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Kyoto is one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations and a cultural and historical centre. The former capital of Japan is also a modern city with a vibrant economy, quality education, and entertainment. Apart from quality education a students must understand the community lifestyle and the cost of living in Kyoto before moving to Kyoto. So that he/she can make informed decisions accordingly.
Students in Kyoto enjoy the advantage of a high quality of life and outstanding educational opportunities. So if you plan to live and study in Kyoto, you might wonder how much it costs to live there. In this blog, we will give you an overview of the cost of living in Kyoto based on the average prices of various expenses. Read on to find out!
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Cost of Living in Kyoto: Overview
The average monthly cost of living in Kyoto for a single person (with rent) is JPY 155000 according to the livingCost data. However, the living expenditures in Kyoto depend on the standard of living, area selection, and preference for things. The average cost of living in Kyoto is lower than that in New York by 47.8% for a single person.
The cost of living in Kyoto encompasses various expenses, including utility bills, housing rent, transportation passes, entertainment costs, food, and grocery expenses. Here is a table that summarizes the average monthly living cost in Kyoto:
| Type of Expense | Approx Cost for a person |
| Rent | JPY 60,900 |
| Food | JPY 54,400 |
| Entertainment | JPY 20,000 |
| Utilities and bills | JPY 11,200 |
| Transportation Pass | JPY 9289 |
| Total (with rent) | JPY 155000 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Tokyo: A Guide
Cost of Accommodation in Kyoto
Accommodation is a major part of the cost of living expenses in Brampton. When planning your budget, it’s crucial to include this cost. Generally, the cost of accommodation depends on the type, size, location, and condition of the property. However, The average monthly rent in Kyoto is also 85.5% lower than in New York.
Generally speaking, the closer you are to the city centre or the subway stations, the more expensive the rent will be. You can also expect to pay more for newer or larger properties with more amenities. However, out of the city centre, you will get reasonable Accommodation rates. For your convenience, we have compiled data on the average cost of housing for various flats located both inside and outside the city centre of Kyoto.
| Accommodation Type | Approx Rent/month |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city centre | JPY 75,000 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of the city centre | JPY 45,916 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the city centre | JPY 172,000 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of the city centre | JPY 103,333 |
If you are looking for student accommodation or a hostel in Kyoto, you can find some options on Dorms.com. The average monthly rent for a private room in a shared house or apartment is around JPY 50,000, and for a dorm bed is around JPY 30,000.
Cost of Food in Kyoto
The average monthly cost of food in Kyoto is around 54,400. This amount can affect your budget for the cost of living in Kyoto. So, it is wise advice to prepare food at home and if you prefer to cook at home or buy groceries, you can save money by shopping at supermarkets or markets. Here are some common grocery items with their cost in Kyoto, given below for your convenience:
| Grocery Item | Approx Costs |
| Milk, 1 L or 1 qt | JPY 218 |
| Bread, 0.5 kg or 1.1 lb | JPY 213 |
| Rice, 1 kg or 2.2 lb | JPY 486 |
| Eggs, x12 | JPY 329 |
| Cheese, 1 kg or 2.2 lb | JPY 1685 |
| Apples, 1 kg or 2.2 lb | JPY 695 |
| Banana, 1 kg or 2.2 lb | JPY 285 |
| Oranges, 1 kg or 2.2 lb | JPY 498 |
| Tomato, 1 kg or 2.2 lb | JPY 589 |
| Potato, 1 kg or 2.2 lb | JPY 229 |
| Onion, 1 kg or 2.2 lb | JPY 413 |
| Water, 1 L or 1 qt | JPY 78.7 |
| Coca-Cola / Pepsi, 2 L or 67.6 fl oz | JPY 286 |
You can find cheap and delicious local food at street stalls or convenience stores for around JPY 500- JPY 1,000 per meal. You can also enjoy a variety of cuisines at restaurants or cafes for around JPY 1,000- JPY 3,000 per meal.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Doha: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities
Cost of Entertainment in Kyoto
In addition to basic living expenses in Kyoto like housing, utilities, and groceries, there are various miscellaneous costs such as a gym subscription, movie tickets pair of dresses, small doctor’s appointments, etc that expats should consider when managing their budgets.
