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Malaysia Whether it be for exceptional safety standards, high-quality food, or the unique cultural blend of modernity and tradition, the Land of the Rising Sun is growing in appeal – particularly from those in the Western part of the world.
Japan has plenty to offer with world-class public transport, a strong economy and career-growth opportunities, but how expensive is it to live there? Could it be a destination to consider?
In this blog, we evaluate the cost of living in Japan using data provided by Numbeo, comparing it to life in the UK.
Please note: all cost estimations are accurate as of June 2026, and are subject to change.
TL:DR: How does Japan’s cost of living compare to the UK?
- Japan’s cost of living is overall around 30% lower than it is in the UK.
- Rent prices, groceries, and going out to eat are incredibly affordable.
- Note, average salaries after tax are lower in Japan than in the UK, which must be considered if you’re looking for employment.
- You would need around £3,605 (¥774,103) in Tokyo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with £6,900.0 in London
Cost of Living: UK vs. Japan (at a glance)
Japan overall is considered more affordable than the UK, but specific costs will depend on which part of the UK you’re moving from and where in Japan you plan on moving to. It will also depend on your lifestyle.
Typical price differences include:
- Rent: Tokyo, for example, is between 50-70% cheaper than London.
- Dining out: Restaurant prices are over 50% lower than in the UK
- Groceries: Your average shop will be around 10% cheaper in Japan
- Transport: Transport, cars, and fuel prices are more affordable.
- Utilities: While mobile phone plans can be more pricey, basic utilities and broadband are often less expensive.
However, you must consider that average salaries are lower in Japan than in the UK, which will play a role in this if you are seeking employment there.
Housing:
Despite the popular belief, homes in Japan aren’t often smaller than they are in the UK. While Japanese city apartments can be compact, national averages show that Japanese homes are actually larger than those in the UK– meaning you can get more for your money!
Costs will, of course, depend on factors such as location or proximity to schools/local amenities, however, below are some average prices (per month) in popular locations in Japan:
- Tokyo: A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost around ¥201,500 (about £940), falling to ¥104,368 (£490) when moving out to suburban areas. A three-bedroom apartment will cost you ¥373,118 (£1737) in the city centre, and ¥209,653 (£976) outside.
- Osaka: Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, a one-bedroom apartment in central Osaka averages at ¥112,000 (£522) and ¥84,000 (£391) outside. For a three-bedroom apartment, you’d be looking at ¥283,250 (£1312) in the centre and ¥126,056 (£587) outside.
- Hiroshima: Rebuilt after the war, this modern city will cost you around ¥50,666 (£238) for a one-bedroom city-centre apartment, and ¥35,000 (£165) in more suburban areas. If you’re after a three-bedroom apartment, costs are approximately ¥110,000 (£515) in the centre and ¥79,000 (£370) outside.
- Kyoto: The former imperial capital averages as ¥89,505 (£417) in the city-centre and ¥51,820 (£243) outside. For a three-bedroom apartment, prices are around ¥281,333 (£1320) and ¥123,333 (£578) depending on proximity to the city centre.
👉 If you’re relocating with family, housing decisions are often closely tied to school locations and commute times: definitely something worth planning early.
Groceries & everyday spending
Grocery items and other everyday spending will vary depending on what the items are – meat, particularly beef, for example, is expensive in Japan due to limited farming land and higher import costs. Rice has also been impacted by lower production, decreased supplies and increased demand, resulting in soaring prices.
Average cost of typical grocery items (in GBP):
United Kingdom | Japan | |
Milk (1L) | £1.25 | £1.07 |
Eggs (12) | £3.02 | £1.51 |
Cheese (1kg) | £7.18 | £8.12 |
Bread (White loaf) | £1.26 | £1.04 |
White Rice | £1.64 | £3.64 |
Beef (1kg) | £10.89 | £13.17 |
Chicken (1kg) | £6.71 | £4.70 |
Apples | £2.24 | £3.54 |
Potatoes | £1.29 | £1.99 |
Wine | £8.00 | £6.10 |
Summary 👉: Limited farming can make fresh produce slightly more expensive than it would be in the UK. Budgeting and meal planning can help keep costs low!
