Cost of Living in Sapporo: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities

Hi! I’m Astronaut Alex 👨‍🚀🚀, and today, we’re talking about the cost of living in Sapporo. Do you know about the living expenses in Sapporo? Well, it can be expensive to study abroad but with the right knowledge of managing the expenses, you will be able to stay comfortably. 

Sapporo, a beautiful city in Hokkaido, Japan, is an attractive destination for international students, expats, and job seekers. The city offers good living conditions along with extensive career opportunities. Students planning to live in Sapporo City should estimate their essential expenses effectively, which is important for a comfortable stay there. Are you curious about the average cost of living in Sapporo? Join me as I take you on a journey on the breakup of the cost of living in Sapporo. Let’s go!🚀

💰 Cost of Living in Sapporo: Overview

The average cost of living in Sapporo for international students is around JPY 1,78,000 per month with rent, according to LivingCost data. Although the cost of living in Sapporo may be lower than in some other cities in Japan, it is still significant. Sapporo is ranked 30th out of 907 cities in Japan in terms of cost of living and you can enjoy a high quality of life, excellent amenities, and access to various cultural and recreational opportunities there.

Below, we have provided a general overview of the typical cost of living in Sapporo for international expats across different categories. Which includes utility bills, house rent, personal expenses, travel passes, food and grocery costs. Below, we provide an overview of the average cost of living in Sapporo across various categories, broken down by percentage: Please have a look:

Now that you have an overview of living in Sapporo, let’s dive deeper! Keep reading to gain a clear understanding of the anticipated living expenses in the city, categorized for your convenience.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Nuremberg, Germany: A Guide

🚗 Cost of Transportation in Sapporo

Public transportation in Sapporo is extensive and efficient, offering several options for getting around the city like Subway, Buses, Trams, JR Trains, Taxis, Bicycle rental, and Ferries. The monthly cost for a transportation pass in Sapporo is around JPY 5004, making it a notable part of the overall cost of living in Sapporo.

To gain a better understanding of the different transportation options and their associated monthly costs, refer to the table below:

Transportation	Approx Cost
Price of a One-way Ticket for Local Transport	JPY 235
Regular Price of Monthly Pass	JPY 5,000
Cost of Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	JPY 670
Cost of Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)	JPY 260
Cost of Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	JPY 3,000

🍎Cost of Grocery in Sapporo

Grocery expenses are a daily necessity for students who prefer to cook at home, and their food choices will significantly influence their grocery costs in Sapporo. These expenses are a crucial factor in the overall cost of living in Sapporo.

To ensure you get the best value for your budget, it’s advisable to compare prices across various stores or vendors before making purchases. Below is a table showcasing the average cost of groceries you can expect in Sapporo:

Groceries Items	Approx Cost
Milk, 1 L or 1 qt	JPY 210
Bread, 0.5 kg or 1.1 lb	JPY 192
Rice, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	JPY 1261
Eggs, x12	JPY 268
Cheese, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	JPY 1248
Chicken Breast, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	JPY 1060
Round Steak, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	JPY 3036
Apples, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	JPY 503
Banana, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	JPY 345
Oranges, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	JPY 606
Tomato, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	JPY 507
Potato, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	JPY 509
Onion, 1 kg or 2.2 lb	JPY 329
Water, 1 L or 1 qt	JPY 75.7

🍽️ Restaurant Costs in Sapporo

Dining out in Sapporo offers a diverse range of culinary experiences, from traditional Japanese cuisine to international dishes. The cost of eating at restaurants in Sapporo can vary widely depending on the type of establishment and the meal.

However, eating outside can affect the students’s overall cost of living in Sapporo. The table below shows the average restaurant costs you might have to bear in Sapporo:

Restaurant Food	Approx Cost
Lunch Menu	JPY 1408
Dinner in a Restaurant, for 2	JPY 3999
Fast food meal, equiv. McDonald’s	JPY 683
Beer in a Pub, 0.5 L or 16 fl oz	JPY 350
Cappuccino	JPY 509
Pepsi / Coke, 0.5 L or 16.9 fl oz	JPY 153

🚰 Utility Costs in Sapporo

For a single person, the basic utility costs are around JPY 45,625 per month in Sapporo. This is a relatively lower expense, especially considering the overall cost of living in Sapporo city. These utility bills typically cover heating, electricity, gas, a mobile phone plan, and internet service.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the typical utility costs for international students living in Sapporo: Please have a look and make a budget for utility costs in Sapporo accordingly.

Utilities (Monthly)	Approx Cost
Basic (Heating, Electricity, Cooling, Water, and Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment	JPY 45,625.00
Monthly Plan of Mobile Phone with Calls and 10GB+ Data	JPY 4,080
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	JPY 6,250

🏠 Housing Costs in Sapporo

The cost of housing in Sapporo averages around JPY 72,000 per month for a single person. Expatriates have a range of accommodation options available to suit their budget and lifestyle preferences. It’s essential to conduct thorough research and compare apartment rental prices across different areas of Sapporo before deciding to ensure it meets your budget and requirements.

