Cost of Living in Chigasaki
Summary: If you're moving to Chigasaki, understanding the the cost of living in Chigasaki 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 Chigasaki is around ¥60,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around ¥90,000 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around ¥50,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around ¥70,000 per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The average price of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Chigasaki 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 one-way ticket on the local train in Chigasaki 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 monthly train pass is around ¥7,000. |
Groceries | The cost of a loaf of bread in Chigasaki 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 Chigasaki 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 Chigasaki 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 Chigasaki 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 Chigasaki
"The cost of living in Chigasaki is considered moderate. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while outside the city center, it is relatively cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also moderate. Groceries in Chigasaki can be a bit pricey, with items such as bread, milk, and eggs costing more than in other cities. Eating out at restaurants can range from affordable at local spots to more expensive at high-end establishments. Public transportation in Chigasaki is efficient and reasonably priced, with options including trains, buses, and taxis. Owning a car can be quite expensive due to the cost of petrol, maintenance, and parking. Healthcare in Chigasaki is of high quality, but it can be expensive if you do not have insurance. Education, from kindergarten to university, is also of high quality but can be costly. Overall, while the cost of living in Chigasaki can be high compared to other cities in Japan, it offers a high standard of living with access to excellent amenities and services," said one expat living in Chigasaki.
Can I live in Chigasaki on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Chigasaki 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 Chigasaki-Honcho or Higashi-Kaigan, 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 doable.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. If you can, try to find a job that's within walking or biking distance of your apartment. If that's not possible, you'll need to rely on public transportation, which can be expensive. To save money, consider getting a commuter pass for the train or bus, which will give you unlimited rides for a set price.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite expensive in Japan, so you'll want to cook most of your meals at home. Shop at local supermarkets and discount stores like Gyomu Super or Don Quijote for groceries, and try to buy in-season produce to save money. You can also save by eating at inexpensive restaurants like Yoshinoya or Sukiya occasionally.For entertainment, you'll need to be creative and find low-cost or free activities. Chigasaki has some beautiful parks and beaches, so you can spend your weekends exploring the outdoors. There are also plenty of local festivals and events throughout the year that you can attend for free or at a low cost.In terms of utilities and other expenses, you'll need to be mindful of your usage to keep costs down. Turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and try to conserve water. You might also want to consider getting a prepaid phone plan to save on monthly phone bills.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Chigasaki is possible, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. It might not be the most luxurious lifestyle, but you can still enjoy the beauty and culture of Japan while sticking to your budget," commented an expat living in Chigasaki.
Can I live in Chigasaki on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Chigasaki 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, you might have to make some sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might need to live in a smaller apartment or share a place with roommates to save on rent. When it comes to finding an affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into areas like Chigasaki-North or Chigasaki-East. These areas tend to have more reasonably priced housing options compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like Chigasaki-South or Chigasaki-West, which are closer to the beach and have more upscale shops and restaurants. Another thing to consider is transportation costs. If you're working in Tokyo, for example, you'll need to factor in the cost of commuting, which can be quite expensive. To save on transportation, you might want to look for a place near a train station, so you can take advantage of the cheaper local trains instead of the more expensive express trains. In terms of other expenses, you'll probably need to be more mindful of your spending on things like dining out, entertainment, and shopping. There are plenty of affordable restaurants and grocery stores in Chigasaki, so cooking at home can help you save money. Additionally, you can take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities in the area, such as visiting parks, beaches, and local festivals. Overall, living in Chigasaki on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be strategic about your housing, transportation, and spending choices. By finding an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your transportation costs, and cutting back on non-essential expenses, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful coastal city," said one expat living in Chigasaki.
Can I live in Chigasaki on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Chigasaki 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 Tokyo or other major cities in Japan. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment options.For housing, I'd recommend looking into neighborhoods like Chigasaki-Higashi or Chigasaki-Minami, as they tend to be more affordable. You can find a decent apartment or small house for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. On the other hand, I'd avoid areas like Chigasaki-Kita or Chigasaki-Nishi, as they tend to be more expensive and might not fit within your budget.When it comes to transportation, the local train system is quite efficient and affordable. You can get a monthly pass for around $100, which will cover your daily commute and any weekend trips you might want to take. If you prefer driving, keep in mind that owning a car in Japan can be quite expensive due to parking fees, tolls, and insurance costs.For groceries and dining out, you can find plenty of affordable options in Chigasaki. Local supermarkets offer a wide variety of fresh produce and other essentials at reasonable prices. If you enjoy eating out, there are many budget-friendly restaurants and cafes in the area, offering delicious Japanese cuisine as well as international options.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of entertainment options. Chigasaki is a smaller city, so it doesn't have the same variety of nightlife, shopping, and cultural activities as larger cities like Tokyo or Osaka. However, there are still plenty of things to do, such as visiting local parks, beaches, and temples, or taking day trips to nearby cities like Kamakura or Yokohama.Overall, living in Chigasaki on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. Just be prepared to make some adjustments in terms of housing and entertainment options, and you'll be able to make the most of your time in this charming coastal city," commented an expat living in Chigasaki.
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.