10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Japan
The cost of living is one of the significant burdens in our daily lives. Across Japan, economic conditions and prices vary by region, resulting in substantial differences in living costs. While urban areas tend to have higher rent and transportation costs, there are regions and smaller cities where living costs are lower and more comfortable.
This article introduces the top 10 areas with the lowest average cost of living in Japan, based on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' Consumer Price Regional Difference Index. It provides useful information for those looking to reduce living expenses or considering relocation. Let's take a look at which regions offer the most cost-effective living.
10 Areas with the Lowest Average Cost of Living
- Miyazaki
- Gunma
- Kagoshima
- Nara
- Gifu
- Fukuoka
- Oita
- Nagano
- Okayama
- Saga
1. Miyazaki
Miyazaki Prefecture is known for its warm climate and rich natural environment, featuring very low living costs compared to other regions in Japan. Particularly in mid-sized cities like Miyazaki and Nobeoka, while urban functions are well-developed, rents remain reasonable.
Additionally, the abundance of locally produced agricultural products allows for purchasing fresh local ingredients at low prices, making it easier to manage food expenses. Miyazaki Prefecture has had the lowest overall price level for five consecutive years. The highest cost category in Miyazaki is "Furniture and Household Items" (100.1), ranked 20th, while "Cultural and Recreational Services" (92.1) and "Health and Medical Care" (96.1) are at the lowest nationwide ranks of 47th.
2. Gunma
Gunma Prefecture, with its good access from the Tokyo metropolitan area, is popular as a commuting region while maintaining relatively low living costs. Cities like Takasaki and Maebashi feature significantly lower rent compared to the central areas.
Furthermore, Gunma is rich in hot springs and natural landscapes, providing many opportunities for affordable weekend leisure activities. The highest cost in Gunma is "Utilities" (101.6), ranked 19th, while the lowest is "Education" (78.6), the most affordable education nationwide.
3. Kagoshima
With its warm tropical climate and abundant nature, Kagoshima Prefecture is an area where managing living expenses is easier. Particularly in Kagoshima City, while urban functions are well-established, rent and prices for daily necessities are more reasonable compared to other major cities.
Local seafood and vegetables are available at low prices, making it ideal for those looking to reduce food costs. Kagoshima Prefecture has all its cost categories below 100, with all indices in the 90s, indicating stable prices. The highest cost is "Health and Medical Care" (99.8), ranked 22nd, and the lowest is "Housing" (90.6), ranked 25th.
4. Nara
Nara Prefecture, known for its historical tourist attractions, is also a region with relatively low living costs. Rent in Nara City is lower compared to neighboring Osaka and Kyoto, making it possible to enjoy the benefits of lower prices within commuting range.
The presence of many tourist sites also means good public transportation, making it feasible to live without a car. Nara Prefecture also has all its cost categories below 100, with the highest being "Transportation and Communication" (99.1), ranked 31st, and the lowest being "Housing" (84.1), ranked 42nd.
5. Gifu
Located in the Chubu region, Gifu Prefecture offers a low-cost living amidst its rich natural environment. Cities like Gifu and Ogaki have low rent prices, allowing for spacious properties at affordable rates compared to urban areas.
Additionally, the local production of foodstuffs makes it easy to purchase fresh local vegetables and fruits, which is a significant factor in reducing living costs. The highest cost in Gifu is "Transportation and Communication" (100.8), ranked 6th, and the lowest is "Housing" (83.0), ranked 45th.
6. Fukuoka
Fukuoka Prefecture, the most urbanized area in Kyushu, still offers relatively low living costs compared to national averages. Fukuoka City has high wage levels and easy job opportunities, while rents and food costs are lower than in Tokyo or Osaka. Local specialties like fresh seafood and famous Hakata ramen are also affordably priced.
Despite being a major city, Fukuoka Prefecture's "Health and Medical Care" (100.3) is the highest, ranked 13th, while the lowest is "Housing" (89.5), ranked 28th.
7. Oita
Oita Prefecture, famous for its hot springs like Beppu, is also very attractive in terms of living costs. Cities such as Oita and Beppu offer well-developed urban functions while keeping rent and food expenses below the national average.
The integration of hot spring use into daily life also means that residents can maintain a healthy lifestyle without high costs. The highest cost in Oita is "Education" (103.2), ranked 10th, and the lowest is "Housing" (85.6), ranked 40th.
8. Nagano
Nagano Prefecture offers a low-cost living while enjoying the natural beauty of the changing seasons. Cities like Matsumoto and Nagano City provide a comfortable living with necessary infrastructure, away from the hustle of urban life. Many residents adopt a self-sufficient lifestyle, making it easy to buy local vegetables and fruits at reasonable prices. The highest cost in Nagano is "Utilities" (105.4), ranked 13th, and the lowest is "Education" (87.5), ranked 41st.
9. Okayama
Okayama Prefecture, known for its sunny climate and high number of clear days, is also a low-cost living region. Cities like Okayama and Kurashiki offer lower rents even in relatively urban areas, with transportation and food costs below the national average. The good transportation links to the Chugoku and Shikoku regions also make moving to neighboring prefectures easy. The highest cost in Okayama is "Utilities" (104.2), ranked 14th, and the lowest is "Housing" (84.0), ranked 43rd.
10. Saga
Saga Prefecture, one of the areas with the lowest living costs in Kyushu, features cities like Saga and Karatsu where rent and utility costs are very low compared to other prefectures. The minimal traffic congestion also allows for smooth transportation, shortening commuting and shopping times, contributing to an efficient lifestyle. The highest cost in Saga is "Utilities" (107.4), ranked 10th, while the lowest is "Education" (89.5), ranked 36th.
Conclusion
How did you find the top 10 areas with the lowest average living costs in Japan? These regions are not only cost-effective but also offer rich natural environments, vibrant food cultures, and historical and traditional experiences that can enhance your quality of life. For those looking to escape the urban hustle while managing costs effectively, these areas provide ideal options.