Below, we’ve compiled average housing cost information for apartments both within and outside Sapporo’s city centre. This data will help you identify the most suitable option based on your needs:

Type of Apartment and area	Approx Cost
Monthly Rent for a 1-bedroom Apartment in the City Centre	JPY 72,000
Monthly Rent for a 1-bedroom Apartment Outside of the Centre	JPY 44,000
Monthly Rent for a 3-bedroom Apartment in the City Centre	JPY 107,500
Monthly Rent for a 3-bedroom Apartment Outside of the Centre	JPY 80,000

Also Read: Cost of Living in Italy

👩‍🎓Average Tuition Fees in Sapporo

Now that you know the cost of living in Sapporo, let’s look at the average tuition expenses you can anticipate at the universities of this city. Sapporo is renowned for its robust higher education offerings. International students planning to study there need to consider university tuition fees as part of their overall cost of living in Sapporo city.

Students need to assess whether they can manage the average tuition costs at Sapporo’s universities before making the move. To assist with this evaluation, we have compiled a table below detailing the average tuition fees at several universities in Sapporo:

Type of Courses	Average Annual Tuition Fees
Undergraduate Courses	JPY 535,800
Postgraduate Courses	JPY 535,800
PhD Courses	JPY 1,054,364.

Also Read: Cost of Living in France: Rent, Food, Expenses and More

Cost of Living Comparison: Sapporo vs Other Cities

Comparing the cost of living between Sapporo and other cities provides valuable insights for potential residents and visitors. Sapporo, known for its distinct blend of affordability and quality of life, stands out among various urban centres in Japan. Understanding how the cost of living in Sapporo stacks up against other cities is crucial for making informed decisions about relocation or extended stays.

To provide a comprehensive comparison, we’ve gathered relevant data on how the cost of living in Sapporo compares to major cities like Hokkaido, Tokyo, Aomori, Yokohama, and Japan. This comparison aims to offer clear insights into the affordability and overall expenses associated with living in Sapporo.

Cost of Living City Wise	Average Cost of living	Comparison with Cost of Living in Sapporo
Cost of Living in Hokkaido	JPY 1,61,000 (including rent)	Lower than the Sapporo
Cost of Living in Tokyo	JPY 2,36,000 (including rent)	Higher than the Sapporo
Cost of Living in Aomori	JPY 1,76,000 (including rent)	Lower than the Sapporo
Cost of Living in Yokohama	JPY 2,01,000 (including rent)	Higher than theSapporo
Cost of Living in Japan	JPY 1,61,000 (including rent)	Lower than the Sapporo

Understanding these comparisons helps individuals assess the financial implications of living in Sapporo compared to other urban centres in Japan. Whether considering relocation, study abroad, or a long-term stay, this analysis helps make informed decisions in line with personal and financial goals.

✈️ Why Choose Sapporo to Study Abroad

Sapporo has become a famous study-abroad destination due to its amazing environment, thriving economy, top-notch universities, and good living conditions. After getting ideas about the cost of living in Sapporo, let’s see why one should choose this city as their study-abroad destination. 

➡️Stress-Free Life

Sapporo doesn’t have the crowded complexity of Tokyo but has no shortage of transportation and shopping facilities. The city provides a relaxed studying environment. 

➡️Prestigious Universities 

Sapporo houses some of the most prestigious universities in the world, offering excellent education faculties. Here are some of the best universities in Sapporo: 

• Sapporo University
• Hokkaido University
• Sapporo International University
• Hokusei Gakuen University
• Sapporo Medical University

➡️Inexpensive Rent

Housing expenses in Sapporo are low in comparison to those in places like Tokyo and Osaka. This makes this city very pocket-friendly for the students. 

➡️Amazing Delicacies 

The city has a lot to offer when it comes to delicacies. Sapporo has a unique and rich food culture. Some of the most popular mouth-watering food items in the city are Sapporo ramen, soup curry, Sapporo sweets, and more. 

Also Read: Cost of Living in London for Students

✅Things to Know When Moving to Sapporo

Sapporo can be a desirable destination for job seekers, students, and expats due to its ideal living conditions and extensive career opportunities. If you have finally decided to move to Sapporo and understand the average cost of living in Sapporo, then there are some crucial things that you need to consider. We have provided below some of the major reasons for moving to Sapporo:

➡️You Won’t Need a Car

You don’t have to buy or rent a car during your stay at Sapporo. You can utilise the city’s extensive cheap public transport system, which includes trains and buses. 

➡️Affordable Living Costs

Sapporo is a world-class city that has a lower living expense than Tokyo. It is 33% cheaper to live in Sapporo than in Tokyo. 

➡️Cold Winters

The winters can get very cold in Sapporo. Locals turn the winter snow into a celebration known as the Sapporo Snow Festival. 

➡️Culinary Adventures

You will have the opportunity to explore Japanese cuisine in the city. Sapporo is famous for its fine dining options and delicious street food items. Some of the most popular delicacies of the city are Sapporo ramen and soup curry. 

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Mr. Astronaut👨‍🚀🚀- “ Kiddos, I have answered all your queries with the utmost precision that I was capable of. Now, I will be taking my leave, but if you think that I might have missed something do check out the FAQ section or drop a comment. I always respond!”

FAQs on Cost of Living in Sapporo

So, this was all about the cost of living in Sapporo. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.