Last update: Oct 2026 Japan 939K

Cost of Living in Kitakyushu

For one person, living costs in Kitakyushu are estimated at $1,240 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $23 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Kitakyushu

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

A single person spends around $1,240 per month with rent, or $711 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,240 /mo

A couple spends around $1,919 per month with rent, or $1,195 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,919 /mo

A family of three spends around $2,599 per month with rent, or $1,678 without housing.

$2,599 /mo

Overall, Kitakyushu is about 8% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are 17% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.30 ¥1,153
$5.19 ¥820
$12.98 ¥2,051
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$33.63 ¥5,314
$25.63 ¥4,049
$51.3 ¥8,097
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.49 ¥868
$4.52 ¥714
$6.46 ¥1,020
Cappuccino
$3.32 ¥525
$2.83 ¥447
$4.39 ¥693
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.99 ¥157
$0.86 ¥135
$2.45 ¥387
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.75 ¥118
$0.51 ¥81.0
$1.94 ¥306
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.00 ¥475
$1.53 ¥242
$5.76 ¥909
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.20 ¥348
$1.88 ¥297
$5.02 ¥793
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.49 ¥236
$0.84 ¥133
$2.49 ¥393
White Bread (500g)
$1.32 ¥209
$1.25 ¥198
$2.89 ¥456
Rice (white) (1kg)
$5.31 ¥839
$4.67 ¥737
$8.09 ¥1,278
Eggs
$2.30 ¥363
$1.87 ¥295
$2.57 ¥405
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.46 ¥1,494
$9.46 ¥1,494
$23.66 ¥3,738
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.29 ¥835
$4.95 ¥782
$5.93 ¥938
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$18.56 ¥2,932
$18.56 ¥2,932
$18.56 ¥2,932
Apples (1kg)
$3.71 ¥586
$2.58 ¥407
$4.84 ¥764
Banana (1kg)
$1.78 ¥282
$1.23 ¥194
$3.69 ¥582
Oranges (1kg)
$2.91 ¥459
$1.29 ¥204
$4.51 ¥713
Tomato (1kg)
$2.88 ¥455
$2.88 ¥455
$2.88 ¥455
Potato (1kg)
$2.20 ¥347
$2.16 ¥341
$3.81 ¥602
Onion (1kg)
$2.53 ¥399
$1.55 ¥245
$3.71 ¥587
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.06 ¥168
$0.80 ¥126
$3.64 ¥574
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.92 ¥145
$0.61 ¥96.3
$1.22 ¥193
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.97 ¥626
$3.52 ¥556
$3.97 ¥626
Wine (Bottle)
$6.44 ¥1,017
$4.38 ¥692
$6.44 ¥1,017
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.72 ¥272
$1.47 ¥232
$1.94 ¥306
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.70 ¥269
$1.70 ¥269
$1.86 ¥294
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.65 ¥261
$1.52 ¥241
$1.78 ¥282
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$53.2 ¥8,405
$26.36 ¥4,165
$53.2 ¥8,405
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.91 ¥617
$3.12 ¥494
$4.18 ¥661
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.09 ¥331
$2.06 ¥326
$4.31 ¥681
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$17.98 ¥2,840
$15.59 ¥2,464
$20.36 ¥3,216
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.04 ¥164
$0.94 ¥149
$1.14 ¥180
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$20.8K ¥3.3M
$20.8K ¥3.3M
$22.0K ¥3.5M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$17.8K ¥2.8M
$15.8K ¥2.5M
$27.0K ¥4.3M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$195 ¥30.9K
$195 ¥30.9K
$221 ¥34.9K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$24.96 ¥3,944
$19.10 ¥3,018
$31.84 ¥5,031
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$32.31 ¥5,105
$28.96 ¥4,576
$40.74 ¥6,437
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$51.4 ¥8,126
$37.41 ¥5,911
$62.4 ¥9,851
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$3.22 ¥508
-
Cinema Ticket
$11.19 ¥1,768
$6.39 ¥1,010
$15.99 ¥2,526
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$371 ¥58.7K
$371 ¥58.7K
$371 ¥58.7K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$12.4K ¥2.0M
$11.2K ¥1.8M
$14.7K ¥2.3M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$49.57 ¥7,832
$19.19 ¥3,031
$64.0 ¥10.1K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$25.75 ¥4,069
$18.77 ¥2,965
$32.73 ¥5,171
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$66.4 ¥10.5K
$50.6 ¥7,994
$75.9 ¥12.0K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$54.8 ¥8,658
$54.8 ¥8,658
$54.8 ¥8,658
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$522 ¥82.5K
$406 ¥64.2K
$602 ¥95.2K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$333 ¥52.6K
$286 ¥45.1K
$381 ¥60.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,106 ¥174.7K
$631 ¥99.8K
$1,452 ¥229.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$725 ¥114.6K
$507 ¥80.0K
$931 ¥147.1K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$4,174 ¥659.5K
$1,990 ¥314.4K
$4,174 ¥659.5K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,729 ¥273.1K
$466 ¥73.7K
$1,729 ¥273.1K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,510 ¥238.5K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
1.69
1
2.45

