10 Cheapest Cities To Live In Japan | Most Affordable Japanese Cities With Rent In 2024

ooking for the cheapest cities to live in Japan to move to Japan? Here's a list of the most affordable Japanese cities to live in. Find out the cost of living, average rent, and more about these cheap Japanese cities. Check it out!

Forget Tokyo's neon and embrace serene escapes – Japan's hidden gems offer a budget-friendly paradise.

Dive into bustling Osaka's street food haven, explore Kyoto's temples without breaking the bank, or soak up the sun in subtropical Okinawa for less.

Escape the ordinary, discover affordability, and find your perfect Japanese adventure – all without maxing out your wallet.

Let’s move forward to know every detail about them.

Cheap Cities to Live in Japan: Find Your New Home

Yokohama: Ensures Advanced Facilities

Yokohama is widely known as a port city. Many famous company's headquarters are located here, such as Nissan, Sotetsu, JVCKenwood, Bank of Yokohama, etc.

As this city is one of the largest towns, some outsiders think that living here is expensive.

But, the truth is, it’s fairly affordable.

A one-bedroom studio apartment in the central city won’t cost you more than $ 1300 per month.

However, you can find flats for a lower price if you stay a little inward.

All the other things like groceries, utilities, and entertainment prices are similarly affordable.

Suppose your workplace is in Tokyo and you don’t want to live there because of the high living cost.

In such a case, you can consider living in Yokohama as it’s not far away from the capital. It takes only 30-minutes to commute into Tokyo from here.

Basic Expenses
One-bedroom rent: $650 to $1,000.
Three-bedroom rent: $1,348 to $2,685.
Hotel: $60 to $200/night.
Per meal for one person: $6 to $10. (inexpensive restaurant).
Estimated living cost with rent (1 person): $1,900/Month.

In Yokohama, a large chinatown is located, where you will find lots of Chinese restaurants and shops.

You can go to Sankei-en garden, Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, Yokohama Landmark Tower for entertainment purposes.

Another fun fact is that this city is near Hakone, where you will be able to hike Mount Fuji to see a panoramic view over Lake Ashinoko.

So, you may guess why many foreigners choose to live here. It’s because this town has every facility while being one of the cheapest places in Japan.

Pros of living in Yokohama

• Closer to the capital city Tokyo.
• Loads of modern shopping centers and entertainment spots.
• High-end communication system.
• Great family facilities with high-quality elementary school and childcare support.

Cons of living in Yokohama

• Late at night, the west exit of Yokohama station can be a little dangerous to roam alone.
• You may see a lot of people smoking here.

Chiba: Japan's eastern Pacific coast

You may know that Japan is a country with several islands, and that’s why it has many port cities.

One of them is Chiba, which will make you fall in love with its beautiful beaches, boat, and scenery.

This city is 30 miles away from Tokyo and packed with attractions like Hoki Museum, Chiba Debra, Makuhari Messe, and the SSAWS ski resort.

Despite being surrounded by rivers and sea lines, this prefecture has a great communication system with other large cities by high-speed trains.

Basic Expenses
One-bedroom rent: $505 to $670.
Three-bedroom rent: $818 to $950.
Hotel: $54 to $200/night.
Per meal for one person: $7 to $11. (inexpensive restaurant).
Estimated living cost with rent (1 person): $1,680/Month.

The Funabashi area in Chiba is highly recommended for cheap dine-in.

In local areas, you will find wide sidewalks to enjoy a bike ride.

On the other hand, Kashiwa has many shopping malls where you can buy your daily necessities.

Makuhari New City is the home to many foreign-affiliated and foreign companies.

Makuhari Messe, a Japanese convention center situated in the Mihama-ku ward of Chiba city, provides facilities like work, housing, recreation, and study.

So, Chiba can be your perfect choice for being one of the cheapest cities in Japan to live in.

Pros of living in Yokohama

• It only takes 32 minutes to drive from Chiba to Tokyo.
• Convenient commute to other regions of Japan.
• Charming neighborly atmosphere.
• The main international airport in Japan is situated here.

Cons of living in Yokohama

• Groceries in the supermarket are relatively expensive.

Osaka: Known for Friendly Atmosphere

Osaka is well-known for its vibrant culture and futuristic environment.

The cost of utilities, groceries, and housing is low enough not to make you concerned about your bank balance.

Also, public transportation is decent and affordable, and you can easily move from one part of the town to another.

On top of that, the people of Osaka are very friendly toward foreigners, and you will feel like you are in your own home country.

