Planning a move to Yokohama? Here 's a breakdown of how much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Yokohama
In this article, we’ll discuss Yokohama, one of Tokyo’s bustling and diverse cities and how much you have to earn every month to live comfortably in the big city in the South of Japan’s capital.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
How Much Do You Need To Earn To Live comfortably In Yokohama?
As a single person in Yokohama in 2024, you'll need to earn at least ¥250,000 per month to love comfortably in Yokohama. This amount will cover basic expenses such as rent, food, transportation, and utilities. If you have a family or other dependents, you will need to earn more.
However, the amount of money you need to earn to live comfortably in Yokohama in 2024 will vary depending on your lifestyle and needs.
Here is a breakdown of some of the basic expenses you can expect to incur in Yokohama:
- Rent: ¥70,000-150,000 per month for a single-bedroom apartment in a central location
- Food: ¥30,000-50,000 per month for groceries and eating out
- Transportation: ¥10,000-20,000 per month for a monthly pass on the subway or train
- Utilities: ¥10,000-15,000 per month for electricity, gas, and water
- Other expenses: ¥10,000-20,000 per month for clothing, entertainment, and miscellaneous expenses
Average Salary Breakdown In Yokohama
The average salary in Yokohama is ¥6,431,672 (JPY) per year or an hourly rate of ¥3,092 (JPY). This is based on data from Payscale, SalaryExpert, and Glassdoor.
The average salary varies depending on the industry, occupation, and level of experience.
For example, the average salary for software engineers in Yokohama is ¥5,134,874 (JPY) per year, while the average salary for nurses is ¥4,200,000 (JPY) per year.
The cost of living in Yokohama is relatively high, so it is important to factor this in when considering your salary requirements.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Yokohama is ¥90,000 (JPY) per month, and the average cost of food is ¥30,000 (JPY) per month.
On the other hand, the cost of living for a family of four in Yokohama would be around ¥523,885 (US$4,600) per month.
This includes rent, food, transportation, and other expenses. This is more than double the average cost of living for a bachelor considering the extra expenses and living area space for more people.
Average Salary For Popular Jobs In Yokohama
To get a better grasp of the average salary for a number of jobs you could take up in Yokohama, here’s a short breakdown.
| Job Title | Average Salary in Japanese Yen Per Month |
| Accountant | ¥6,000,000 |
| Chartered Accountant | ¥7,000,000 |
| Financial Manager | ¥8,000,000 |
| Office Manager | ¥4,000,000 |
| Secretary | ¥3,500,000 |
| Graphic Designer | ¥5,000,000 |
| Pilot | ¥10,000,000 |
| Flight Attendant | ¥4,000,000 |
| Architect | ¥9,000,000 |
| Mechanic | ¥4,500,000 |
| Bank Teller | ¥3,000,000 |
| Teacher | ¥5,500,000 |
| Project Manager | ¥8,000,000 |
| Civil Engineer | ¥7,000,000 |
| Call Center Representative | ¥3,500,000 |
| Chef | ¥5,000,000 |
| Nurse | ¥4,500,000 |
| Developer/Programmer | ¥7,000,000 |
Cost Of Living In Yokohama in 2024
The cost of living in Yokohama, Japan is 46.8% less expensive than in New York City (without rent). Rent in Yokohama is, on average, 74.6% lower than in New York City.
Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in Yokohama in 2024:
- Rent: A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around ¥80,000 per month. A two-bedroom apartment in the suburbs costs around ¥60,000 per month.
- Utilities: Electricity, gas, and water bills are relatively low in Yokohama. The average monthly utility bill for a one-bedroom apartment is around ¥10,000.
- Food: Groceries are also relatively affordable in Yokohama. The average monthly grocery bill for a single person is around ¥5,000.
- Transportation: Public transportation is the most convenient way to get around Yokohama. A monthly pass for unlimited rides on the subway and buses costs around ¥10,000.
- Entertainment: There are many free and low-cost activities to enjoy in Yokohama. Some popular options include visiting the waterfront, exploring the many parks and gardens, or attending a free concert or festival.
