10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Japan
In daily life, the affordability of living expenses plays a significant role in our overall comfort. Reducing the cost of living can create more room in your budget for savings, hobbies, or simply enjoying life with less financial stress. If you find yourself considering relocating to a more affordable area, or even planning a future move, understanding which regions offer the best living costs is essential. However, identifying these areas can be challenging without detailed insight. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 regions in Japan where you can live comfortably while keeping your expenses low.
▼ 10 Areas with the Lowest Average Cost of Living
- Miyazaki
- Gunma
- Kagoshima
- Nara
- Gifu
- Fukuoka
- Oita
- Nagano
- Okayama
- Saga
1. Miyazaki
Miyazaki Prefecture consistently ranks as one of the most affordable places to live in Japan, thanks to its warm climate, abundant nature, and notably low cost of living. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications “2018 Housing and Land Statistics Survey,” Miyazaki boasts the lowest average monthly rent for one-room apartments among all prefectures, significantly less expensive than metropolitan areas like Tokyo.
In cities like Miyazaki and Nobeoka, urban amenities coexist with affordable living costs. Rents are nearly half of Tokyo’s average, and the abundance of locally grown produce means residents can purchase fresh ingredients at very low prices. This makes Miyazaki ideal for families and individuals looking to cut down on living expenses without compromising on quality of life.
Cost Highlights:
- Housing: Lowest average rent for one-room apartments and family-sized units.
- Cultural and Recreational Services: The cheapest nationwide, ranked 47th (92.1).
- Health and Medical Care: Lowest in Japan, ranked 47th (96.1).
In addition to its affordability, Miyazaki offers a serene lifestyle with access to beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and cultural festivals. Whether you’re seeking a slower pace of life or simply looking to stretch your budget, Miyazaki is an excellent choice.
2. Gunma
Gunma Prefecture stands out for its balance between accessibility and affordability. Located within commuting distance of Tokyo, Gunma attracts residents looking for a more cost-effective lifestyle without severing ties to the capital. Key cities like Takasaki and Maebashi offer significantly lower rents than areas closer to Tokyo, with plenty of spacious and affordable housing options.
Gunma also shines as a hub of natural beauty and leisure. Its famous hot springs (onsen) and mountainous landscapes provide affordable weekend getaways for residents. While utilities in Gunma are slightly above average (ranked 19th nationally at 101.6), the region compensates with the cheapest education costs in Japan, ranked 47th (78.6).
Cost Highlights:
- Housing: One-room apartments rank among the top 10 cheapest in Japan.
- Education: Lowest in the country, making it ideal for families with children.
- Utilities: Higher than average but offset by savings in other categories.
Gunma combines affordable living with the convenience of proximity to Tokyo, making it a practical choice for commuters and families alike.
3. Kagoshima
Located at the southernmost tip of Kyushu, Kagoshima Prefecture is known for its subtropical climate, volcanic landscapes, and rich agricultural resources. Its urban center, Kagoshima City, offers all the conveniences of city life at a fraction of the cost compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Kagoshima has some of the lowest prices for daily necessities, thanks to its thriving local food industry. Fresh seafood and vegetables are readily available, allowing residents to maintain healthy diets without overspending. Additionally, Kagoshima's overall cost of living indices are consistently in the 90s, reflecting its affordability across multiple categories.
Cost Highlights:
- Housing: Ranked 25th nationwide for affordability (90.6).
- Health and Medical Care: Among the top 25 for affordability, ranked 22nd (99.8).
Beyond its cost advantages, Kagoshima offers unique attractions like Sakurajima volcano and traditional Japanese gardens, enriching residents’ lifestyles at little to no cost.
4. Nara
Nara Prefecture is steeped in history, with its ancient temples, deer-filled parks, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites drawing millions of visitors each year. Beyond its cultural significance, Nara also offers a highly affordable lifestyle, particularly for those commuting to Osaka or Kyoto.
Nara City, with its serene atmosphere and rich historical charm, offers much lower rents than its neighboring cities. Spacious properties are available at a fraction of the cost of living in the larger metropolitan areas, making it an appealing option for families and individuals looking for a peaceful yet well-connected location. Public transportation is efficient and well-developed, mainly due to the steady influx of tourists, making it feasible to live without a car. Residents can easily travel to major cities in the Kansai region for work or leisure, adding to the area's convenience.
Additionally, Nara is renowned for its high quality of life, with a strong educational system and access to nature, offering a perfect balance of urban and rural living. The prefecture is also a haven for those who enjoy outdoor activities, from hiking in the surrounding mountains to exploring ancient ruins.