Basic Expenses
One-bedroom rent: $507 to $835.
Three-bedroom rent: $1,030 to $2,148.
Hotel: $34 to $154/night.
Per meal for one person: $10.53. (inexpensive restaurant).
Estimated living cost with rent (1 person): $1,650/Month.

This city has famous electronics companies like Panasonic and Sharp, where many expats work.

Another mentionable thing about this town is that it offers a high level of community service, including international medical facilities and an excellent environment for children’s education.

Although most parts of this city are usually crowded, you can still find calm places to live.

And Mino city is such a location where nature is fresh and has a tranquil residential area. This region is only 30 minutes away from Umeda and one hour from Kobe city.

Hence, commuting from here is highly accessible.

Among all the towns, most foreign expats choose to live in Chuo-ku and Kita-Ku, which are the center areas of Osaka.

These areas represent Osaka’s lively atmosphere, offering several shopping centers and tourist spots.

Pros of living in Osaka

• The locals of this city are the most friendly towards foreigners in Japan.
• Excellent community service with advanced health facilities.
• Job opportunities in sales, marketing, teaching, and tech.

Cons of living in Osaka

• Hot weather in summer.
• The crime rate in Osaka is a bit higher than in some of the other regions in Japan.

Kyoto: City of Festive & Culture

Kyoto is not only the cheapest city to live in Japan, but it also offers many tourist attractions.

Festivals like Higashiyama Hanatoro, Gojo-zaka Pottery, Jidai Matsuri, Kurama Fire festival are celebrated here.

It’s also packed with religious places, shrines, temples, such as Kinkaku-ji, Shimogamo Shrine, Kamigamo Shrine, Tō-ji, and Daigo-ji.

Despite its cultural and historical importance, Kyoto doesn’t charge residents a large expense.

You will find houses with affordable rent. The groceries can be a little pricier than some of the other parts of the country, yet the overall cost of living is low.

Basic Expenses
One-bedroom rent: $548 to $786.
Three-bedroom rent: $945 to $1476.
Hotel: $32 to $167/night.
Per meal for one person: around $6.5. (inexpensive restaurant).
Estimated living cost with rent (1 person): $1,650/Month.

Kyoto will suit you if you want to stay in a less hectic place. Around 1.5 million residents live here, so it’s relatively less crowded than other towns.

This city is surrounded by mountains, and the natural view is also breathtaking.

You can do many things here, like admiring the cherry blossom and enjoying the Kitano Odori Geisha Dance.

But, remember that the true beauty of cherry blossoms will be found during March.

The citizens of this area are mostly young college or university-going students (10%), as the quality of education here is highly praised by educators.

So, if you are trying to find a cheap living place in Japan with a top-class education system, you can consider moving to Kyoto.

Pros of living in Kyoto

• Thousands of medium and small companies.
• Lots of tourism related jobs.
• Many colleges and universities, including The Kyoto university, are located in this city.
• Easy travel options like train, taxi, and subway.

Cons of living in Kyoto

• Crowded streets and noisy restaurants because it is one of the top tourist destinations in Japan.
• Doesn’t have plenty of clubs like in Tokyo and Osaka.

Naha Okinawa: Healthy Climate

The climate of Okinawa is fresh, and the people here have a healthy lifestyle.

That’s why this city holds the record for the highest lifespan in Japan.

So, with affordable living expenses, you are getting a healthy environment free!!

It sounds like a good deal!! Right?

The most exciting part is, you can enjoy scuba diving and other water sports in this town.

Though the weather becomes hot and humid in summer, you can soothe your body in the cool water of the ocean.

Even if you don’t have a scuba diving certificate, you can still dive into The Blue Cave at Cape Maeda with the help of a guide.

Don’t be afraid because it is only 7 meters deep. Once you dive inside the cave, you will feel like entering into a blue wonderland under the sea!!

Basic Expenses
One-bedroom rent: $713 to $1,200.
Three-bedroom rent: $1,841 to $2,000.
Hotel: $32 to $119/night.
Per meal for one person: approximately $7.89. (inexpensive restaurant).
Estimated living cost with rent (1 person): $1,850/Month.

Many Americans live here with their kids near the military bases in Okinawa.

Therefore, if you are planning to come to Japan with your children, they will easily find friends and adjust to this city's culture.

However, Naha is a tiny city as well as a remote area.

The main city where the airport is situated has a wide public transit system, but you will be on your own when you exit from the city.

