Cost of Living in Kagoshima - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,108 per month with rent, or $757 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,827 per month with rent, or $1,158 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $2,546 per month with rent, or $1,558 without housing.

Overall, Kagoshima is 13–19% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are slightly above average (1%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.25 ¥993
$5.00 ¥794
$12.49 ¥1,985
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$33.23 ¥5,280
$15.82 ¥2,514
$50.6 ¥8,046
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.76 ¥756
$4.60 ¥731
$6.14 ¥975
Cappuccino
$3.04 ¥483
$0.96 ¥153
$4.48 ¥712
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.02 ¥163
$0.68 ¥108
$2.22 ¥352
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.68 ¥108
$0.51 ¥81.5
$1.16 ¥184
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.45 ¥390
$1.47 ¥234
$5.53 ¥878
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.25 ¥358
$1.93 ¥307
$3.85 ¥612
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.31 ¥208
$0.79 ¥126
$2.39 ¥379
White Bread (500g)
$1.12 ¥179
$1.10 ¥176
$2.76 ¥438
Rice (white) (1kg)
$5.06 ¥803
$4.59 ¥730
$7.97 ¥1,267
Eggs
$2.02 ¥321
$1.75 ¥278
$2.41 ¥382
Local Cheese (1kg)
$17.95 ¥2,852
$9.52 ¥1,512
$23.73 ¥3,770
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.22 ¥830
$4.87 ¥774
$6.09 ¥967
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$18.50 ¥2,939
$8.69 ¥1,381
$32.18 ¥5,113
Apples (1kg)
$3.70 ¥588
$2.57 ¥409
$4.82 ¥766
Banana (1kg)
$1.84 ¥293
$1.27 ¥202
$2.68 ¥425
Oranges (1kg)
$2.89 ¥460
$1.28 ¥204
$4.49 ¥714
Tomato (1kg)
$3.38 ¥537
$2.97 ¥472
$3.78 ¥601
Potato (1kg)
$2.08 ¥331
$2.08 ¥331
$2.20 ¥350
Onion (1kg)
$1.83 ¥291
$1.52 ¥242
$3.57 ¥567
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.05 ¥167
$0.79 ¥125
$1.26 ¥201
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.78 ¥124
$0.66 ¥105
$0.90 ¥143
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.90 ¥619
$3.45 ¥549
$3.90 ¥619
Wine (Bottle)
$5.89 ¥937
$4.22 ¥671
$6.20 ¥985
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.14 ¥182
$1.14 ¥182
$1.85 ¥294
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.89 ¥301
$1.85 ¥294
$1.92 ¥306
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.28 ¥204
$1.09 ¥173
$1.74 ¥276
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$56.8 ¥9,027
$27.93 ¥4,438
$56.8 ¥9,027
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.83 ¥608
$3.06 ¥487
$4.29 ¥681
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.01 ¥320
$1.98 ¥315
$4.16 ¥661
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$11.37 ¥1,807
$11.37 ¥1,807
$20.22 ¥3,214
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.09 ¥174
$1.08 ¥172
$1.16 ¥184
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$21.1K ¥3.4M
$20.6K ¥3.3M
$21.1K ¥3.4M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$17.7K ¥2.8M
$15.6K ¥2.5M
$26.8K ¥4.3M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$190 ¥30.2K
$190 ¥30.2K
$225 ¥35.7K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$24.50 ¥3,892
$18.74 ¥2,978
$37.50 ¥5,958
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$30.93 ¥4,915
$26.37 ¥4,191
$40.83 ¥6,487
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$50.8 ¥8,078
$37.82 ¥6,009
$56.7 ¥9,013
Cinema Ticket
$11.88 ¥1,887
$11.25 ¥1,787
$12.51 ¥1,987
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$127 ¥20.1K
$127 ¥20.1K
$127 ¥20.1K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$12.1K ¥1.9M
$10.9K ¥1.7M
$14.3K ¥2.3M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$36.90 ¥5,863
$18.44 ¥2,931
$61.5 ¥9,771
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$23.04 ¥3,661
$18.46 ¥2,933
$32.19 ¥5,116
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$58.3 ¥9,264
$46.02 ¥7,313
$73.7 ¥11.7K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$47.35 ¥7,523
$47.35 ¥7,523
$75.8 ¥12.0K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$474 ¥75.3K
$380 ¥60.4K
$570 ¥90.6K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$218 ¥34.6K
$187 ¥29.7K
$249 ¥39.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,012 ¥160.7K
$653 ¥103.8K
$1,485 ¥235.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$730 ¥116.0K
$501 ¥79.5K
$939 ¥149.1K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$4,611 ¥732.6K
$2,200 ¥349.6K
$4,611 ¥732.6K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,726 ¥274.3K
$850 ¥135.1K
$1,726 ¥274.3K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,836 ¥291.7K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
1.97
1
2.45