Cost Highlights:
- Housing: Ranked 42nd nationwide, with a housing cost index of 84.1—substantially lower than many other regions in Japan.
- Transportation and Communication: Slightly higher at 99.1 but still below the national average, making commuting to neighboring cities both affordable and convenient.
- For those looking to experience the cultural richness of Kansai while avoiding the higher cost of living in Osaka or Kyoto, Nara offers an excellent and affordable alternative.
5. Gifu
Nestled in the heart of Japan, Gifu Prefecture offers a picturesque lifestyle amidst mountains, rivers, and traditional villages. Its cities, such as Gifu and Ogaki, provide some of the most affordable living options in the country, with housing costs significantly lower than those in major urban centers. Families and individuals can enjoy larger properties at prices that would be unheard of in cities like Tokyo or Osaka.
The region is known for its agricultural produce, giving residents easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables at lower prices. Gifu’s combination of natural beauty, affordability, and accessibility makes it an ideal choice for those seeking peace and tranquility without sacrificing convenience. The prefecture is also a hub for various industries, offering stable employment opportunities, particularly in forestry and manufacturing.
Gifu’s proactive migration support programs add to its appeal. The prefecture offers financial incentives for people moving from Tokyo, providing relocation support of up to 100,000 yen for households, and even more for those moving with the intent to pursue careers in industries like forestry. These initiatives make it easier for newcomers to settle in and begin a new chapter of life in this serene yet well-connected region.
Cost Highlights:
- Housing: Ranked 45th nationwide, with a housing cost index of 83.0—one of the lowest in Japan, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget.
- Transportation and Communication: Slightly higher than average at 100.8, ranked 6th, but the region’s well-developed transportation network provides easy access to neighboring urban centers.
- With its blend of affordable living, strong migration support, and abundant natural beauty, Gifu offers an excellent quality of life for retirees, young families, and anyone looking to embrace a slower-paced lifestyle while still having easy access to the conveniences of urban life.
6. Fukuoka
Fukuoka Prefecture, located in Kyushu, is renowned for its vibrant city life and relatively affordable living costs compared to other major cities in Japan. Fukuoka City, the capital of the prefecture, is a thriving urban center that offers high wages, numerous job opportunities, and an excellent quality of life. The cost of living in Fukuoka is generally lower than in Tokyo or Osaka, particularly in terms of rent and food prices. A one-room apartment in Fukuoka is considerably more affordable, with the average rent being much lower than in the capital.
Cost Highlights:
- Affordable Rent: The rent for one-room apartments in Fukuoka is among the lowest for major cities, making it an attractive option for young professionals and students.
- Local Food: The cost of local specialties like Hakata ramen, fresh seafood, and other regional dishes is much lower than in Tokyo, making dining out more affordable.
- Work Opportunities: As Fukuoka continues to develop into a regional business hub, the city offers numerous job opportunities, especially in IT, healthcare, and tourism.
Despite being a major urban center, Fukuoka excels in terms of "Health and Medical Care" (100.3), ranking 13th nationally. However, the "Housing" index (89.5) is one of the lowest, ranking 28th, reflecting the affordable cost of living in terms of rent. Whether you're relocating for work or seeking a place to enjoy an affordable yet dynamic lifestyle, Fukuoka provides an ideal mix of urban comfort and budget-friendly living.
7. Oita
Oita Prefecture is particularly famous for its hot springs, particularly the famed Beppu area, which is home to numerous therapeutic baths. In addition to its natural beauty, Oita offers an affordable lifestyle with lower-than-average housing costs. Rent and food expenses in cities like Oita and Beppu are quite affordable, making it an attractive option for those looking for a more peaceful and affordable living situation without sacrificing essential services.
Cost Highlights:
- Affordable Living: Rent in Oita is considerably lower compared to major cities, making it a great choice for families and retirees.
- Hot Springs: The abundance of hot springs, such as those in Beppu, offers residents a unique and relaxing way of life, which contributes to a lower overall cost of living while maintaining a high quality of life.
- Community and Peaceful Environment: With a lower population density, Oita offers a quieter lifestyle, making it an appealing option for those who want to escape the hustle of city life without being completely isolated.
In Oita, the "Education" cost (103.2) is one of the highest in the region, ranked 10th. However, the "Housing" cost (85.6) is among the lowest, ranked 40th, making it a great choice for individuals or families looking for affordable housing options while still benefiting from good educational services.