It would be better if you owned a car to save time and money.

Unlike the big cities, Naha doesn’t have many shopping centers or amusement parks.

I suggest you choose this place if you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Pros of living in Naha

• It has one of the least crime rates in Japan.
• Many expats, mostly Americans, live here.
• Mild winter.
• Tourism dominates the economy.

Cons of living in Naha

• Lack of public transit outside the city center.
• Hot summer.
• Fewer shopping and entertainment places than in Tokyo.

Fukuoka: Unique Food & Entertaining Nightlife

The cost of food, utilities, entertainment, and other essentials is around 25% less than in Tokyo.

Even the apartment here has one of the cheapest rents in Japan. You can find attractive city center flats for less than $700.

While Naha has less public transport system, Fukuoka offers convenient transit, various shopping malls, karaoke, parks, riverfront, and beaches.

One of my favorite spots is Uminonakamichi Seaside Park.

Several events are held here in each season, like Flower Picnic (spring), Cosmos Festival (autumn), Rose Festival (early summer and autumn).

You can spend a romantic evening in this park with your beloved one.

Basic Expenses
One-bedroom rent: $400 to $660.
Three-bedroom rent: $8,00 to $1,200.
Hotel: $38 to $124/night.
Per meal for one person: $7. (inexpensive restaurant).
Estimated living cost with rent (1 person): $1,690/Month.

Fukuoka is also popular for its delicious food.

You will find lots of street food stalls, which provide a fantastic nightlife experience.

In recent years, the rapid growth of start-ups has been seen in Fukuoka and has opened its door for foreign entrepreneurs.

So, if you are eager to build your own company, you have a vast opportunity in this city.

Besides, there are other job options like an English teacher, IT engineer, medical care, and restaurant.

One real concern is, most people in Fukuoka can’t speak English. Hence, it will be hard for you to communicate with them if you have limited Japanese language skills.

But, it would be beneficial for you in the long run as you can expand your language ability by trying to talk with them.

Inside Fukuoka, most people live in Hakata, the city center.

Living here is convenient as it has a major railway station, which will take you anywhere in the shortest time. Also, it is closer to all the amenities.

And, if you want a more quiet place, you can stay near the Ohori park area.

Besides, Nishijin is also a great choice for convenient transport and educational purposes.

Pros of living in Fukuoka

• Convenient public transport and plenty of shopping malls.
• Numerous parks for a family day out.
• Largest start-up city in Japan with many business opportunities.
• Utility bills and groceries are 26% less than in the capital city.

Cons of living in Fukuoka

• Most of the local people don’t understand English.
• Summer is extremely hot, and the winter is cold

Kamakura: A Historical Town in Kanagawa Prefecture

A less than one hour's drive from Tokyo will take you to the coastal city of Kamakura.

There are so many good reasons why many expats choose to live here.

This city has a perfect environment with more green views and less crowd.

It’s a small seaside town with various historical monuments, tourist attractions like Shichirigahama Beach, Hokokuji Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Hence, you can guess why locals, as well as foreigners, admire this place.

Moreover, housing prices are quite low, while utilities, foodstuffs, and other expenses are within reach.

Basic Expenses
One-bedroom rent: $438 to $613.
Three-bedroom rent: $1,052 to $1,315.
Hotel: $34 to $177/night.
Per meal for one person: around $7. (inexpensive restaurant).
Estimated living cost with rent (1 person): $1,300/Month.

Like the big cities, the trains can be packed with locals and tourists during weekends and rush hours of the year.

Here, the summers are short, warm, and mostly cloudy.

Meanwhile, the winters are windy, cold, and mostly clear.

Once, Kamakura was Japan’s political center, but now it is mainly known for its stunning location and attractiveness.

If you settle closer to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Zaimokuza beach, you will be able to enjoy more fresh air and a beautiful coastal scene.

Pros of living in Kamakura

• Less than 45 minutes of ride from Tokyo leads to Kamakura.
• The building of this city has the touch of both Japanese and modern architecture.
• Chance of employment in sales, service, trainer, consultant, etc.
• Long beaches with hiking trails.

Cons of living in Kamakura

• Compared to other big cities, job facilities are lower.
• Even in the driest month, there is a lot of rain in Kamakura.

Sapporo: The Snow Paradise

Sapporo is the political, cultural, and economic center of Hokkaido island.

Because of this town’s office environment, thousands of foreign and domestic residents are attracted to this place.