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.
Kitakyushu $1,240
Accommodation & Living
$333
Groceries & Markets
$276
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$253
Eating Out
$141
Clothing & Footwear
$88
Getting Around
$74
Sport & Entertainment
$74

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $522, dropping to $333 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 35% of the average salary ($1,510) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,510. With monthly costs around $1,240, saving is possible but often limited. A more comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $1,859.

Groceries cost around $276 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $34.00 – broadly in line with the Asian average.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $53.2 – above the Asian average of $33.00.

Cost Highlights

Rice is more expensive than 99% of cities in Asia

Kitakyushu is cheaper than 59% globally but more expensive than 86% within Asia.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
08:01 8:01 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
939,029
💱 Currency
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USD, EUR to JPY – Japanese Yen Converter

Japanese Yen exchange rates as of October 18, 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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Kitakyushu Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Cost of Living in Kitakyushu - Frequently Asked Questions
q: Is Kitakyushu a good value destination for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to get good value?
You’ll likely find a favorable balance of value and conveniences in Kitakyushu for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. In terms of Cost of Living in Kitakyushu, Japan, it tends to be lower than Tokyo or Osaka, especially for housing in non-central areas and for dining at casual eateries. Transit is efficient and affordable, letting you explore the waterfront, parklands, and day trips without breaking the budget. For work needs, reliable cafés and coworking spaces offer flexible terms. Overall, longer stays let you optimize costs and routines. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to test neighborhoods before committing long term.
q: What does daily life look like in Kitakyushu in terms of housing search, food options, transport, coworking, and errands?
Daily life in Kitakyushu is practical for daily routines, housing search, food, and getting around. Start with neighborhoods near train lines or bus hubs to simplify commutes and errands, then expand as you settle. Housing options include compact apartments, shared houses, or guesthouses with flexible leases, helpful for short stays. Grocery stores and markets offer fresh produce, while casual eateries provide value options. For transport, a reloadable IC card makes travel smooth, and many districts are bike-friendly. Co-working spaces and cafes support remote work with reliable Wi-Fi. Kitakyushu, Japan living cost tends to stay modest for a balanced lifestyle. Tip: Visit different areas at different times to gauge vibe and noise levels.
q: What are practical budgeting tips and neighborhood-fit considerations to maximize quality of life and minimize costs in Kitakyushu?
A practical budgeting approach helps you balance quality of life with savings. Build a simple framework around housing, utilities, food, transport, and occasional leisure, then adjust by season and neighborhood. In Kitakyushu, you’ll find quieter residential areas that suit longer stays and bustling core districts for social life; choose a base near transit to cut travel time and costs. Seasonal factors influence grocery choices and clothing needs, so plan purchases around local markets and events. Ways to save include cooking at home, using public transit, and opting for flexible-workspaces with day passes. Tip: test a few neighborhoods across different price ranges before committing to a longer lease.
Is Kitakyushu affordable on an average income?
Kitakyushu sits squarely in the middle of the price spectrum – not cheap, not expensive. Monthly costs with rent tend to hover around $1,240, which most working professionals can handle without feeling financially squeezed.
Is rent in Kitakyushu too high relative to local incomes?
Housing in Kitakyushu takes a heavy bite – about 35% of a typical income, which is above the 30% international benchmark. That squeezes the budget for everything else and is one of the main pain points for residents here.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Kitakyushu?
You'll want at least $1,859 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Kitakyushu. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent in Kitakyushu?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Kitakyushu runs about $522 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $333. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How expensive is preschool in Kitakyushu per month?
Private kindergarten in Kitakyushu costs about $371 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Kitakyushu?
Expect to pay about $51.4 per month for a gym in Kitakyushu – on par with the regional average. That typically gets you weights, cardio machines, and group classes. Boutique studios, yoga centers, and personal trainers charge extra.
Does $2,000 cover living expenses in Kitakyushu?
$2,000 is below the $1,240 average in Kitakyushu, 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.
What is expat life like in Kitakyushu?
Kitakyushu has an established expat community and is welcoming to foreigners. fast internet, low crime rates, vibrant nightlife smooth the transition, and English-speaking landlords, expat-focused healthcare, and international services are all reasonably accessible. Monthly costs average $1,240 including housing.
Is Kitakyushu affordable for the average person?
Kitakyushu is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,240, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

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