| Cost of Living | Kamakura |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from ¥60,000 to ¥90,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from ¥100,000 to ¥150,000 per month. |
| Apartment Purchases | The cost of purchasing an apartment in Kamakura can range from ¥20 million to ¥50 million depending on the size and location. |
| Transportation | The cost of a monthly train pass in Kamakura is ¥7,000. The cost of a taxi ride within the city is ¥650. |
| Groceries | The cost of groceries in Kamakura is comparable to other cities in Japan. A loaf of bread can cost ¥200, a liter of milk can cost ¥150, and a dozen eggs can cost ¥200. |
| Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Kamakura can vary greatly depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant can cost ¥500, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost ¥2,000. |
| Utilities | The cost of utilities in Kamakura is comparable to other cities in Japan. The average cost of electricity, water, and gas for a two-bedroom apartment is ¥10,000 per month. |
| Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Kamakura can vary greatly depending on the school. Preschool tuition can range from ¥50,000 to ¥100,000 per month. Elementary school tuition can range from ¥100,000 to ¥200,000 per month. Middle school tuition can range from ¥200,000 to ¥300,000 per month. High school tuition can range from ¥300,000 to ¥400,000 per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Kamakura
“The cost of living in Kamakura, is relatively high compared to other cities in Japan. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while outside the city center, it is slightly cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also significant. Groceries in Kamakura can be pricey, with items such as bread, milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables costing more than in other cities. Eating out in restaurants, especially mid-range to high-end ones, can also be costly. Public transportation in Kamakura, like in most parts of Japan, is efficient but can be expensive, especially for regular commuters. Owning and maintaining a car can also be quite costly, with high costs for gasoline, maintenance, and parking. Healthcare in Kamakura is of a high standard, but it can be expensive, especially for non-residents. However, those who are employed in Japan are usually covered by the country’s health insurance system. Overall, while the cost of living in Kamakura is high, it offers a high quality of life, with access to beautiful nature, historic sites, and a peaceful, relaxed lifestyle,” said one expat living in Kamakura.
Can I live in Kamakura on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Kamakura for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a relatively affordable neighborhood. I recommend looking into areas like Ofuna, Fujisawa, or Zushi. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options. On the other hand, I would avoid neighborhoods like Kamakura Station area or Hase, as they tend to be more expensive.When it comes to housing, you’ll likely need to settle for a smaller apartment, possibly a one-room studio or a small one-bedroom. Utilities and internet will probably cost you around $100-$150 a month, so keep that in mind when budgeting.For transportation, I recommend getting a monthly train pass, which will save you money compared to buying individual tickets. Depending on where you live and work, this could cost you anywhere from $50 to $100 a month.As for food, eating out can be quite expensive in Kamakura, so I suggest cooking at home as much as possible. You can find relatively affordable groceries at local supermarkets, and if you’re willing to shop at discount stores or buy in bulk, you can save even more. I usually spend around $300-$400 a month on groceries.Entertainment and socializing can also be costly, so you’ll need to be mindful of your spending in this area. Instead of going out to bars or restaurants, consider inviting friends over for a potluck or movie night. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities in Kamakura, like visiting temples, parks, and beaches.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Kamakura is doable, but you’ll need to be frugal and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on eating out, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Kamakura.
Can I live in Kamakura on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Kamakura for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find an affordable place to live. Kamakura is a popular tourist destination, so some neighborhoods can be quite expensive. I’d recommend looking for an apartment in areas like Ofuna or Fujisawa, which are a bit more affordable and still have good access to public transportation. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment than you’re used to, but it’s manageable.As for other expenses, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out can be pricey, especially in touristy areas, so I’d recommend cooking at home as much as possible. There are plenty of supermarkets and local markets where you can find fresh produce and other ingredients at reasonable prices. When you do eat out, try to stick to more budget-friendly options like ramen shops or conveyor belt sushi places.For entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Kamakura. You can visit the many temples and shrines, take walks along the beach, or hike in the nearby hills. If you’re into surfing, the beach at Shonan is a popular spot and not too expensive. Just be prepared to spend a bit more if you want to enjoy nightlife or other more upscale activities.In terms of transportation, the train system is quite efficient and not too expensive, especially if you get a commuter pass. Owning a car can be costly, so I’d recommend relying on public transportation and maybe getting a bicycle for shorter distances.Overall, living in Kamakura on $3,000 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and lifestyle. It’s a beautiful city with a lot to offer, so I think you’ll find it worth the effort,” said one expat living in Kamakura.
Can I live in Kamakura on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Kamakura for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might need to live in a smaller apartment than you’re used to, or you might need to cut back on eating out at fancy restaurants.When it comes to finding an affordable neighborhood, I’d recommend looking into areas like Ofuna, Fujisawa, or Zushi. These areas are a bit more affordable than some of the more central neighborhoods in Kamakura, but they still have plenty of modern amenities and are well-connected to the rest of the city by public transportation. On the other hand, you might want to avoid neighborhoods like Kamakura Station area or Hase, as these tend to be more expensive.In terms of daily expenses, you’ll find that groceries and other essentials are relatively affordable in Kamakura, especially if you shop at local markets and discount stores. However, you might need to cut back on eating out, as restaurants can be quite pricey, especially if you’re used to Western-style dining. Instead, try exploring some of the more affordable local eateries, which often offer delicious and filling meals at a fraction of the cost.Another thing to consider is transportation. While public transportation in Kamakura is generally reliable and efficient, it can also be quite expensive, especially if you’re commuting to work every day. To save money, you might want to consider investing in a bicycle, which will not only help you get around the city more affordably but also give you a chance to explore Kamakura’s beautiful scenery and historic sites at your own pace.Overall, living in Kamakura on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make a few sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on dining out, and finding alternative means of transportation, you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful and historic city,” commented an expat living in Kamakura.
