Last update: Oct 2026 Japan 593.1K

Cost of Living in Kagoshima

For one person, living costs in Kagoshima are estimated at $1,133 a month, including rent and utilities, which take about a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $24 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Kagoshima

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Kagoshima actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $1,133 per month with rent, or $722 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,133 /mo

A couple spends around $1,887 per month with rent, or $1,213 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,887 /mo

A family of three spends around $2,641 per month with rent, or $1,704 without housing.

$2,641 /mo

Overall, Kagoshima is 6–16% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are slightly above average (7%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.46 ¥1,020
$5.16 ¥816
$12.92 ¥2,041
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$32.45 ¥5,127
$15.45 ¥2,441
$49.46 ¥7,813
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.42 ¥856
$5.10 ¥805
$5.73 ¥906
Cappuccino
$2.91 ¥459
$2.76 ¥436
$4.29 ¥677
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.01 ¥159
$0.68 ¥108
$2.24 ¥354
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.75 ¥118
$0.51 ¥80.6
$1.15 ¥182
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.51 ¥396
$1.50 ¥237
$5.64 ¥892
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.18 ¥344
$1.86 ¥294
$3.72 ¥588
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.36 ¥216
$0.84 ¥132
$2.46 ¥389
White Bread (500g)
$1.14 ¥180
$1.11 ¥175
$2.79 ¥440
Rice (white) (1kg)
$5.13 ¥811
$4.67 ¥738
$8.10 ¥1,279
Eggs
$2.06 ¥325
$1.79 ¥283
$2.46 ¥389
Local Cheese (1kg)
$18.48 ¥2,919
$9.80 ¥1,548
$24.43 ¥3,860
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.47 ¥863
$5.12 ¥809
$6.40 ¥1,011
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$18.94 ¥2,993
$18.94 ¥2,993
$18.94 ¥2,993
Apples (1kg)
$3.67 ¥580
$2.55 ¥402
$4.78 ¥755
Banana (1kg)
$1.85 ¥293
$1.28 ¥202
$2.68 ¥424
Oranges (1kg)
$2.78 ¥439
$1.23 ¥195
$4.32 ¥682
Tomato (1kg)
$3.31 ¥523
$2.92 ¥461
$3.71 ¥586
Potato (1kg)
$2.05 ¥324
$2.05 ¥324
$2.18 ¥345
Onion (1kg)
$1.83 ¥290
$1.53 ¥242
$3.51 ¥555
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.06 ¥168
$0.80 ¥127
$1.28 ¥202
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.80 ¥126
$0.67 ¥106
$0.93 ¥146
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.88 ¥613
$3.44 ¥544
$3.88 ¥613
Wine (Bottle)
$5.90 ¥932
$4.23 ¥668
$6.20 ¥980
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.14 ¥180
$1.14 ¥180
$1.84 ¥291
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.89 ¥298
$1.86 ¥294
$1.92 ¥303
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.27 ¥201
$1.08 ¥171
$1.72 ¥272
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$53.8 ¥8,497
$26.65 ¥4,210
$53.8 ¥8,497
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.00 ¥631
$3.20 ¥505
$4.47 ¥707
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.03 ¥321
$2.00 ¥317
$4.19 ¥662
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$11.27 ¥1,780
$11.27 ¥1,780
$20.02 ¥3,163
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.05 ¥166
$1.04 ¥164
$1.10 ¥173
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$21.8K ¥3.4M
$21.2K ¥3.4M
$21.8K ¥3.4M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$17.5K ¥2.8M
$15.5K ¥2.5M
$26.6K ¥4.2M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$189 ¥29.8K
$189 ¥29.8K
$223 ¥35.2K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$24.87 ¥3,928
$19.02 ¥3,005
$38.05 ¥6,012
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$30.44 ¥4,809
$24.72 ¥3,906
$41.72 ¥6,592
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$51.3 ¥8,107
$37.32 ¥5,897
$62.2 ¥9,828
Cinema Ticket
$11.81 ¥1,865
$11.19 ¥1,767
$12.43 ¥1,963
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$124 ¥19.5K
$124 ¥19.5K
$124 ¥19.5K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$12.3K ¥1.9M
$11.1K ¥1.8M
$14.6K ¥2.3M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$49.61 ¥7,838
$19.20 ¥3,034
$64.0 ¥10.1K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$25.70 ¥4,060
$18.73 ¥2,959
$32.66 ¥5,160
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$63.6 ¥10.0K
$49.61 ¥7,838
$74.4 ¥11.8K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$75.9 ¥12.0K
$75.9 ¥12.0K
$75.9 ¥12.0K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$541 ¥85.5K
$421 ¥66.5K
$625 ¥98.7K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$222 ¥35.1K
$191 ¥30.1K
$254 ¥40.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,015 ¥160.3K
$579 ¥91.5K
$1,332 ¥210.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$748 ¥118.2K
$523 ¥82.6K
$961 ¥151.8K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,824 ¥604.2K
$1,823 ¥288.0K
$3,824 ¥604.2K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,821 ¥287.8K
$491 ¥77.6K
$1,821 ¥287.8K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,831 ¥289.3K
-
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: October 11, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Kagoshima $1,133
Groceries & Markets
$295
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$244
Accommodation & Living
$222
Eating Out
$127
Clothing & Footwear
$97
Sport & Entertainment
$75
Getting Around
$73

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $541, dropping to $222 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 30% of the average salary ($1,831) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,831 – comfortably above monthly costs of $1,133. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $1,700.

Groceries cost around $295 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $32.00 – broadly in line with the Asian average.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $53.8 – above the Asian average of $33.00.

Cost Highlights

Rice is more expensive than 98% of cities in Asia

Kagoshima is cheaper than 63% globally but more expensive than 80% within Asia.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
12:24 12:24 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
593,128
💱 Currency
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USD, EUR to JPY – Japanese Yen Converter

Japanese Yen exchange rates as of October 19, 2026: 1 USD = 158 JPY (1,000 JPY = 6.33 USD). 1 EUR = 178 JPY (1,000 JPY = 5.63 EUR).

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Kagoshima Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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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 $1,133 per month with rent, or $722 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 $1,133. 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 $1,831 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 $222 to $541 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 $295 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 $53.8 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 $1,133 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 $1,133. 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 $1,133, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

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