Let’s face it, we’ve all fantasised about moving to another country at one point. There is just something so romantic about the idea of moving to a completely new country and learning all about it.
Yet, not everyone moves to a different country just because they fancy it. Other people have to move because of career or family commitments.
Japan is one of the best countries to move to. It has a rich cultural heritage and is a beautiful place to live. However, as with moving to any country, there are loads of factors that must be considered.
This includes the cost of moving, which can be high. How much will it cost? Find out below.
How Much Does It Cost To Move To Japan?
Emigrating to Japan can be a costly endeavor. Of course, moving anywhere new will come with its expenses. But Japan is an expensive place to live, especially if you wish to be in a large city or desirable area.
Japan is known for having a rather high cost of living.
The amount of money you need to move to Japan will depend on the choices you make. For instance, if you rent a small apartment, it will be much cheaper than if you live in a massive house.
Let’s say it costs approximately $1,500 per month for rent.
When you add an extra $100 for monthly energy bills and $200 for food, this means that you will likely need at least $1,800 per month for necessities, so let’s round that up to an even $2,000 when adding in extra costs.
There are further expenses that you will need to consider, such as furniture for your home. Though these may not be as essential as these factors, they will nevertheless add to the cost. Plus, you will need to spend money on travelling.
You should also bear in mind that the above is merely an estimate, based on a good case scenario. In many cases, people end up spending around $5,000 on living in Japan per month. In Japanese currency, this will cost roughly ¥670,000.
Additionally, one should factor in that most jobs are paid monthly, which will impact your budget. As a consequence, you may want to find a property that allows you to pay rent monthly instead of as a lump-sum payment.
Why Move To Japan?
There are lots of reasons why people want to experience Japan. Hence, why it is such a popular holiday destination. Well, here are a few of the main things:
There is lots of delicious food e.g. ramen, sushi, sashimi, and miso soup.
Japan has low crime rates.
Public transport is quick and effective, such as bullet trains.
The breathtaking countryside can be found throughout Japan. The cherry blossoms are particularly stunning.
Japanese culture promotes respect, resulting in its people being reverent.
It has a rich history.
There are different parts of pop culture that you can get involved with, such as cosplay, karaoke, and J-pop.
What Do You Need To Consider When Moving?
There are lots of costs that you will need to factor into the cost of moving to Japan. These include:
Food Costs
Food is a necessity. Japanese food can be somewhat expensive, though there are also lots of budget-friendly alternatives if you want to save money.
For instance, you can get tins of ramen, which is a convenient option. Food costs will vary depending on what you fancy.
Costs Of Travelling
Most people will fly to Japan on an airplane. Depending on where you live, this can cost a lot.
If you’re lucky, you can fly from the USA to Japan for just $900, though this can easily end up costing around $1,600 if you go at a more popular time of year. The cost of a flight will also increase if you choose to fly first-class.
If you are unlucky with the timing and the destination, a flight can even be more than $1,000. You can look at cheaper alternatives, but these can take more time and are less practical.
Rent
If you wish to save money, renting will be a better option than outright buying a house in the short term. If you live in rental accommodation alongside other people, your rent will likely be around ¥20,000.
If you wish to live alone in a one-bedroom apartment, you may end up spending over ¥50,000.
However, if you plan on staying in Japan, buying a house will be better. The average house price in Japan is ¥35,000,000. This translates to a few hundred thousand dollars. Therefore, you might want to research affordable housing options.
You should think about where you want to live, as some areas will cost more than others. For instance, monthly rent in Tokyo tends to be approximately ¥100,000. Moreover, consider downsizing if you want to save money.
In terms of rent, you must also consider key money. Key money is required in Japan. Essentially, it is the money that you give to a landlord when moving in. This money will not be returned to you.
The key money fee will be determined by the landlord. There is no limit to the size of this payment, so be sure to find out how much you have to pay before moving in. On average, people spend ¥77,000 on key money in Japan.
If you have signed a lease, you may also have to pay a guarantee fee. The size of this will also vary depending on the size of the guarantor company, but it can end up being anywhere from 10% to 100% of the monthly rent.
Energy Bills
Energy for your house is vital. You must pay for bills such as water, electricity, and gas. These energy bills are essential for cooking, cleaning, and general living.
They can significantly add to the cost of living. Wifi and phone bills are also necessary for most.
Things To Do
You won’t want to be cooped up inside all the time, right? Instead, you should explore all the amazing things Japan has to offer. For instance, you might want to do tours of historical sites or visit a popular nightclub.
Unfortunately, events cost money, so you will need to set aside a budget for your lifestyle.
Transportation Costs
If you want to bring all of your possessions to Japan, you must enlist the aid of a moving business. One of the most popular is Yamato Transport.
If you use the international transport service, your parcel should arrive within 6 to 10 days. The cost will vary depending on where you are transporting the parcel and its size.
If you opt for UPS, the company provides different services depending on how quickly you want your items. For a package weighing approximately 2lbs, you will be charged around $150.
Therefore, if you have a lot of possessions, this can be pricey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need A Visa To Move To Japan?
Yes, if you plan on emigrating to Japan, a valid visa is required (see also ‘How Long Does The Visa Process Take In Japan?‘). There are different types of visas, so you will need to figure out which is best for you.
For instance, if you want to move there for work, you can get a Work Visa. To obtain a visa, you will need essential documents, such as your passport.
Is Japanese Difficult To Learn?
Many English-speaking people find it difficult to learn Japanese. Many consider it among the hardest languages for English speakers. It can take years of study to master.
Final Thoughts
Though many people like the idea of uprooting their lives and moving to Japan, few people go through with it. This is because moving can be incredibly complex and expensive.
Yet, there are lots of advantages to living in such a vibrant country. If you have the money, why not give it a go?
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
