Its economic power, its cultural richness, its magnificent landscapes, its subtle art of living, its security or its technological advance make the country of the rising sun one of the most bewitching Asian destinations. In 2024, Japan welcomed nearly 36.9 million foreign visitors. A record for this level-archipelago more than 3,000 km.
Mosaic of urban and mountain landscapes, the Japanese islands shelter a population of 124 million inhabitants. A civilization which, each year, captivates many travelers and expatriates. For those who are soon planning to settle there or stay there, or who still hesitate, Here are some key elements on the cost of living in the archipelago.
Tokyo: a cost of living more or less similar to that of Paris
Unlike a widespread idea, living in Japan does not necessarily cost more than in France. Apart from Tokyo, where prices are more or less the same than in Paris, the Japanese province indeed offers a much more affordable cost of living. This is the case for example in big cities like Osaka, Fukuoka or Sapporo.
Housing: affordable prices outside Tokyo
- Tokyo, a megalopolis with international influence, remains one of the most expensive cities in the world in terms of real estate. However, rents are lower in Paris, and the goods offered on the Japanese market are also often of higher quality, more modern and better served.
- In provincial towns, such as Kyoto, Fukuoka, Nagoya or Sendai, it is possible to rent a comfortable two-room apartment for 400 to 500 euros per month.
Food: fresh, healthy, varied … and inexpensive
In Japan, food products are renowned for their freshness and very good quality. The dishes prepared in the small Japanese “grocery stores”, which are open 24 hours a day (konbini), are healthy and very economical. “When I was in Tokyo, I got into the habit of eating outside, because prices challenge all competition compared to Parisian bistrosgives us Anna, a young 24 -year -old student at the Lyon IAE, who left to live a year in Tokyo. Un Bol of Ramens costs only 3 euros! »»
On the restaurant side, a full meal in a cheap establishment costs between 5 and 8 euros, while a lunch served in France is more around 15-20 euros.
Transport: Punctuality, efficiency and safety at the rendezvous
Japanese public transport is a global reference in terms of punctuality, cleanliness and security. Although the Japanese TGV (Shinkansen) is expensive without subscription, urban transport (metros, trams, bus) are very affordable and reliable.
Tokyo and Osaka have large metropolitan networks for 1 to 2 euros per journey.
Living environment in Japan: undeniable assets
Exceptional security and exemplary civility
- Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. The crime rate is extremely low, thefts are rare and civility permeates daily life. “Safety is certainly what marked me the most in Japan: you never feel in danger, even late at night. As a woman, it’s incredible, Anna tells us. If you forget your phone, bag or portfolio in the restaurant, or in a store, you can be sure to find it the next day, after it has been put aside by traders ”. It is thus common to leave an unattended bag – something almost inconceivable in France.
Cleanliness culture
In Japan, cleanliness is a culture in its own right. Thus, the streets and public spaces are clean and carefully maintained, and it is extremely rare to find trash on the ground. And when there is no bin available in the surroundings, the Japanese are used, from an early age, to take their waste and throw it home.
Urban harmony and nature
The integration of nature in cities (Japanese gardens, parks, sanctuaries) is also remarkable. The Japanese cities give a large place to aesthetics: with their famous cherry blossoms, in particular, they offer in the spring harmonious urban landscapes, where beauty dominates.
Quality of life and well-being
The pace of life, although professionally intense, is also counterbalanced by a culture of respect, discretion and beauty. A serene atmosphere, far removed from major Latin cities, where noise and disorder can sometimes dominate.
The Japanese health system, although partially privatized, is very efficient and less saturated than that of many Western countries.
Comparison between Japan and France
|
Expenditure post |
Japan (Tokyo) |
France (Paris) |
|
T2 rent in the city center |
900-1500 €/month |
1300 – € 1,800/month |
|
Restaurant meal |
5 – 8 € |
12 – 20 € |
|
Public transport |
1 – 2 €/route |
1.90 – € 2.50/trip |
|
Security |
Very high |
Average or even low, depending on the districts |
|
Health |
Excellent, little saturated |
Good, but overloaded |
|
Urban nature and calm |
Very present |
Variables depending on the city |
Settling in Japan as a foreigner: difficult integration
If the country of the rising sun offers a reasonable cost of living compared to the major French metropolises, there are still disadvantages to live in Japan. Starting with the language barrier, especially outside of Tokyo, where few Japanese speak English.
Hanging in Japan, if you do not have a Japanese guarantor or a solid file, is also difficult, and hidden costs are to be expected in terms of installation: guarantee deposits (shikikin), gift to the owner (reikin), etc. The cultural difference is also to be taken into account: very codified social standards, culture of work pushed to the extreme … It is, in the long term, difficult to make a place as a foreigner if one does not fold with Japanese customs and customs.
However, if you are looking for safety, cleanliness, respect and zenitude, Japan will certainly seduce you.
