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Are you planning to study in Japan in 2024? If so, you might want to consider Kobe as your destination. Kobe is a historic port city in the Hyogo Prefecture of Japan, located on the north shore of Osaka Bay. It is part of the Keihanshin metropolitan area, along with Osaka and Kyoto, and has a population of about 1.5 million people. Apart from its delicious mouthwatering cuisines, it’s also known for its cosmopolitan culture, beautiful scenery, and education sector. In this blog, we will explore the average and monthly cost of living in Kobe for international students in 2024 and some of the reasons why Kobe is a great choice for international students.
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Why Study in Kobe?
Here are some reasons for international students to choose Kobe as their study-abroad destination this year:
- Diverse and welcoming environment: With its long history of opening up to the world, Kobe has a diverse atmosphere with a large foreign community and many international events and festivals. The Japanese city is also known for its friendly and hospitable people, who are eager to interact with foreigners and share their culture.
- High-quality education: Kobe is home to several prestigious universities, such as Kobe University, Kobe Institute of Computing, and Kobe City University of Foreign Studies. It also has several language schools and vocational colleges, where you can learn Japanese or other skills.
- Convenient location: Strategically located in the Kansai region, Kobe makes access to other major cities and attractions in Japan easy. You can reach Osaka in 30 minutes, Kyoto in 70 minutes, and Tokyo in 160 minutes by Shinkansen (bullet train). It also has an airport, which connects to domestic and international destinations.
- Beautiful scenery: Kobe is blessed with a stunning natural environment, surrounded by the Rokko Mountains and the Inland Sea. You can enjoy hiking, skiing, hot springs, and other outdoor activities in the nearby areas. Kobe also has a scenic waterfront, with landmarks such as the Kobe Port Tower, the Kobe Maritime Museum, and the Meriken Park.
Cost of Living in Kobe
The cost of living in Kobe is high, but still lower than in Tokyo or Osaka. A single person needs about $2,250 per month. The following table shows the average monthly cost of living in Kobe
| Item | Cost |
| Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre | $499 |
| Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | $340 |
| Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre | $1,050 |
| Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | $680 |
| Food (groceries for two people) | $400 |
| Food (eating out at a mid-range restaurant for two people) | $40 |
| Entertainment (cinema tickets for two people) | $25 |
| Entertainment (monthly gym membership) | $50 |
| Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) | $200 |
| Transportation (monthly pass for subway and bus) | $60 |
| Transportation (one-way ticket for subway or bus) | $2 |
| Transportation (taxi fare per kilometre) | $3 |
| Total | $2,516 |
The following sections will cover each of these living costs in more detail.
Housing/Accommodation
The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is $499, while the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre is $340. The average monthly rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre is $1,050, while the average monthly rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre is $680. The following table shows the monthly rent for different types of student accommodations in Kobe:
| Type | Cost |
| Dormitory (single room with shared facilities) | $300 – $500 |
| Shared House (single room with shared facilities) | $400 – $600 |
| Private Apartment (one-bedroom with private facilities) | $500 – $800 |
Food
This cost of living in Kobe depends on whether you cook at home or eat out, and what kind of food you prefer. The average monthly cost of food (groceries for two people) in Kobe is $400. The following table shows the average cost of some grocery items in Kobe:
| Item | Cost |
| 1 litre of milk | $1.50 |
| 12 eggs | $2.50 |
| 1 kg of chicken breast | $8 |
| 1 kg of apples | $4 |
| 1 kg of bananas | $2 |
| 1 kg of rice | $5 |
| 1 loaf of bread | $2 |
| 1.5 litre of water | $1 |
The average cost of food (eating out at a mid-range restaurant for two people) in Kobe is $40. The following table shows the average cost of some restaurant meals in Kobe:
| Meal | Cost |
| Sushi | $20 |
| Ramen | $8 |
| Curry rice | $6 |
| Pizza | $10 |
| Burger | $8 |
| Coffee | $4 |
Entertainment
Generally, entertainment in Kobe is not very expensive, compared to other major cities in Japan. The average cost of entertainment (cinema tickets for two people) in Kobe is $25. The following table shows the average cost of some entertainment activities in Kobe:
| Activity | Cost |
| Museum admission | $5 – $10 |
| Park admission | Free – $5 |
| Temple admission | Free – $5 |
| Festival admission | Free – $10 |
| Nightclub admission | $10 – $20 |
| Shopping mall | Free – $100 |
| Sports event | $10 – $50 |
| Cultural event | $10 – $50 |
| Monthly gym membership | $50 |
Utilities and Bills
This cost of living in Kobe depends on the size, type, and location of your accommodation, as well as your usage and consumption. The average cost of utilities and bills (electricity, gas, water, internet) in Kobe is $200. The following table shows the average cost of some utilities and bills in Kobe:
| Utility/Bill | Cost |
| Electricity | $50 – $100 |
| Gas | $30 – $50 |
| Water | $20 – $40 |
| Internet | $30 – $50 |
| Phone | $10 – $30 |
Transportation
The average cost of transportation (monthly pass for subway and bus) in Kobe is $60. The following table shows the average cost of some modes of transportation in Kobe:
| Mode | Cost |
| Subway | $1 – $3 |
| Bus | $2 – $4 |
| Train | $2 – $10 |
| Taxi | $6 – $20 |
| Bike | $10 – $50 (rental) |
Average Tuition Fees in Kobe
Numerous universities in Kobe welcome both international and domestic students and offer excellent educational opportunities at varying tuition fees. The tuition fee ranges for universities in Kobe are listed below, based on student type and degree.