However, you will find many free or low-cost attractions in Kyoto, such as temples, shrines, gardens, museums, and festivals. You can also explore the city by walking, biking, or using public transportation. Here are some of the miscellaneous costs in Kyoto that you may encounter there over a period of time:
| Mode of Entertainment | Approx Cost |
| Gym Membership for a month | JPY 8001 |
| Cinema Ticket, 1 person | JPY 1808 |
| Simple Haircut | JPY 2568 |
| A short Doctor’s visit | JPY 1987 |
| Traditional Performance at Gion Corner | JPY 3,150 |
| Rent a Kimono for a Day | JPY 2,000 |
| Join a Tea Ceremony | JPY 2,500 |
| Drink at a bar | JPY 700 |
| Cover charge at a club | JPY 2,000 |
| Karaoke | JPY 300-500 |
Cost of Utilities in Kyoto
The average monthly cost of utilities and bills is around 10,524 JPY for a single person living in a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio. Utilities in Kyoto encompass some essential services that contribute to improving the quality of life for residents/students. These include electricity, water, heating, internet, and waste management.
While planning a monthly budget in Kyoto, it is important to account for utility expenses as they represent a significant portion of the total costs of living in Kyoto. Understanding the cost and availability of these utilities can help you manage your household expenses effectively. Here are some of the other prices of common utilities and bills in Kyoto:
| Utility Item | Approx Price |
| Utility Bill one person, electricity, heating, water, etc. | JPY 11,200 |
| Internet plan, 50 Mbps+ 1 month unlimited | JPY 3799 |
| Phone (per month) | JPY 5,000 – JPY10,000 |
Cost of Transportation in Kyoto
Kyoto boasts an extensive public transportation network that includes various modes such as city taxis, buses, Trains, and Subway. It is important to consider the average monthly cost of transportation in Kyoto as it plays a significant role in the cost of living in Kyoto.
The average monthly cost of public transportation for a single person in Kyoto is around JPY 9289. Here are some other prices related to common transportation in Kyoto:
| Mode of Transportation | Average Price |
| Subway (per ride) | JPY 210 – JPY 350 |
| Bus (per ride) | JPY 230 – JPY 600 |
| Train (per ride) | JPY 200 – JPY 800 |
| Taxi (per km) | JPY 400 – JPY 800 |
| Taxi Ride, 8 km or 5 mi | JPY 4138 |
| Monthly ticket local transport | JPY 9289 |
Average Tuition Fees in Kyoto, Japan
The tuition fees in Kyoto are relatively low compared to other major cities in Japan, such as Tokyo or Osaka. So, international students who want to study abroad in Kyoto should prepare a sufficient budget and look for financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships or part-time jobs.
Besides the general cost of living in Kyoto, the average tuition fees vary depending on the type of university and degree. Here’s a breakdown of average tuition fees for different types of universities in Kyoto:
| Type of University | Average Tuition Fees |
| Public Universities | JPY 535,800 per year (for both undergraduate and graduate programs) |
| Private Universities | JPY 745,000 – 2.3 million per year (for UG programs) |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Leiden: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities
Cost of Living Comparison: Kyoto vs Other Cities
Kyoto is often considered a moderately affordable city to live in compared to other regions in Japan and nearby countries. When comparing the cost of living in Kyoto to other places, various factors come into play, such as housing, transportation, dining, and entertainment. For those seeking a balanced lifestyle with affordable living expenses, Kyoto is an appealing option in Japan.