Overall, the cost of living in Yokohama is relatively affordable. However, it is important to note that the cost of living can vary depending on your lifestyle and budget.
Now, if you’ve ever considered actually buying property in Yokohama, it’s quite costly and it’s a huge investment to make especially if you’re just starting in the city.
But, if you have the means, then there’s definitely no problem in investing in real estate in this beautiful city.
The cost of buying an apartment in Yokohama city center depends on the size, location, and condition of the property.
However, the average price of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around ¥50 million. A two-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around ¥70 million.
However, the average price of a one-bedroom apartment in the outskirts of Yokohama is around ¥30 million. A two-bedroom apartment in the outskirts costs around ¥40 million.
Cost Of Living In Yokohama With A Family in 2024
The story would be different if you already have a family and you’re looking to move to Yokohama.
To put it into perspective, a three-bedroom apartment in the city center would cost around ¥150,000 and ¥300,000 per month, while a similar apartment outside the city center would go for around ¥100,000 to ¥200,000 per month.
The average cost of living of ¥250,000 is not feasible anymore if you already have a family so it would now have to adjust. There are new costs to consider as well, especially in raising children.
With that being said, we have to adjust the cost of living to around ¥523,885 (US$4,400) per month for a family of four in a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center.
This covers the extra expenses of raising children like clothing.
Raising a family inside the city center would be a bit more costly as the rent is much higher. We now have to adjust the cost of living to two-fold at around 685,000 Yen or $5,015 USD. It’s much higher since the rent is expensive inside the city downtown.
Now, you might be wondering how we create these estimates, but it’s a basic rule of thumb wherein to live relatively comfortably, you have to make twice as much as your monthly rent. There are still other factors to consider which might change up the cost of living depending on your situation.
Average Utilities Cost Breakdown In Yokohama
Apart from rent, utilities are a must in discussing the breakdown for the cost of living in general because it makes living in the apartment comfortable which is what we are discussing in the article.
For a basic apartment in Yokohama for a single person (~85 sq. m), the average cost for electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is around 22,792 Yen or $166.88 USD.
Of course, if you were to live in a much larger apartment, expect these costs to go up as well for basic utilities.
On the other hand, the average internet cost in Yokohama for 60+ MBPS unlimited data cable internet is 4,313 Yen or $31.58 USD. 60 MBPS is already a good internet speed to begin with especially if you’re on a budget.
As mentioned earlier, these are just estimates based on standard government and internet service provider prices. Prices might still differ depending on the current economic situation of Japan.
Average Transportation Cost Breakdown In Yokohama
Japan as a whole has a very reliable public transportation that can get you to your intended destination in a quick and efficient manner.
The standard cost of a one-way trip ticket is around 200 Yen or $1.50 USD, but you can opt for a monthly pass which costs around 8,111 Yen or $59.39 USD.
If you’re not feeling the crowded public transportation, you can always opt for a taxi which starts at around 700 Yen or $5 USD and every kilometer adds about 430 Yen or $3.17 USD.
This is a reasonable price because the average gasoline price per liter in Yokohama is at 150 Yen or $1.09 USD
If you want to invest in a car, the usual entry price for a reliable sedan in Yokohama is around a million Yen or $7,300 USD.
Although a lot of Japanese citizens don’t opt for this route since the public transportation is more than enough for their needs.
Average Childcare Cost Breakdown In Yokohama
If you’re starting a family and both you and your spouse have a full-time job, your child must have a safe and conducive learning environment to be in when you’re out working.
A monthly fee for a private daycare center would cost you about 53,539 Yen or $392 USD.
If you’re looking to invest more in your child by enrolling him/her in a private institution or international primary school, it would cost you about a million won or $7,322 for a year’s worth of matriculation fees.
It could be more expensive with other school requirements that your child has to have.
Average Food And Leisure Cost Breakdown In Yokohama
Apart from the needs like rent, utilities, and transportation, there should also be room for relaxation and enjoyment to relieve your stress from work and life in general.
A great way to do this is by going around the city for food and leisure activities.
