Cost of Living in Fukushima - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,196 monthly including rent, or $656 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,916 with rent, or $1,270 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,636 including rent, or $1,883 for daily expenses alone.

Fukushima sits 10–13% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are slightly above average (9%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.23 ¥970
$4.99 ¥776
$12.46 ¥1,939
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$31.86 ¥4,959
$22.94 ¥3,571
$76.4 ¥11.9K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.88 ¥760
$4.57 ¥712
$5.80 ¥903
Cappuccino
$3.01 ¥468
$1.27 ¥197
$4.44 ¥691
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.04 ¥162
$0.86 ¥134
$1.84 ¥287
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.78 ¥122
$0.66 ¥102
$1.30 ¥203
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.69 ¥418
$1.95 ¥303
$4.71 ¥733
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.44 ¥536
$2.07 ¥322
$4.82 ¥750
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.47 ¥229
$1.14 ¥177
$1.89 ¥295
White Bread (500g)
$1.63 ¥254
$1.02 ¥159
$3.41 ¥531
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.44 ¥690
$3.04 ¥473
$6.74 ¥1,049
Eggs
$1.91 ¥297
$1.41 ¥220
$2.33 ¥363
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.75 ¥1,829
$5.80 ¥903
$19.73 ¥3,070
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.46 ¥850
$3.71 ¥578
$8.19 ¥1,274
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$18.93 ¥2,947
$8.89 ¥1,384
$32.94 ¥5,126
Apples (1kg)
$4.85 ¥755
$2.42 ¥377
$9.10 ¥1,416
Banana (1kg)
$2.57 ¥399
$1.78 ¥277
$4.20 ¥654
Oranges (1kg)
$2.72 ¥424
$2.17 ¥338
$5.44 ¥847
Tomato (1kg)
$4.57 ¥712
$2.78 ¥432
$7.64 ¥1,189
Potato (1kg)
$2.37 ¥369
$1.48 ¥230
$4.15 ¥646
Onion (1kg)
$2.51 ¥391
$1.81 ¥282
$4.11 ¥640
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.37 ¥213
$0.84 ¥131
$2.39 ¥373
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.89 ¥139
$0.56 ¥86.6
$1.74 ¥270
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.01 ¥624
$3.75 ¥583
$5.17 ¥805
Wine (Bottle)
$6.66 ¥1,036
$4.99 ¥777
$13.86 ¥2,157
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.68 ¥261
$1.16 ¥181
$2.90 ¥452
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.16 ¥336
$1.80 ¥280
$3.22 ¥501
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.30 ¥203
$1.11 ¥173
$1.67 ¥260
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$57.0 ¥8,869
$28.02 ¥4,361
$57.0 ¥8,869
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.45 ¥537
$3.11 ¥484
$4.83 ¥751
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.86 ¥445
$1.91 ¥297
$4.19 ¥652
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$18.83 ¥2,931
$18.83 ¥2,931
$21.14 ¥3,289
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.92 ¥143
$0.89 ¥139
$0.94 ¥146
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$19.5K ¥3.0M
$19.3K ¥3.0M
$19.8K ¥3.1M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$13.7K ¥2.1M
$13.0K ¥2.0M
$15.9K ¥2.5M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$144 ¥22.4K
$108 ¥16.8K
$207 ¥32.2K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$26.18 ¥4,074
$13.87 ¥2,159
$34.66 ¥5,395
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$35.27 ¥5,489
$30.07 ¥4,681
$46.55 ¥7,245
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$54.4 ¥8,461
$40.44 ¥6,294
$60.7 ¥9,440
Cinema Ticket
$12.33 ¥1,919
$11.68 ¥1,817
$18.82 ¥2,929
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$583 ¥90.8K
$330 ¥51.4K
$1,110 ¥172.8K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$12.2K ¥1.9M
$7,061 ¥1.1M
$19.3K ¥3.0M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$48.63 ¥7,568
$18.52 ¥2,883
$86.5 ¥13.5K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$34.32 ¥5,342
$10.07 ¥1,567
$53.7 ¥8,354
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$57.0 ¥8,870
$29.68 ¥4,620
$89.1 ¥13.9K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$88.0 ¥13.7K
$48.80 ¥7,595
$122 ¥19.0K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$474 ¥73.8K
$380 ¥59.2K
$571 ¥88.8K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$318 ¥49.5K
$261 ¥40.6K
$366 ¥57.0K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,133 ¥176.3K
$732 ¥113.9K
$1,663 ¥258.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$660 ¥102.8K
$453 ¥70.5K
$849 ¥132.1K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$4,019 ¥625.6K
$1,918 ¥298.5K
$4,019 ¥625.6K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,906 ¥296.7K
$939 ¥146.2K
$1,906 ¥296.7K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
2.06
1.5
2.45

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: August 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to spend about $304 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $32.00 for two – broadly in line with the Asian average.