| Universities | Annual Tuition Fee for Bachelor | Annual Tuition Fee for Master’s |
|---|---|---|
| Kobe City College of Nursing | 535,800 Yen | – |
| Kobe City University of Foreign Studies | 535,800 Yen | 535,800 Yen |
| Kobe Design University | 950,000 Yen | 650,000 Yen |
| Kobe Gakuin University | 730,000 Yen – 870,000 Yen | 396,000 Yen – 540,000 Yen |
| Kobe Institute of Computing | 680,000 Yen – 720,000 Yen | 1,400,000 Yen |
| Kobe International University | 539,000 Yen | – |
| Kobe Shinwa Women’s University | 800,000 Yen | – |
| Kobe Shoin Women’s University | 581,000 Yen – 588,000 Yen | 520,000 Yen |
| Kobe Tokiwa University | 480,000 Yen – 600,000 Yen | – |
| Kobe University | 535,800 Yen | 535,800 Yen |
| Konan University | 936,000 Yen – 1,496,000 Yen | 617,000 Yen – 803,000 Yen |
| University of Marketing and Distribution Sciences | 770,000 Yen | – |
Things to Consider Before Moving to Kobe
Before you pack your bags and book your flight to Kobe, there are some things that you should know and prepare for. Here are some tips and advice for international students who want to study and live in Kobe in 2024:
Visa and Immigration
To study in Japan, you will need a student visa, which is valid for up to one year and can be renewed. You will need to apply for the visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country, after receiving a Certificate of Eligibility from your school in Japan. You will also need to register your residence and obtain a residence card within 14 days of arriving in Japan.
Health Insurance and Medical Care
As a foreign student in Japan, you are required to join the National Health Insurance (NHI) system, which covers 70% of your medical expenses. You will need to pay a monthly premium, depending on your income and location. You will also need to pay a co-payment of 30% for each medical service.
Culture and Language
Japan has a unique and rich culture, which can be both fascinating and challenging for foreigners. You will need to learn and respect the customs, etiquette, and values of the Japanese people, such as bowing, exchanging business cards, removing shoes, and using honorifics.
You will also need to learn some basic Japanese language skills, such as greetings, numbers, directions, and shopping. You can take Japanese classes at your school or a language school in Kobe.
Climate and Weather
Kobe has a humid subtropical climate, which means that it has four distinct seasons, with hot and humid summers and mild and dry winters. The average temperature in Kobe is 16.6°C, with the highest in August (27.8°C) and the lowest in January (6.4°C).
Kobe also experiences occasional typhoons, earthquakes, and landslides, so you should be prepared for emergencies and follow the instructions of the authorities.
FAQs
Ans. Yes, Kobe generally has a lower cost of living compared to Tokyo and Osaka. You can expect to spend 15-25% less on essentials like rent, groceries, and transportation. However, individual expenses can vary with lifestyle choices and preferences.
Ans. While challenging, living on 100,000 Yen per month in Kobe is possible with careful planning and budgeting. Opt for shared accommodation, cook most meals at home, utilize free activities, and take advantage of student discounts wherever available. Be prepared to limit entertainment and travel expenses.
Ans. Yes, some additional costs might factor into your budget depending on your situation. These could include:
Visa fees and health insurance
Study materials and textbooks
Travel within Japan
Personal expenses
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We hope that this blog gave you all the information regarding the cost of living in Kobe in 2024 for international students. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for more updates on studying abroad. Thank you for reading!
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