To give you an idea of how the cost of living in Kyoto compares to other cities like Tokyo, and Osaka, and other countries like Japan and Korea, we’ve provided a comparison of living expenses. Please take a look:
| City/Country | Average Cost of Living (including rent) | Comparison with Cost of Living in Kyoto |
| Cost of Living in Tokyo | JPY 236000 | Higher than Kyoto |
| Cost of Living in Osaka | JPY 169000 | Higher than Kyoto |
| Cost of Living in Japan | JPY 166000 | Higher than Kyoto |
| Cost of Living in South Korea | JPY 169000 | Higher than Kyoto |
Why Choose Kyoto to Study Abroad?
Due to the cost of living in Kyoto being more affordable than its Japanese counterparts like Tokyo and Osaka, students choose this city as a study abroad destination. Apart from this, here are some other reasons that attract students to pursue and get high-quality education during higher studies in Kyoto:
- Kyoto has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for international students. One can enjoy the beauty and charm of the city, as well as its cuisine, festivals, and traditions.
- It is also a city of innovation and education with more than 40 universities and colleges, including some of the top-ranked colleges in Japan and Asia.
- The city also hosts many leading companies and research institutes, such as Nintendo, Kyocera, Omron, and Kyoto University.
- Kyoto is Japan’s cultural capital and has a rich history and heritage. It has over 2,000 temples and shrines, 17 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- The city has a well-developed public transportation system that connects it to other parts of Japan.
Things to Consider Before Moving to Kyoto
Apart from understanding the cost of living in Kyoto, moving to the city as an international student can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it also requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some things to consider before you make the move:
Documents
You need to have a valid passport and a student visa to enter and stay in Japan. Additionally, you also need to register your residence at the local municipal office within 14 days of arrival and apply for a residence card. Here are some documents you might require depending on your university and program requirements:
Language in Kyoto
English is not widely spoken in Kyoto, so you may face some communication difficulties if you don’t know Japanese. Learn some basic Japanese words and phrases before you go and enroll in a language course once you are there. Also, use online tools or apps to help you with translation and pronunciation.
Accommodation
Research the options available and book your student accommodation in advance. You may also need to pay a deposit and a key money fee when you sign the contract.
Transportation
Use a prepaid card called ICOCA to pay for most of the public transport services. You can also buy a commuter pass if you travel regularly between your home and school. Bicycles are a popular and convenient way to get around the city, but you need to follow the traffic rules and register your bicycle at the local police station.
Culture in Kyoto
Kyoto is a city where the past and the present coexist, where you can immerse yourself in the rich and diverse culture of Japan. Honour the customs and manners of the people and try to learn from their wisdom and values.
Overall, Kyoto is a beautiful and fascinating city that offers a lot of opportunities and experiences for anyone who wants to live there. However, living in Kyoto also comes with a price. The cost of living in Kyoto is lower than in some other major cities in Japan or the world, but it is still relatively high compared to the average income level in Japan. Therefore, it is important to plan your budget carefully and look for ways to save money while enjoying the city.
FAQs on Cost of Living in Kyoto
Answer: The monthly average cost of living in Kyoto for an individual is roughly JPY 155000, including the rent. The estimated cost of housing rent ranges from JPY 38800 to JPY 60900.
Ans. While Kyoto City is not very expensive compared to other major cities in Japan, it is still more expensive than the world’s average cost of living. A single person’s estimated monthly cost of living in Kyoto is around JPY 155000 with rent.
Ans. It is cheaper to live in Kyoto than in Tokyo, as the overall cost of living in Tokyo is about 24% higher than in Kyoto. However, the average cost of living in Kyoto is around JPY 155000 with rent for a single person in a month.
Ans. To live in Kyoto for a year, you will need around 1,800,000 yen as the monthly living expenses, including rent, are about 155,000 yen.
We hope this blog post has given you some useful information and tips on the cost of living in Kyoto. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Subscribe to Leverage Edu to find the cost of living in different places. Thank you for reading and have a great day!
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