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

Last update: August 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $474, dropping to $218 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 26% of the average salary ($1,836) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,836 – comfortably above monthly costs of $1,108. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $1,662.

Groceries cost around $291 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $33.00 – broadly in line with the Asian average.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $56.8 – above the Asian average of $34.00.

Cost Highlights

Rice is more expensive than 99% of cities in Asia

Public transport monthly pass is more expensive than 90% of cities in Asia

Kagoshima Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
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Fixed Broadband

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Latency
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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 Kagoshima - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kagoshima affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to bigger cities?
In general, Cost of Living in Kagoshima, Japan tends to be more approachable than Tokyo or Osaka, especially for housing and everyday meals. You’ll find a mix of affordable guesthouses, private rentals, and shared apartments, plus a range of cafés and co-working spaces to suit a sensible budget. Local markets deliver fresh produce; dining spans casual eateries to specialty spots. Seasonal festivals add color without straining the wallet. Tip: Explore neighborhoods near the waterfront or tram lines to balance transit ease with value.
What does daily life look like for housing, food, transport, and errands in Kagoshima?
Daily life in Kagoshima blends practicality with regional flavor. Housing options range from compact city apartments to guesthouses and longer leases; use local portals or visit neighborhood offices to compare, and expect varied terms in smaller buildings. For food, you’ll enjoy fresh seafood, citrus, and markets, with many locals cooking at home to keep costs predictable. Transport relies on a light tram network, JR lines, and ferries to nearby islands; bicycles are common for short trips. Errands unfold at neighborhood supermarkets and daytime markets. Kagoshima, Japan living cost stays approachable when you plan around local rhythm and transit. Tip: map out a weekly groceries-and-grocers route to minimize backtracking.
How can you optimize your quality of life and budget in Kagoshima while choosing the right neighborhood and rhythm?
Quality of life in Kagoshima favors thoughtful budgeting and choosing a neighborhood that matches your pace. Start with a simple framework: housing, groceries, transport, and leisure, then adjust as you settle. Save by cooking at home with local produce, taking advantage of seasonal specials, and joining community spaces or coworking hubs instead of pricey gyms. Seasonality influences activities and preferred neighborhoods: harbor-side areas stay breezy in summer, while central districts offer easy access to services in winter. If you’re a nomad, try a couple of neighborhoods near transit and cafes before committing to a longer lease. Tip: align your routine around morning markets and quiet evenings near the water.
What is the average cost of living in Kagoshima in 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Kagoshima should plan on about $1,108 per month with rent, or $757 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
Is Kagoshima worth the cost of living?
Kagoshima is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $1,108. For most residents, that's a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
What is the average salary in Kagoshima?
After taxes, the average worker in Kagoshima takes home about $1,836 per month. Of course, that varies a lot by industry and experience – tech and finance pay well above this, while service jobs often fall below it.
Is rent high in Kagoshima?
Rent is one of the biggest advantages of living in Kagoshima – 1-bedroom apartments range from $218 to $474 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.
Is food expensive in Kagoshima?
Grocery spending in Kagoshima lands around $291 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.
How much is public transport in Kagoshima?
Getting around Kagoshima by public transport costs about $56.8 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can a person live on $1,000 monthly in Kagoshima?
$1,000 is below the $1,108 average in Kagoshima, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
Is Kagoshima a good place to live?
Quality of life in Kagoshima is genuinely good – highlights include fast internet, low crime rates, vibrant nightlife, and monthly costs hover around $1,108. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.
How affordable is Kagoshima?
Kagoshima is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,108, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

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