but it is cheaper than living in larger cities like Tokyo or Osaka. The cost of housing in Nara is relatively affordable, with the price of rent varying depending on the size and location of the property. Utilities such as electricity, water, and gas are also a significant part of the monthly budget, and the cost can increase during the winter months due to heating. Internet and mobile phone services are generally affordable and offer various plans to suit different needs and budgets.Food expenses in Nara can vary greatly depending on one's lifestyle. Eating out at restaurants can be costly, especially at high-end establishments. However, local supermarkets offer a wide range of products at reasonable prices, making home cooking a more economical option. Transportation costs in Nara are relatively low, as the city is compact and walkable. However, if one needs to commute to work or school, they may need to budget for public transportation or a private vehicle.Healthcare in Japan is of high quality, but it can be expensive. All residents are required to have health insurance, which covers a large portion of medical costs, but there are still out-of-pocket expenses to consider.Lastly, entertainment and leisure activities can add to the cost of living. This includes things like gym memberships, movie tickets, and trips to local attractions. However, Nara is home to many parks and temples that can be enjoyed for free or at a low cost," said one expat living in Nara.
Can I live in Nara on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Nara 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 an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Tomio, Saidaiji, or Yamato-Saidaiji. These areas are more affordable compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like Nara Park or Naramachi.When it comes to transportation, you might want to consider getting a bicycle or using public transportation instead of owning a car. The cost of owning a car in Japan can be quite high, especially when you factor in parking, insurance, and maintenance. Bicycles and public transportation are more affordable and convenient options.Eating out can be expensive in Japan, so you'll need to cook most of your meals at home. You can save money by shopping at local supermarkets and discount stores like Gyomu Super or Don Quijote. Also, try to avoid eating out at expensive restaurants and instead opt for more affordable options like ramen shops, conveyor belt sushi, or fast food chains.Another way to save money is by cutting back on entertainment expenses. Instead of going out to bars or clubs, consider having a drink at home or inviting friends over. You can also take advantage of the many free or low-cost attractions in Nara, such as visiting the beautiful parks, temples, and shrines.Lastly, you might need to be mindful of your utility usage. Electricity, gas, and water can be expensive in Japan, so try to conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and using energy-efficient appliances.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Nara is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By finding an affordable apartment, using public transportation, cooking at home, and cutting back on entertainment expenses, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Nara.
Can I live in Nara on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Nara for a while 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 your housing and lifestyle choices. For example, you might not be able to afford a large, luxurious apartment in the most expensive neighborhoods, but you can still find a decent place to live in more affordable areas.Some of the more expensive neighborhoods in Nara include Naramachi and the area around Kintetsu Nara Station. These areas are popular among tourists and have a lot of shops, restaurants, and attractions, so the cost of living can be quite high. If you're looking to save money, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Tomio, Saidaiji, or Yamato-Saidaiji. These areas are more residential and have a lower cost of living, but they still have good access to public transportation and other amenities.In terms of other expenses, you might have to cut back on eating out at fancy restaurants or going out for drinks every night. However, there are plenty of affordable dining options in Nara, including local izakayas, ramen shops, and sushi restaurants. You can also save money by cooking at home and shopping at local supermarkets or discount stores like Don Quijote.Another way to save money is by using public transportation instead of owning a car. Nara has a good public transportation system, including buses and trains, which can get you around the city and to nearby cities like Kyoto and Osaka. Plus, you can save even more by getting a monthly commuter pass if you're traveling to the same places regularly.Overall, living in Nara on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and lifestyle choices. But in my experience, the city's rich history, beautiful parks, and friendly locals make it well worth it," said one expat living in Nara.
Can I live in Nara on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Nara 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. In fact, you might even find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living than you're used to, depending on where you're coming from. Nara is a smaller city compared to Tokyo or Osaka, so the cost of living is generally lower. As for sacrifices, I haven't had to make too many. The biggest adjustment for me was getting used to the smaller living spaces, but that's pretty standard in Japan. You might also find that some modern amenities you're used to, like central heating and air conditioning, aren't as common in older buildings. But overall, I've found that Nara has everything I need to live comfortably.When it comes to finding a place to live, there are a few neighborhoods I'd recommend checking out. Naramachi is a great area with a mix of traditional and modern housing options. It's close to the city center, so you'll have easy access to shopping, dining, and public transportation. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in this area can range from $600 to $1,000 per month, depending on the size and amenities.Another neighborhood to consider is Kita-Katsuragi, which is a bit further from the city center but offers more affordable housing options. You can find a one-bedroom apartment here for around $500 to $800 per month. It's a quieter area with a more suburban feel, but you'll still have access to grocery stores, restaurants, and public transportation.I'd recommend avoiding the more expensive neighborhoods like Nishinokyo and Saidaiji, as they cater more to the luxury market and can be quite pricey. Rent in these areas can easily exceed $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Nara on $5,000 a month is not only doable but also quite comfortable. You'll have plenty of money left over for dining out, traveling, and enjoying all that Japan has to offer. Just be prepared to adjust to some of the cultural differences and smaller living spaces, and you'll have a great experience living here," commented an expat living in Nara.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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