8. Nagano
Nestled in the heart of Japan’s mountainous region, Nagano Prefecture offers a unique blend of natural beauty and low living costs. Known for its stunning alpine scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities, Nagano is ideal for those seeking an active, nature-focused lifestyle. Cities such as Nagano City and Matsumoto are equipped with excellent infrastructure, providing everything needed for comfortable living, but without the high costs associated with Japan’s major urban centers.
Cost Highlights:
- Scenic Beauty: Nagano is surrounded by beautiful mountains, lakes, and forests, offering plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and hot springs.
- Affordable Living: Rent in Nagano is affordable, particularly when compared to major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. The cost of daily essentials such as food and utilities is also quite low.
- Self-Sufficient Lifestyle: The local community often embraces a self-sufficient lifestyle, with many residents growing their own produce or purchasing from local markets at very reasonable prices.
While Nagano offers lower rent costs, it does have a relatively high "Utilities" cost (105.4), ranked 13th, which could be due to the area's colder climate. Conversely, "Education" (87.5), ranked 41st, is one of the lowest in the country. Despite these factors, Nagano remains a great choice for those who value nature and affordability, offering a peaceful environment and affordable living.
9. Okayama
Okayama Prefecture, famous for its sunny climate and high number of clear days, is also one of Japan’s most affordable regions for living. Cities like Okayama City and Kurashiki offer much lower rent compared to major urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka. With a cost of living that is well below the national average, especially in housing and transportation, Okayama is a perfect place for those seeking a balance of city life and natural beauty. The prefecture ranks 37th in Japan for cost of living, with a composite index of 97.8, making it the most affordable in the Chugoku region.
Cost Highlights:
- Affordable Rent: The average rent in Okayama is significantly lower than in major cities, offering an attractive option for families, retirees, and those looking to move out of more expensive urban areas. Housing costs are among the lowest in Japan, with Okayama ranked 43rd for housing costs.
- Subsidies for Relocation: Okayama offers various relocation support programs, including financial incentives for those moving from other prefectures. These include relocation support funds, consultation services, and relocation experience tours, which help newcomers adjust to life in the region. For families, there are additional benefits such as healthcare subsidies and reduced daycare fees.
- Ideal for Families and Nature Lovers: Known for its beautiful natural landscapes, Okayama offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as visiting Okayama Korakuen Garden and the scenic Seto Inland Sea. With lower costs for housing, residents can enjoy more space, making it a great location for raising children.
Overall, Okayama’s affordability and excellent support for families and newcomers make it an ideal place to live for those seeking a high quality of life without the high cost. Its balanced mix of urban convenience and natural surroundings enhances its appeal for relocation.
10. Saga
Saga Prefecture, located in Kyushu, is known for its incredibly low living costs, especially in cities like Saga and Karatsu. Rent and utility costs are among the lowest in Japan, making it an attractive destination for those looking to reduce their living expenses. With minimal traffic congestion, residents enjoy smooth transportation, contributing to an efficient and relaxed lifestyle. Additionally, Saga offers several attractive relocation incentives for newcomers, particularly for those interested in telework or starting a business in the region.
Cost Highlights:
- Affordable Housing: Rent in Saga is considerably lower than in major metropolitan areas. For example, the average rent for a one-room apartment is approximately 40,706 yen, which is nearly 30,000 yen less than in Tokyo. Saga ranks among the lowest in the country for rent and is an excellent choice for people looking to live comfortably without spending a fortune on housing.
- Safety and Low Crime Rates: Saga boasts one of the lowest crime rates in Japan, with only 3,069 criminal offenses reported in 2020. This makes it one of the safest places to live, contributing to the overall quality of life.
- Relocation Support Programs: Saga offers various relocation incentives, including the "Test Telework Relocation Subsidy," which provides financial support for people looking to move to Saga and work remotely. Other programs include free or low-cost trial housing and rent assistance for new residents. Additionally, Saga offers a relocation grant of up to 100,000 yen for individuals or families moving from outside the region.
Saga's low living costs, safety, and comprehensive relocation support make it an attractive option for individuals and families looking to relocate to a peaceful, affordable, and efficient environment. Whether you are a teleworker or someone looking for a more laid-back lifestyle, Saga provides a welcoming and affordable place to call home.
Conclusion
So, how did you find these 10 regions with the lowest living costs in Japan? Each of these areas offers more than just affordability; they provide rich natural landscapes, cultural experiences, and a high quality of life. Moving to one of these regions could not only help you manage your expenses but also give you the opportunity to lead a more relaxed, fulfilling lifestyle. Whether you're thinking of making a move now or in the future, these areas present fantastic options to consider.