Public transport is priced at around $57.0 per month – above the Asian average of $34.00.

Cost Highlights

Rice is more expensive than 98% of cities in Asia

Taxi is more expensive than 95% of cities in Asia

Public transport monthly pass is more expensive than 91% of cities in Asia

Fukushima Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Fukushima - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fukushima a good value destination for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
The Cost of Living in Fukushima tends to be more approachable than in mega-cities. Rental options vary from compact apartments to traditional guesthouses, usually with more breathing room relative to Tokyo or Osaka. Grocery prices are reasonable, dining options are diverse, and local markets offer fresh produce with seasonal variety. Transportation is efficient without the crowds, making commutes predictable and affordable for daily budgeting. Neighborhoods range from city centers with amenities to quieter rural towns ideal for concentration and relaxation. Tip: map a few affordable neighborhoods and test a week of routine errands before choosing.
What does daily life look like in Fukushima for someone renting, shopping, commuting, or staying connected?
Daily life centers on practical rhythms: walkable cores, reliable public transit, and a mix of small supermarkets, farmers markets, and casual eateries. For housing, you will find newer apartments near train stations or traditional share houses inland, with different neighborhood vibes. Food options range from affordable cafés to seasonal markets and fresh seafood in coastal towns. Co-working spaces exist in larger towns; in other areas, cafes with solid Wi-Fi work well. When budgeting, plan for utilities and seasonal heating. Scheduling errands in a compact area saves time and lowers transport costs. Fukushima living cost varies by area, so compare neighborhoods before committing. Tip: Start with a short stay in a few neighborhoods to gauge transit reliability and internet quality before signing a lease.
How can you balance quality of life with budgeting and seasonal changes to find a good neighborhood fit in Fukushima?
Quality of life in Fukushima blends natural scenery with a measured pace that suits concentration and travel. To budget effectively, use a simple monthly framework: housing, utilities, groceries, transport, and leisure. Expect seasonal shifts in costs for heating, cooling, and tourist activities, so plan ahead. Neighborhood fit matters: central Fukushima City offers services and nightlife, coastal Iwaki gives a beach-ready vibe, and historic Aizu towns deliver quiet routines. Practical savings come from cooking at home with seasonal produce, using public transit passes, and choosing longer leases to avoid frequent moves. Tip: set a weekly spending envelope and review it after each month to stay aligned with your goals.
Does Fukushima offer good value for money?
At around $1,196 monthly all-in, Fukushima offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
How much does it cost to live in Fukushima in 2026?
As of 2026, monthly living costs in Fukushima come to around $1,196 including rent, or roughly $656 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.
How much should you earn to live well in Fukushima?
Earning $1,794 monthly in Fukushima means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
How much should I budget for housing in Fukushima?
Where you live in Fukushima makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $474; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $318. Overall, the market runs from $318 to $474 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What does commuting cost in Fukushima?
A monthly transit pass in Fukushima goes for roughly $57.0, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
What are kindergarten prices in Fukushima?
Childcare averages $583 monthly at a private kindergarten in Fukushima. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Is $1,500 a month enough for Fukushima?
Living on $1,500 in Fukushima means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,196. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Is Fukushima a good place to retire?
Retirement in Fukushima is comfortable for most – total costs run about $1,196 monthly. Healthcare, daily amenities, and social infrastructure are all in place, and most retirees find it a practical, enjoyable place to settle.
Is it possible to save on a local salary in Fukushima?
Monthly expenses in Fukushima run around $1,196, so putting money aside takes more than $1,794 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
How budget-friendly is Fukushima for travelers?
Budget travel in Fukushima works but takes effort. Hostels, street food, and local restaurants keep daily costs reasonable. All-in monthly expenses run about $1,196 for residents – backpackers can do less with some planning.

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