For one person, living costs in Kamakura are estimated at $1,194 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $24 a day.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Kamakura actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
Living costs for one person come to about $1,194 monthly including rent, or $730 excluding housing.
$1,194 /mo
Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,888 with rent, or $1,223 without housing.
$1,888 /mo
Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,582 including rent, or $1,716 for daily expenses alone.
$2,582 /mo
📊
Kamakura sits 9–12% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are slightly above average (13%) – still relatively affordable for the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$21.6K¥3.4M
$21.3K¥3.4M
$21.9K¥3.5M
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$15.3K¥2.4M
$14.5K¥2.3M
$20.3K¥3.2M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$118¥18.6K
$64.2¥10.1K
$192¥30.4K
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$23.42¥3,700
$12.66¥2,000
$31.64¥4,999
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$31.10¥4,913
$26.52¥4,190
$37.89¥5,986
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$52.8¥8,335
$38.37¥6,062
$64.0¥10.1K
Cinema Ticket
$12.67¥2,001
$11.40¥1,801
$18.99¥3,001
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$584¥92.3K
$314¥49.5K
$1,093¥172.7K
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$14.8K¥2.3M
$7,629¥1.2M
$20.9K¥3.3M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$50.9¥8,044
$7.69¥1,215
$96.1¥15.2K
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$35.32¥5,580
$9.35¥1,477
$62.3¥9,847
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$59.9¥9,456
$24.94¥3,941
$93.5¥14.8K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$97.5¥15.4K
$50.3¥7,952
$126¥19.9K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$568¥89.7K
$442¥69.8K
$655¥103.5K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$346¥54.7K
$297¥46.9K
$396¥62.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,212¥191.4K
$692¥109.3K
$1,591¥251.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$748¥118.3K
$523¥82.6K
$961¥151.8K
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$4,369¥690.2K
$2,083¥329.0K
$4,369¥690.2K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$1,979¥312.6K
$534¥84.3K
$1,979¥312.6K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$1,785¥282.0K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
2.02
1
3.65
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 10, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Kamakura$1,194
Kamakura$2,582
🏠Accommodation & Living
$346 29%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$286 24%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$172 14.4%
🍽Eating Out
$122 10.2%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$110 9.2%
🚌Getting Around
$79 6.7%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$78 6.5%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$748 29%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$674 26.1%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$196 7.6%
🍽Eating Out
$402 15.6%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$244 9.4%
🚌Getting Around
$162 6.3%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$156 * 6.1%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
Cost Breakdown
🏠Expect to pay about $568 for a central one-bedroom, or $346 outside the center. At 32% of the average salary ($1,785), housing is the biggest financial pressure.
💰Average take-home pay sits at $1,785, while typical expenses reach $1,194. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $1,791.
🛒Expect to spend about $286 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 $56.5 per month – above the Asian average of $33.00.
Cost Highlights
⭐Rice is more expensive than 95% of cities in Asia
⭐Taxi is more expensive than 94% of cities in Asia
⭐Public transport monthly pass is more expensive than 91% of cities in Asia
Low risk of other local infectious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Tick-borne encephalitis, Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and Sleeping sickness
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
Ride waves using a surfboard — ideal for coastal towns with steady swells
Cost of Living in Kamakura - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kamakura a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, compared with other parts of Japan?
Compared with Tokyo and other urban hubs, Kamakura tends to feel like a balanced value for travelers and longer stays. You get coastal scenery, a walkable town center, and a calmer pace without giving up easy access to the big city. The Cost of Living in Kamakura, Japan reflects this mix: housing tends to be the main driver, with options ranging from compact apartments near the station to quieter units in hillside lanes; daily meals and casual cafes offer good value if you choose neighborhood spots over tourist-focused venues; and transport is efficient but not as hectic as Tokyo’s core. Seasonal tourism can influence short-stay prices, but long leases or multi-month stays often stabilize costs. Tip: consider a longer lease to lock in steadier rates and explore neighborhoods near Kamakura Station for easy transit access.
What is day-to-day life like for housing, food, and getting around Kamakura, including options for work or errands?
Housing spans compact studios near Kamakura Station to quiet units in hillside lanes, often with easier access to the coast. Daily life features a mix of izakayas, bakeries, and farmers markets, plus supermarkets with both local and international staples. Bicycles work well for short trips, and rail links keep Tokyo within easy reach for longer workdays or weekend explorations. For the Kamakura, Japan living cost, expect price-conscious choices in local eateries and seasonal goods; avoid the tourist corridors for better value. Co-working spaces and cafes with reliable Wi-Fi are common, making it simple to work remotely. Tip: map a weekly shopping list and use midweek trips to keep groceries efficient.
What’s a practical budgeting approach to quality of life in Kamakura and how can you choose a neighborhood that fits your vibe and seasonality?
Think in monthly blocks: housing, groceries, transport, and leisure. If you value quiet and green space, Kita-Kamakura offers a calmer vibe with easy access to temples and nature, while Kamakura Station area gives you more dining and services but may carry higher rents. Seasonality shapes your plans: spring and autumn bring festivals and crowds, influencing crowding and dining options, while summer weekends draw beachgoers. Build a simple budgeting framework that tracks rent, utility estimates, transit passes, and occasional day trips to Tokyo. Food budgets can flex with seasonal markets and local shops. Tip: test a few neighborhoods during both weekdays and weekends to gauge crowds, commute times, and noise levels before committing.
Does Kamakura offer good value for money?
At around $1,194 monthly all-in, Kamakura 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 expensive is daily life in Kamakura?
Everyday life in Kamakura is moderately priced at about $1,194 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
Is the average income in Kamakura enough to cover living costs and save?
At $1,785 take-home, most residents in Kamakura can cover the $1,194 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,791 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
How much should I budget for housing in Kamakura?
Where you live in Kamakura makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $568; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $346. Overall, the market runs from $346 to $568 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What does commuting cost in Kamakura?
A monthly transit pass in Kamakura goes for roughly $56.5, 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 Kamakura?
Childcare averages $584 monthly at a private kindergarten in Kamakura. 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 Kamakura?
Living on $1,500 in Kamakura means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,194. 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 Kamakura a good place to retire?
Retirees thrive in Kamakura – living costs average around $1,194 monthly, healthcare is affordable and accessible, and the overall vibe supports a fulfilling, low-stress retirement.
Is it possible to save on a local salary in Kamakura?
Monthly expenses in Kamakura run around $1,194, so putting money aside takes more than $1,791 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.