Transport
If there’s one thing the Japanese get right, it’s their transport.
Renowned for its efficiency, punctuality and cleanliness (and sometimes, themes!), the public transport system in Japan is extremely efficient – and often cheaper!
- A one-way ticket on local transport is around £1.02
- A monthly public transport pass is around £42
- 1 litre of petrol is £0.81
Because of their strong public transport system, ownership of a car is not a necessity in Japan – yet. they are cheaper here than if bought in the UK.
Bullet trains that connect major cities can be a little pricier, with a one-way ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto typically costing £63-68. There are rail passes if you plan on making numerous long-distance trips, which are more cost-effective.
🚨 However, the high base fares and the build-up of traffic make taxis best avoided.
Healthcare
Japan does not have a free healthcare system like the UK’s national health service, meaning there are often higher out-of-pocket costs.
Yet, their social insurance-based system ensures that residents pay 30% of medical costs, and their “high-cost medical expense benefit” cap limits the maximum monthly out-of-pocket payments based on income.
Those employed in Japan will usually pay 5% of their salary for Social Health Insurance, which is then often matched by their employer.
Japan’s system is often more efficient, providing faster access to specialists without the need of a GP referral.
🔗 Read more about the Japanese Healthcare System here!
Education
Japan has one of the most unique yet successful education systems globally. If you’re moving with children, schooling is one of the most important considerations.
Options include:
- Public schools
- Private schools
- International schools
International schools, in particular, can be one of the higher costs in Japan, especially in major cities.
👉 It’s important to note that the Japanese academic year begins in April, rather than September. This is why many families begin their school search early, often before finalising housing
Other costs in Japan:
Below are some extra average costs that you might find throughout daily life:
- Monthly gym memberships: £39.85
- Cinema Tickets: £9.38
- Dining out: £4.69 – £26.96, depending on where you go
- Beer: £2.34-£2.81
- Cappuccino :£2.29
- Bottled water: £0.55
Things to Consider Before You Move
While the lower cost of living and rental prices are attractive, there are a few important factors to keep in mind:
- Currency fluctuations can impact your budget if you’re earning in GBP
- Security and location choices can influence housing costs
- Lifestyle expectations will shape your overall spend
Every move is different, and understanding these factors early can help you plan more effectively.
Planning Your Move
Relocating internationally involves more than just comparing prices.
From shipping your belongings to finding the right location and settling in, having a clear plan can make a big difference.
At Crown Relocations, we support individuals and families moving from the UK to Japan with services including:
- Packing and shipping
- Storage solutions
- Relocation planning and guidance
The goal is simple: to help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on enjoying your new lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Moving from the UK to Japan offers an affordable lifestyle with a higher quality of life, but like any international move, it comes down to planning.
Understanding where you’ll save, where you might spend more, and how your lifestyle fits into the bigger picture is key to making the most of your relocation.
If you’re thinking about making the big move, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of experts today!
FAQs: Cost of Living in Japan
Overall, yes – the cost of living in Japan is about 30% lower than it is in the UK.
This will depend on where you live, as well as your lifestyle. However, Numbeo estimates that you would need around £3,605 (¥774,103) in Tokyo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with £6,900.0 in London.
As Japan does not have a free public healthcare service like the UK’s NHS, healthcare insurance is mandatory. Those employed in Japan will usually pay 5% of their salary for Social Health Insurance, which is then often matched by their employer. Yet, costs are different for those who are self-employed, in education, elderly, or on low income.
Housing is typically the most expensive part of living in Japan, especially when living in city centres. Yet, rent prices are still lower than in the UK, and costs can be kept lower if you live in the suburbs.