Cost of Living in Kurume - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,022 monthly including rent, or $601 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,597 with rent, or $1,010 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,172 including rent, or $1,419 for daily expenses alone.

Kurume sits about 24% below the global median. 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
$4.85 ¥789
$4.18 ¥679
$10.62 ¥1,727
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$41.86 ¥6,803
$24.42 ¥3,969
$97.7 ¥15.9K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.17 ¥678
$4.17 ¥678
$6.72 ¥1,093
Cappuccino
$2.10 ¥342
$1.05 ¥171
$3.85 ¥626
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.77 ¥125
$0.70 ¥114
$1.41 ¥229
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.55 ¥89.5
$0.53 ¥86.3
$0.94 ¥152
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.45 ¥560
$3.45 ¥560
$3.45 ¥560
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.76 ¥286
$1.76 ¥286
$1.76 ¥286
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.42 ¥230
$1.42 ¥230
$2.12 ¥344
White Bread (500g)
$1.43 ¥232
$0.85 ¥139
$2.14 ¥348
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.13 ¥671
$1.71 ¥278
$6.86 ¥1,115
Eggs
$2.10 ¥340
$2.10 ¥340
$2.77 ¥450
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.25 ¥1,665
$5.64 ¥917
$21.15 ¥3,437
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.12 ¥994
$3.31 ¥538
$6.75 ¥1,098
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$21.02 ¥3,417
$21.02 ¥3,417
$21.02 ¥3,417
Apples (1kg)
$3.05 ¥496
$2.71 ¥440
$3.39 ¥551
Banana (1kg)
$1.41 ¥229
$1.41 ¥229
$1.41 ¥229
Oranges (1kg)
$1.36 ¥222
$1.36 ¥222
$1.36 ¥222
Tomato (1kg)
$5.83 ¥948
$2.75 ¥446
$7.57 ¥1,230
Potato (1kg)
$2.76 ¥448
$2.76 ¥448
$2.76 ¥448
Onion (1kg)
$3.13 ¥508
$2.72 ¥441
$3.94 ¥641
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.98 ¥159
$0.90 ¥145
$1.07 ¥174
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.76 ¥124
$0.51 ¥82.6
$1.36 ¥221
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.96 ¥643
$3.54 ¥575
$4.24 ¥690
Wine (Bottle)
$6.04 ¥982
$4.11 ¥668
$9.06 ¥1,472
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.94 ¥315
$1.56 ¥254
$2.52 ¥410
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.21 ¥196
$1.21 ¥196
$2.04 ¥332
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.60 ¥260
$1.36 ¥222
$1.84 ¥298
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$54.7 ¥8,894
$20.52 ¥3,336
$54.7 ¥8,894
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.78 ¥776
$4.13 ¥671
$7.12 ¥1,157
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.91 ¥473
$1.98 ¥322
$3.70 ¥602
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$19.75 ¥3,211
$17.13 ¥2,784
$22.38 ¥3,637
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.70 ¥115
$0.70 ¥115
$1.29 ¥209
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$23.3K ¥3.8M
$23.3K ¥3.8M
$23.3K ¥3.8M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$19.7K ¥3.2M
$16.7K ¥2.7M
$28.4K ¥4.6M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$215 ¥34.9K
$170 ¥27.6K
$243 ¥39.6K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$27.50 ¥4,469
$21.04 ¥3,420
$68.0 ¥11.1K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$24.68 ¥4,011
$24.68 ¥4,011
$44.55 ¥7,241
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$55.0 ¥8,936
$34.16 ¥5,551
$61.5 ¥9,991
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$13.64 ¥2,217
$3.41 ¥555
$13.64 ¥2,217
Cinema Ticket
$7.83 ¥1,272
$7.83 ¥1,272
$17.78 ¥2,889
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$416 ¥67.6K
$139 ¥22.5K
$693 ¥112.7K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$13.2K ¥2.2M
$12.0K ¥1.9M
$14.4K ¥2.3M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$42.71 ¥6,942
$10.25 ¥1,666
$68.4 ¥11.1K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$13.93 ¥2,264
$13.93 ¥2,264
$13.93 ¥2,264
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$26.69 ¥4,338
$26.69 ¥4,338
$82.1 ¥13.3K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$34.22 ¥5,562
$34.22 ¥5,562
$68.7 ¥11.2K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$211 ¥34.3K
$211 ¥34.3K
$211 ¥34.3K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$140 ¥22.8K
$140 ¥22.8K
$140 ¥22.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$527 ¥85.7K
$527 ¥85.7K
$527 ¥85.7K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$343 ¥55.8K
$343 ¥55.8K
$343 ¥55.8K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$4,477 ¥727.6K
$2,321 ¥377.2K
$4,477 ¥727.6K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,230 ¥362.5K
$660 ¥107.2K
$2,230 ¥362.5K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,480 ¥240.5K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
1.67
1
2

