| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | Rental costs in Kobe can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the apartment. For a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, you can expect to pay around 70,000 to 100,000 JPY per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the same area can cost between 150,000 to 200,000 JPY per month. |
| Apartment Purchases | The price to buy an apartment in Kobe also varies greatly. On average, you can expect to pay around 400,000 to 500,000 JPY per square meter in the city center. Outside of the city center, the price drops to around 200,000 to 300,000 JPY per square meter. |
| Transportation | Public transportation in Kobe is quite affordable. A one-way ticket on local transport costs around 210 JPY, while a monthly pass costs around 10,000 JPY. Taxis start at around 730 JPY, with an additional 300 JPY per kilometer. |
| Groceries | The cost of groceries in Kobe is relatively average for Japan. A liter of milk costs around 200 JPY, a loaf of bread is about 150 JPY, and a dozen eggs cost around 200 JPY. A kilogram of local cheese is around 1,000 JPY, while a kilogram of chicken fillets is about 600 JPY. |
| Restaurants | Meal prices in Kobe can vary greatly. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around 800 JPY, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost around 5,000 JPY. A combo meal at a fast food restaurant is around 700 JPY. |
| Utilities | Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, cost around 15,000 to 20,000 JPY per month. Internet costs around 4,000 to 5,000 JPY per month. |
| Private School Tuition | Private school tuition can vary greatly in Kobe. For preschool, you can expect to pay around 800,000 to 1,000,000 JPY per year. For elementary school, the cost is around 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 JPY per year. Middle school and high school tuition can range from 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 JPY per year. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in kobe
“Living in Kobe, Japan, can be considered moderately expensive, especially when compared to other major cities in the world. The cost of housing in Kobe is relatively high, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center being quite costly. Outside the city center, the rent decreases significantly but is still considerable.The cost of food in Kobe is also relatively high, with meals at inexpensive restaurants and groceries being quite pricey. However, local markets can offer fresh produce at lower prices. Transportation costs in Kobe can add up, especially if one is using public transportation daily. Taxis also tend to be expensive. However, owning and maintaining a car can be even more costly due to high fuel prices and parking fees.Healthcare in Kobe is of high quality but comes with high costs as well. Both public and private healthcare services can be expensive, especially without insurance.Education, particularly international schooling, can be one of the most significant expenses for families living in Kobe. Tuition fees at international schools are high.Entertainment and leisure activities in Kobe, such as dining out, going to the movies, or participating in sports activities, can also be quite expensive. However, there are also plenty of free or low-cost leisure activities to enjoy in the city, such as visiting parks or museums.In general, while the cost of living in Kobe is high, it is comparable to or slightly lower than in Tokyo, Japan’s most expensive city. The exact cost of living can vary greatly depending on one’s lifestyle and spending habits,” said one expat living in kobe.
Can I live in kobe on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Kobe, Japan for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it will require some budgeting and sacrifices. The cost of living in Kobe is lower than in Tokyo or Osaka, but it’s still a major city with its own expenses. Rent will be your biggest expense. If you want to live in a modern apartment in a central area like Sannomiya or Motomachi, you’re looking at around $800 to $1,000 a month. However, if you’re willing to live a bit further out in areas like Nada-ku or Higashinada-ku, you can find places for around $500 to $600 a month. These areas are still very accessible with public transportation, so you won’t feel isolated. Food can be another big expense, especially if you’re eating out a lot. A meal at a restaurant can cost anywhere from $10 to $30, but you can save a lot by cooking at home. Groceries are reasonably priced, especially if you shop at local markets or discount stores like Don Quijote. Transportation is another cost to consider. A monthly pass for the city bus and subway system is around $100, but you can save money by biking or walking if you live close to your work or school. As for other expenses, utilities like electricity, water, and internet can add up to around $100 to $200 a month, depending on usage. Health insurance is mandatory in Japan and will cost around $20 to $50 a month, depending on your income. Entertainment can be expensive, especially if you like going out to bars or clubs. However, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Kobe, like hiking in the Rokko Mountains or visiting the city’s many parks and museums. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some luxuries like eating out often, going out for drinks, or living in a central location. However, with careful budgeting and some lifestyle adjustments, it’s definitely possible to live comfortably in Kobe on $1,500 a month,” commented an expat living in kobe.
Can I live in kobe on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Kobe for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to be smart about your spending. Rent is going to be your biggest expense. If you want to live in a modern apartment in a popular area like Sannomiya or Harborland, you’re looking at paying around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. But if you’re willing to live a bit further out in a neighborhood like Suma or Nagata, you can find a decent place for around $500 to $700 a month. Food can be quite affordable if you cook at home and shop at local supermarkets. Eating out can be expensive, especially if you’re dining in the more touristy areas. But there are plenty of affordable local restaurants and street food options if you know where to look. Transportation is another expense to consider. Public transportation is excellent in Kobe, so you don’t really need a car. A monthly pass for the subway and bus system is around $100. As for other expenses, utilities are relatively cheap, usually around $100 to $150 a month. Internet and mobile phone plans are also quite affordable, around $50 a month. Entertainment can be a bit pricey, especially if you’re into nightlife. A night out at a bar or club can easily set you back $100. But there are plenty of free or cheap things to do in Kobe, like hiking in the Rokko Mountains or visiting the many parks and gardens. Healthcare is excellent and affordable in Japan. As a resident, you’ll be required to join the national health insurance scheme, which costs about $200 a month, but covers 70% of all medical expenses. So, to sum up, yes, you can live comfortably in Kobe on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. You might not be able to live in the most popular neighborhoods or dine out every night, but you’ll still be able to enjoy a good quality of life,” said one expat living in kobe.
Can I live in kobe on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Kobe for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but it does require some planning and budgeting. The cost of living in Kobe is lower than in Tokyo or Osaka, but it’s still a major city with its own expenses. Rent is one of the biggest costs. If you want to live in a modern apartment in a central area like Sannomiya or Motomachi, you could be looking at around $1,500 to $2,000 a month. These areas are very convenient, with lots of shops, restaurants, and easy access to public transportation, but they’re also the most expensive. If you’re willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like Suma or Tarumi, you can find cheaper options, maybe around $800 to $1,000 a month. These areas are more residential and quiet, but they’re still within easy reach of the city center by train. Food is another big expense. Eating out at restaurants can add up quickly, especially if you’re used to Western-style dining. But if you’re willing to try local food, there are plenty of affordable options. Supermarkets and local markets are also relatively cheap, especially if you buy seasonal produce. Transportation costs can also add up, especially if you’re commuting to work every day. A monthly pass for the train can cost around $100, depending on how far you’re traveling. But Kobe is also a very walkable city, and cycling is quite popular, so you could save money by getting a bike. Other expenses to consider are utilities, health insurance, and entertainment. Utilities can be around $200 a month, health insurance depends on your income but could be around $300 a month, and entertainment varies depending on what you like to do. There are plenty of free or cheap things to do in Kobe, like hiking in the mountains or visiting the many parks and gardens. So, to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, you’d need to budget carefully and make some sacrifices. You might not be able to live in the most central areas or eat out at fancy restaurants every night, but you can still enjoy a good quality of life. And remember, the cost of living can vary a lot depending on your lifestyle and habits, so it’s important to figure out what’s important to you and plan accordingly,” commented an expat living in kobe.