This city is situated in the northern part of Japan, and one of the coldest regions of this country.

Hence, if you prefer cool weather, you can pick this city for living.

This chilly atmosphere of Sapporo has an advantage as around two million tourists come here to attend the annual Sapporo Snow Festival.

Also, it offers many winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

Basic Expenses
One-bedroom rent: $328 to $700.
Three-bedroom rent: $567 to $768.
Hotel: $31 to $83/night.
Per meal for one person: approximately $8.77. (inexpensive restaurant).
Estimated living cost with rent (1 person): $1,500/Month.

Sapporo has one of the lowest costs of living in Japan per month. With a little over $700, you will be able to find an apartment in the center of the city.

And the total cost of living won’t cross $1500.

But, as you know, it depends on how often you spend money and what kind of lifestyle you have.

The best neighborhood in Sapporo is believed to be on the west side near the mountains.

The Fushimi and Maruyama area has museums, tea shops, and most importantly, beautiful apartments that will fit your budget.

It will be best to choose a car for your transportation, as this region is far away from any stations.

You can also head to Chuo-ku for nice accommodation and convenience. This area is quite large, and you can balance between entertainment and peace.

Pros of living in Sapporo

• Low-rent flat in the center of the city.
• Offers a variety of winter outdoor activities.
• The economy thrives on IT, retail, and tourism.

Cons of living in Sapporo

• This city has one of the largest traffic lights; hence a 5-minute drive can last for 20 minutes.
• During winter, the temperature drops to minus degrees.

Kawasaki: One of The Biggest Industrial Area in Japan

If you want to get the taste of living in Tokyo while being considerate towards your income, Kawasaki will be a great place for you to settle.

As this city is futuristic and a business center, you won’t have to work hard to look for a job.

The rental price in Kawasaki is 50% less than in Tokyo, which means you can find better accommodation at the same price here.

Aside from affordability, this city has a lot of other things to offer, including a lovely riverside, a strong job market, and beautiful museums.

Basic Expenses
One-bedroom rent: $613 to $920.
Three-bedroom rent: $993 to $1,520.
Hotel: $37 to $177/night.
Per meal for one person: around $7.02. (inexpensive restaurant).
Estimated living cost with rent (1 person): $1,600/Month.

In Kawasaki, Shin-Yurigaoka is a decent place to live.

Also, many expats live in Mizonokuchi and Miyazakidai, as these areas have easy access to the center of Kawasaki.

The economy of this city thrives with industries like Fuji electric, JFE Steel, Mitsubishi Chemical, Tokyo Electric Power, etc.

So, it’s heaven for engineers, technicians, marketing, and manufacturing workers.

Pros of living in Kawasaki

• Rental costs are around 50% less than in Tokyo.
• Has a low crime rate.
• Many research and development industries.

Cons of living in Kawasaki

• The city has relatively more air pollution.
• The area around Kawasaki station is highly crowded.

Tsushima Island: Has The Lowest Living Cost

Over 80% of Tsushima Island is packed with mountains, clean beaches, tropical vegetation, and natural charm.

Many local people here still practice various agricultural techniques that the older generation has pass-through to ensure an excellent environment.

You will enjoy living here if you value the local tradition, eco-friendly nature, and outdoor activities.

And, the living cost is unbelievably low, even the least compared to my other mentioned cities.

Basic Expenses
One-bedroom rent: $400 to $800.
Hotel: $31 to $159/night.
Per meal for one person: around $5.70. (inexpensive restaurant).
Estimated living cost with rent (1 person): $1,280/Month.

It is also home to many cultural and historical celebrations.

Some examples are Izuhara Port Festival, Watazumi Shrine Traditional Festival, and Banshoin Temple Lantern Lighting Festival.

One big problem of living here is the lack of professions.

Since the locals in Tsushima generally do fishing, farming, or trading to earn, there are not many job opportunities, especially for expats.

Another notable thing is if you have been living in big cities for all of your life, it will be hard to adjust to this place.

It has the typical countryside environment, opposite of the fast and fun pace of living in Tokyo.

Pros of living in Tsushima

• Minimum monthly cost of living.
• You can enjoy the traditional Japanese lifestyle.
• Home to many cultural and historical sights.

Cons of living in Tsushima

• This town has the lowest job scope for foreigners on my list.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima – A City Reborn From the Ashes of Atomic Bomb Devastation

Basic Expenses
One-bedroom rent	$496
Three-bedroom rent	$663
Hotel	$454 - $1213
Per meal for one person	$6.86
Estimated living cost with rent (1 person)	$1212

In 1945, Hiroshima was destroyed by the atomic bomb; yet today, it is a glorious, vibrant city. 