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

Last update: July 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $211 for a central one-bedroom, or $140 outside the center. At 14% of the average salary ($1,480), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $1,480, while typical expenses reach $1,022. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $1,533.

Expect to spend about $288 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $42.00 for two – above the Asian average of $35.00.

Public transport is priced at around $54.7 per month – above the Asian average of $31.00.

Cost Highlights

Imported beer is cheaper than 97% of cities in Asia

Rice is more expensive than 96% of cities in Asia

Taxi is more expensive than 94% of cities in Asia

Kurume Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
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Upload
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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 Kurume - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kurume affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to bigger Japanese cities?
Kurume tends to offer balance between affordability and quality of life, especially if you pursue a simpler lifestyle away from neon-city hubs. You’ll notice prices for groceries, transit passes, and casual dining are generally lower than in Tokyo or Osaka, while still offering reliable services and a compact city feel. For remote work, shared workspaces and cafés provide steady options. Cost of Living in Kurume, Japan can feel favorable for long stays, particularly if you choose a modest apartment and local supermarkets over imported goods. The city rewards mindful budgeting and seasonal activity planning. Tip: Time your shopping around weekly discounts and use municipal buses to stretch every yen.
What does daily life look like in Kurume in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Housing search near central Kurume is convenient, with a range of compact apartments and older stock that remain affordable by city standards. For food, local markets, bento shops, and family-run eateries offer variety without breaking the budget, especially if you cook some meals at home. Transport is straightforward: reliable trains, bus routes, and bike-friendly streets let you move without a car. For everyday tasks – errands, banking, postal services – expect well-serviced neighborhoods within short walks. Overall Kurume, Japan living cost supports a steady lifestyle for digital nomads who value reliability over flashy trends. Tip: Use monthly passes and neighborhood co-working spaces to cut recurring costs.
What quality-of-life considerations should you factor in when budgeting and choosing a neighborhood in Kurume, including seasonality and local experiences?
Kurume balances small-city charm with efficient services, making it comfortable for long-term stays. Quality of life comes from a calm pace, clean streets, and easy access to nature, like nearby rivers and parks. To budget effectively, start with a simple framework: classify expenses into housing, daily essentials, and discretionary spends, then adjust seasonally – for example, conserve cooling costs in summer and plan outdoor activities in milder seasons. Neighborhood fit matters: central areas near Kurume Station offer convenience and shorter commutes; riverside districts tend to feel more open and leafy, while suburban wards can offer larger apartments at lower rents. Seasonal rhythms – market fairs, food stalls, and local festivals – offer affordable, authentic experiences. Tip: build a flexible monthly plan and track expenses for a few weeks to find your balance.
Is Kurume a cheap city to live in for foreigners?
Your money goes further in Kurume than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $1,022 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
Is housing affordable on a local salary in Kurume?
About 14% of the average paycheck in Kurume goes to rent, which is fairly typical worldwide. It's not dirt cheap, but most residents manage housing costs alongside everyday expenses without major sacrifices.
How does the average salary in Kurume compare to the cost of living?
At $1,480 take-home, most residents in Kurume can cover the $1,022 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,533 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Kurume per month?
Where you live in Kurume makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $211; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $140. Overall, the market runs from $140 to $211 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Kurume?
A monthly transit pass in Kurume runs about $54.7, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
What is a typical monthly grocery bill in Kurume?
Groceries in Kurume cost around $288 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Kurume?
$1,200 stretches far in Kurume – all-in monthly costs average only $1,022. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What makes Kurume attractive for retirement?
Retirement in Kurume is comfortable for most – total costs run about $1,022 monthly. Healthcare, daily amenities, and social infrastructure are all in place, and most retirees find it a practical, enjoyable place to settle.
How much can you save per month in Kurume?
Monthly expenses in Kurume run around $1,022, so putting money aside takes more than $1,533 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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