Cost of Living in Morioka - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $780 (excluding rent), and $1,271 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,809 (excluding rent), and $2,609 including rent.
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.21 ¥892
$4.04 ¥580
$12.43 ¥1,785
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$39.62 ¥5,691
$25.76 ¥3,700
$103 ¥14.8K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.88 ¥700
$4.4 ¥631
$5.97 ¥858
Cappuccino
$2.72 ¥391
$1.21 ¥174
$4.23 ¥608
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.22 ¥175
$0.94 ¥135
$2.08 ¥299
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.72 ¥103
$0.63 ¥91.1
$0.96 ¥137
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.32 ¥333
$1.39 ¥200
$3.71 ¥533
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.29 ¥472
$2.19 ¥315
$5.3 ¥762
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.52 ¥219
$1.22 ¥175
$1.96 ¥282
White Bread (500g)
$1.63 ¥234
$0.94 ¥135
$2.89 ¥415
Rice (white) (1kg)
$5.27 ¥758
$2.76 ¥397
$7.66 ¥1,101
Eggs
$2.52 ¥361
$1.86 ¥267
$3.16 ¥455
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.33 ¥1,484
$5.69 ¥817
$21.31 ¥3,061
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.24 ¥896
$4.08 ¥586
$9.75 ¥1,401
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$16.95 ¥2,434
$9.72 ¥1,397
$28.5 ¥4,094
Apples (1kg)
$5.16 ¥741
$2.67 ¥383
$10.01 ¥1,438
Banana (1kg)
$2.44 ¥350
$1.31 ¥188
$3.93 ¥564
Oranges (1kg)
$4.03 ¥580
$2.78 ¥399
$6.26 ¥900
Tomato (1kg)
$6.19 ¥890
$2.92 ¥419
$8.04 ¥1,155
Potato (1kg)
$3.54 ¥508
$1.75 ¥252
$5.02 ¥721
Onion (1kg)
$2.85 ¥409
$1.51 ¥217
$7.46 ¥1,072
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.4 ¥201
$0.89 ¥128
$2.14 ¥307
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.83 ¥120
$0.53 ¥76.5
$1.35 ¥193
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.11 ¥591
$3.43 ¥493
$4.46 ¥641
Wine (Bottle)
$7.67 ¥1,102
$4.99 ¥717
$17.84 ¥2,563
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.71 ¥245
$1.26 ¥181
$3.15 ¥453
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.11 ¥303
$1.32 ¥190
$3.31 ¥475
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.76 ¥253
$1.5 ¥216
$2.02 ¥290
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$59.2 ¥8,504
$22.2 ¥3,189
$59.2 ¥8,504
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.79 ¥544
$3.45 ¥496
$5.3 ¥761
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.59 ¥372
$1.76 ¥253
$3.29 ¥473
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$21.74 ¥3,124
$21.74 ¥3,124
$23.92 ¥3,436
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.2 ¥173
$1.1 ¥159
$1.21 ¥174
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$25.6K ¥3.7M
$25.6K ¥3.7M
$25.6K ¥3.7M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$19.6K ¥2.8M
$19.3K ¥2.8M
$27.6K ¥4M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$148 ¥21.2K
$110 ¥15.8K
$262 ¥37.6K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$28.24 ¥4,057
$15.87 ¥2,280
$36.09 ¥5,184
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$30.09 ¥4,323
$24.57 ¥3,529
$42.99 ¥6,176
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$56.1 ¥8,064
$34.87 ¥5,010
$62.8 ¥9,016
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$13.05 ¥1,875
$3.27 ¥469
$13.05 ¥1,875
Cinema Ticket
$12.25 ¥1,760
$12.25 ¥1,760
$17.01 ¥2,444
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$287 ¥41.2K
$198 ¥28.4K
$356 ¥51.2K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$13.7K ¥2M
$7,063 ¥1M
$21.2K ¥3M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$41.73 ¥5,996
$21.04 ¥3,022
$66.8 ¥9,593
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$33.06 ¥4,749
$11.67 ¥1,676
$58.7 ¥8,433
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$67.6 ¥9,705
$35.11 ¥5,043
$93.6 ¥13.4K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$84.5 ¥12.1K
$38.26 ¥5,497
$128 ¥18.3K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$468 ¥67.2K
$416 ¥59.7K
$537 ¥77.1K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$330 ¥47.4K
$278 ¥39.9K
$382 ¥54.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$810 ¥116.3K
$648 ¥93.1K
$946 ¥135.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$653 ¥93.7K
$526 ¥75.5K
$738 ¥106.1K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$4,278 ¥614.6K
$1,814 ¥260.6K
$4,278 ¥614.6K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,187 ¥314.2K
$966 ¥138.7K
$2,187 ¥314.2K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,756 ¥252.2K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
1.78
1
2
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Morioka - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morioka, Japan a good value for travelers and expats, and who tends to benefit most from its affordability?
Compared with bigger cities, Morioka tends to feel more approachable for long stays and for those prioritizing balance over flash. The city offers a strong mix of affordable dining options, abundant groceries, and a compact, walkable center, with easy access to nature and weekend trips to nearby ski resorts or hot springs. Cost of Living in Morioka, Japan tends to be favorable for budget-conscious visitors who value stability and local flavor over constant upgrade cycles. If you are a remote worker, you will find decent coworking spaces and reliable connectivity in central neighborhoods. Tip: Start with a month-long stay in a well-connected district to test routines.
What should you know about daily life in Morioka, including housing search, food options, transport, and coworking or errands?
Understanding Morioka, Japan living cost helps you budget for rent, utilities, and daily meals. Daily life blends comfort and practicality: search housing near the station for easy access, but explore quieter neighborhoods for steadier rents if possible. For food, explore local markets, ramen shops, and regional specialties that fit different budgets. Getting around is straightforward on foot or by bus, and cycling is common in dry months. There are several coworking spaces in the city center, plus reliable services for errands. Tip: Do a short scouting period to compare neighborhoods, transit, and coworking options.
What approaches help maintain quality of life in Morioka while keeping an adaptable budget, especially with seasonal changes and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Morioka comes from a practical budgeting framework: separate fixed costs (rent, utilities) from flexible spending (groceries, dining). Track seasonal shifts in groceries and energy use to adjust your plan without feeling pinned down. Choose neighborhoods that balance walkability, safety, and access to parks or rivers for easy downtime. Seasonal events and local markets offer affordable experiences that enrich daily life without overspending. Tip: Set a simple monthly plan that prioritizes essentials and leaves room for occasional local discoveries.
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