| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | Rental prices in Okinawa vary depending on the location and size of the apartment. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around 60,000 to 80,000 JPY per month, while the same outside the city center costs around 40,000 to 60,000 JPY. |
| Apartment Purchases | The price of purchasing an apartment in Okinawa can range from 200,000 to 400,000 JPY per square meter, depending on the location and the condition of the property. |
| Transportation | Public transportation in Okinawa is not as developed as in other parts of Japan. A monthly pass for public transportation costs around 10,000 JPY. Many residents prefer to use cars, with gasoline prices around 140 JPY per liter. |
| Groceries | The cost of groceries in Okinawa is relatively high compared to the mainland due to the cost of importing goods. For example, a liter of milk costs around 200 JPY, a loaf of bread is around 150 JPY, and a dozen eggs cost around 200 JPY. |
| Restaurants | A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around 800 JPY, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around 4,000 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 JPY per month. |
| Private School Tuition | Private school tuition varies greatly depending on the school. On average, annual tuition for preschool is around 800,000 JPY, for elementary school is around 1,000,000 JPY, for middle school is around 1,200,000 JPY, and for high school is around 1,500,000 JPY. These costs do not include additional fees for enrollment, uniforms, and other expenses. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Okinawa
“The cost of living in Okinawa, is relatively lower compared to other major cities in Japan like Tokyo or Osaka. Housing is quite affordable, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center being significantly cheaper than in Tokyo. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also reasonably priced. Groceries in Okinawa can be a bit more expensive due to the island’s remote location, but it’s still manageable. Eating out at restaurants is quite affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing less than what you would pay in Tokyo. Transportation costs are also lower in Okinawa. Public transportation is efficient and affordable, and owning a car is not as necessary due to the smaller size of the island. Healthcare in Okinawa is of high quality and is relatively affordable due to Japan’s universal healthcare system. Overall, while the cost of living in Okinawa is not the cheapest in Japan, it is significantly lower than in the country’s major cities. It offers a good quality of life with its beautiful beaches and warm climate, making it an attractive place to live,” said one expat living in Okinawa.
Can I live in Okinawa on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Okinawa for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it will require some adjustments. The cost of living here is lower than in mainland Japan, but it’s still not cheap. You’ll need to be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing and food. For housing, I’d recommend looking at neighborhoods like Uruma or Ginowan. They’re a bit further from the city center, but the rent is more affordable. You can find a decent apartment for around $500-$600 a month. On the other hand, areas like Naha or Chatan are more expensive, with rents often exceeding $1,000 a month. So, you might want to avoid those if you’re on a tight budget. As for food, eating out can be pricey. A meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $15-$20. But if you cook at home and shop at local markets, you can significantly cut down your food expenses. I usually spend around $300 a month on groceries. Utilities, including internet, electricity, and water, usually cost me around $200 a month. Public transportation is pretty affordable, but if you plan on getting a car, keep in mind that gas and maintenance can add up. I’d say you’d need to budget around $100 a month for transportation. Lastly, you’ll need to account for health insurance, which is mandatory in Japan. It’s based on your income, but for me, it’s around $100 a month. So, all in all, living on $1,500 a month in Okinawa is doable, but it doesn’t leave much room for extras like travel, entertainment, or savings. You’ll need to be frugal and plan your budget carefully,” commented an expat living in Okinawa.
Can I live in Okinawa on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Okinawa for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living here is lower than in major cities like Tokyo or Osaka, but it’s still Japan, so some things can be pricey. Housing is one of the biggest expenses. If you want to live in a modern apartment in a popular area like Naha, you could easily spend over $1,000 a month on rent. But if you’re willing to live a bit further out in a more local neighborhood like Urasoe or Ginowan, you can find a decent place for around $600-$800 a month. Food can also be a big expense, especially if you eat out a lot or buy imported goods. Local produce and seafood are relatively cheap and fresh, so I’ve learned to cook more at home. Eating out at local izakayas and noodle shops is also quite affordable. Transportation is another thing to consider. Owning a car can be expensive due to the cost of gas, insurance, and parking. I’ve found that using public transportation and cycling is a more affordable and enjoyable way to get around. Utilities like electricity and water are also more expensive than what I was used to back home. To save on these costs, I’ve learned to be more mindful of my usage, like turning off lights and appliances when not in use. As for entertainment, there are plenty of affordable or even free activities to do in Okinawa. The beaches are free and there are many beautiful parks and hiking trails. There are also many cultural festivals throughout the year that are free to attend. In terms of sacrifices, I’ve had to give up certain luxuries like eating out at fancy restaurants or buying the latest gadgets. But in return, I’ve gained a richer and more fulfilling lifestyle. I’ve learned to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, like enjoying a beautiful sunset at the beach or a delicious home-cooked meal. Overall, living in Okinawa on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. But in my opinion, the benefits far outweigh the downsides. The slower pace of life, the beautiful nature, and the friendly locals make it all worth it,” said one expat living in Okinawa.
Can I live in Okinawa on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Okinawa for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, even with a taste for modern amenities. However, you’ll need to be smart about your spending. Rent is one of the biggest expenses. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like Onna or Yomitan, you could easily spend $2,000 or more on rent for a modern, Western-style apartment. But if you’re willing to live in a more local neighborhood like Uruma or Ginowan, you can find a nice place for around $1,000 or less. Food can also be expensive, especially if you eat out a lot or buy imported goods. But if you shop at local markets and cook at home, you can save a lot. Utilities are another big expense. Electricity is particularly expensive in Okinawa, especially in the summer when you’re running the air conditioning all the time. But if you’re mindful about turning off lights and appliances when you’re not using them, you can keep your bills down. Transportation is another cost to consider. Owning a car in Okinawa can be expensive, with costs for insurance, gas, and maintenance. But public transportation is pretty good and much cheaper. Plus, Okinawa is a great place for biking, so you could save a lot by getting a bike and using it for short trips. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Okinawa. The beaches are free and there are lots of beautiful parks and hiking trails. There are also lots of cultural events and festivals that are free or very cheap to attend. So, while $5,000 a month might not allow you to live a life of luxury in Okinawa, it’s definitely enough to live comfortably if you’re smart about your spending. And the great thing about Okinawa is that the best things in life here are free or very cheap. The natural beauty, the culture, the community – those are the things that make living here truly special,” commented an expat living in Okinawa.