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People make their homes in Hiroshima, and it has become a beautiful place to live and work whereas before, the area was reduced to ash and rubble. 

It has since risen to become a major center for economic growth and modern amenities, offering a variety of services to its citizens, from public transport to cultural hotspots like the iconic Miyajima.

Living in Hiroshima means never being crowded or chaotic, as the city is full of life but never too busy. 

The cost of living in Hiroshima is quite low, providing a more affordable lifestyle than in other major cities in Japan. 

Plus, on the outskirts of the city, more affordable apartments can be found, with average rent for a one-bedroom apartment coming in at around $800. 

Those looking for exciting attractions will not be disappointed, as Hiroshima is home to a wealth of interesting tours and sites such as the famed Miyajima, where visitors can go to temple and explore its many ancient edifices. 

You can conveniently get around this city with trams, ferries, and of course a strong network of public transport. 

Additionally, Hiroshima has numerous restaurants, shopping malls, and bars, all easily accessible, with some of the most mouth-watering street food like Okonomiyaki. 

Hiroshima may have been devastated by an atomic bomb, but now it is bustling with life and modern amenities, making it an attractive choice for those looking for an affordable city to live in in Japan. 

With its never-ending exciting attractions, inexpensive restaurants, and mouth-watering street foods like Okonomiyaki, it is the perfect destination for a budget-friendly excursion. 

Moreover, with more affordable apartments on the city’s outskirts, it is emerging as a great option for those looking to find a more affordable place to live.

Nagoya

Nagoya, an expansive medium-sized metropolis with a population of over three million, is often referred to by some as ‘Little Tokyo’, due to the amount of history and culture found within its walls. 

Basic Expenses
One-bedroom rent	$608
Three-bedroom rent	$2336
Hotel	$6.31
Per meal for one person	$5.2
Estimated living cost with rent (1 person)	$1379

It's easy to navigate streets and abundance of modern-day conveniences make it a prime spot for newcomers, especially for those who are looking for an inexpensive place to live.

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The cost of living in Nagoya generally runs a bit lower than in Japan's other big cities, making it one of the cheapest places to live. Renting an apartment, for instance, can be inexpensive and can range from a study-sized room to a two-bedroom house. 

Groceries, too, are far cheaper here, with fresh produce and other items available to buy in nearby supermarkets. 

Smaller eateries are also commonplace in the area and provide an affordable way to sample the city's food culture.

Nagoya is a lively and vibrant city, with plenty to do, no matter what your interests. For those wanting a cultural experience, the city houses some of Japan's best museums, including the Nagoya City Science Museum and the Tokugawa Art Museum. 

It's also home to a host of beautiful gardens and parks, including the Meiji-no-Mori Minami Park and the Nagoya Botanical Garden. The city also has an active nightlife with a selection of bars and clubs for club-goers.

The city of Nagoya is highly accessible, with a comprehensive public transportation system. A vast network of bus, tram and train lines makes it easy to explore different parts of the city. 

Additionally, the city lies at the epicenter of the Meitetsu Inuyama line, which connects Nagooya to the nearby towns of Inuyama and Gifu.

Aside from its great accessibility and affordability, Nagoya also offers its residents a chance to experience Japan as it's meant to be. 

With its close proximity to both cities and its traditional way of life, Nagoya is a great location for those looking to immerse themselves in the culture of the country. 

The city also has its own unique charm, with a host of attractions, including the Osu Shopping Street, the CASTLE Pavilion, and the Nagoya Dome.

All in all, Nagoya is an ideal city for those looking to live in Japan without breaking the bank. It's a great place to get a taste of culture, explore new neighborhoods and experience the best of Japan without having to pay too much. 

With its inexpensive living costs and abundance of attractions, Nagoya is a great city for those searching for an affordable and exciting place to call home.

Conclusion

Well, I have completed discussing the cheapest cities to live in Japan.

For each city, I have provided an estimated monthly cost, rental, and meal price.

But, these expenses may vary a lot depending on some factors. Like if you use shared rooms and lead a minimal lifestyle, you can optimize the cost.

Even living in the countryside of Japan will give you an exciting experience, and you can minimize your budget as well.

And, don’t worry about comfort and safety as Japan is one of the most advanced countries in the world.

Lastly, I hope you have a great time