An average cost for a meal in an inexpensive food place is around 650 Yen or $4.76, while the cost for a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant goes for about 4,000 Yen or $29.53.
You can always opt for a fast food meal if you’re on the go and that will cost you about 715 Yen or $5.24 USD.
Health is wealth, which is why it’s a good idea to get a gym membership as well to strengthen your body and mental health.
In Yokohama, average gym membership prices are about 8,500 Yen or $62.21 USD for a month’s worth of membership.
On the other hand, there are also other common leisure activities like sports and in Yokohama, you can rent an entire tennis court for about 4,200 Yen or $30.92 an hour.
If you don’t feel like sweating then you can go to the cinema which will cost you around 1,750 Yen or $12.69 USD. Some cinemas have promos which could help you save more money, while there are exclusive cinema premieres that cost more.
How Much Do You Need To Earn To Live comfortably In Yokohama
Yokohama is a beautiful city with a lot of potential and sights to see. It’s definitely a great place to take the next big leap in your life and career. It’s very diverse as well with a big representation of the Chinese demographic.
With the right timing and preparation, you might find yourself on the next flight to Tokyo to start the new chapter of your life in the beautiful city of Yokohama.
We hope that this article has been helpful in determining how much you have to earn to live comfortably in Yokohama.
How much does it cost to live in Yokohama Japan?
The cost of living in Yokohama, Japan is generally lower than in Tokyo, but it is still a relatively expensive city. Here is a breakdown of some of the costs you can expect to incur:
- Rent: Rent is one of the biggest expenses in Yokohama. A one-bedroom apartment in a central location will typically cost around ¥100,000 per month. If you are willing to live further out, you can find apartments for around ¥60,000 per month
- Food: Food is another major expense. Eating out in Yokohama can be expensive, but there are also many affordable options available. You can expect to pay around ¥1000 for a meal at a mid-range restaurant. If you cook at home, you can save money by buying groceries at local markets.
- Transportation: Transportation costs in Yokohama are relatively low. A monthly pass for the subway and bus system costs around ¥10,000. You can also get around by walking or cycling, which is a great way to see the city.
- Utilities: Utilities are another relatively low expense. Electricity, water, and gas bills will typically cost around ¥5000 per month.
- Entertainment: There are many free and low-cost activities to enjoy in Yokohama. You can visit the many parks and gardens, go for a walk along the waterfront, or take in a free concert or festival. There are also many affordable restaurants and bars where you can socialize with friends.
Overall, the cost of living in Yokohama is comparable to other major cities in Japan. However, there are many ways to save money if you are willing to be mindful of your spending.
Is Yokohama expensive city?
Yokohama is not an expensive city compared to other major cities in the world. It is ranked 2633rd out of 9294 in the world for cost of living, and 4th out of 907 in Japan. The average cost of living in Yokohama is $1555, which is 46.8% less expensive than New York City. Rent in Yokohama is, on average, 74.6% lower than in New York City.
Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in Yokohama:
- Housing: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Yokohama is $600 per month.
- Utilities: Utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, cost an average of $100 per month.
- Transportation: The average cost of public transportation in Yokohama is $50 per month.
- Food: The average cost of food in Yokohama is $200 per month.
- Entertainment: The average cost of entertainment in Yokohama is $100 per month.
Overall, the cost of living in Yokohama is relatively affordable. However, there are some areas of the city that are more expensive than others. For example, the Minato Mirai district is home to many high-rise apartments and hotels, and the cost of living in this area is higher than in other parts of the city.
If you are looking for an affordable place to live in Japan, Yokohama is a great option. The city has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike, and the cost of living is relatively low.
Is Yokohama cheaper than Tokyo?
Yes, Yokohama is generally cheaper than Tokyo. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Yokohama is 5% lower than in Tokyo.
This is true for most categories of expenses, including housing, food, transportation, and entertainment.
For example, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Yokohama is around ¥100,000 per month, while the average rent for a similar apartment in Tokyo is around ¥120,000 per month.
Similarly, a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Yokohama costs around ¥1,000, while a meal at a similar restaurant in Tokyo costs around ¥1,200.
