Chugoku Cost of Living: How Affordable Is Life in Western Japan?

Are you tired of Tokyo’s sky-high prices? Looking for a more peaceful Japanese lifestyle that won’t break the bank? Understanding the Chugoku cost of living could be your gateway to experiencing authentic Japan at a fraction of the cost found in the country’s major metropolitan areas.

Based on extensive research and insights from current expatriates living in the region, this comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to spend on housing, food, transportation, and other essentials in western Honshu. Whether you’re drawn to the historic cities of Hiroshima and Okayama or the tranquil rural landscapes of Tottori and Shimane, this article provides the financial clarity needed for a successful relocation in 2025.

What Makes Chugoku Special?

Chugoku (中国), which translates to “middle country,” occupies the westernmost part of Honshu, Japan’s main island. The region encompasses five prefectures: Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Okayama, Shimane, and Tottori. Positioned between the Kansai region and Kyushu island, Chugoku offers an ideal blend of accessibility, affordability, and authentic Japanese culture that’s increasingly attracting both domestic migrants and international residents.

While our previous guides have explored the Tohoku cost of living in the north, the Kanto cost of living around Tokyo, the Chubu cost of living in central Japan, and the Kansai cost of living in the Osaka region, Chugoku presents its own unique value proposition. Far more affordable than Tokyo or Osaka yet more accessible than some rural regions, Chugoku represents one of Japan’s best-kept secrets for budget-conscious residents.

Chugoku Cost of Living: The Quick Answer

The average monthly cost of living in Chugoku ranges from ¥150,000 to ¥250,000 ($1,000-$1,700) for a single person, depending on your location and lifestyle. Hiroshima City represents the higher end of this spectrum as the region’s largest urban center, while smaller cities and rural areas in Tottori and Shimane offer dramatically lower living costs.

Tottori: A Window into Rural Chugoku Living

Tottori, Japan’s least populous prefecture, provides valuable insight into the cost of living in Chugoku’s more rural areas. Let’s examine the typical expenses based on the most recent data:

Housing in Tottori

These figures reveal one of Chugoku’s most compelling advantages—housing costs that are approximately 50-70% lower than Tokyo and 40-60% lower than Osaka. This dramatic price difference makes Chugoku particularly attractive for those who want to maximize their living space without the extreme costs associated with Japan’s major metropolitan areas.

For comparison, these rental prices are even lower than what we found in our Tohoku cost of living guide, making Chugoku one of the most affordable regions in all of Japan.

Food Costs in Chugoku

Food expenses in Tottori provide insight into the broader Chugoku cost of living:

Restaurant Prices

• Inexpensive restaurant meal: ¥1,000
• Mid-range restaurant (three-course dinner for two): ¥5,000
• Fast food combo meal: ¥800
• Domestic beer (0.5L): ¥500
• Cappuccino: ¥453
• Soft drink: ¥160

Grocery Prices

• Milk (1L): ¥223
• Bread (500g loaf): ¥172
• Rice (1kg): ¥504
• Eggs (dozen): ¥317
• Local cheese (1kg): ¥1,520
• Chicken fillets (1kg): ¥925
• Beef (1kg): ¥2,232
• Apples (1kg): ¥482
• Bananas (1kg): ¥305
• Oranges (1kg): ¥367
• Tomatoes (1kg): ¥567
• Potatoes (1kg): ¥243
• Onions (1kg): ¥183
• Bottled water (1.5L): ¥115

These prices are comparable to what you might find in Kansai, as detailed in our Kansai cost of living guide, but the overall food budget tends to be lower due to greater access to local products and fewer premium establishments. When shopping at local markets or dining out in Chugoku, having some basic Japanese language skills can be extremely helpful. Our 100+ Essential Japanese Phrases guide includes many useful expressions for navigating markets and restaurants in the region.

Transportation Costs

Transportation in Chugoku varies significantly between urban and rural areas:

• Single local transport ticket: ¥225
• Monthly transportation pass: ¥6,500
• Taxi start fare: ¥525 (plus ¥500 per kilometer)
• Gasoline (1L): ¥175

For those considering car ownership, a new Toyota Corolla costs approximately ¥2,450,000, while a Volkswagen Golf is around ¥3,342,000. Unlike Tokyo or Osaka where public transportation is comprehensive, many parts of Chugoku—particularly in Tottori and Shimane prefectures—require a car for comfortable living. However, cities like Hiroshima and Okayama offer excellent public transportation systems.

Utilities and Services

Monthly utility costs in Tottori:

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment: ¥19,100
• Mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data: ¥4,007
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): ¥4,383

These costs are roughly equivalent to what you’d find in Kansai and about 25-30% lower than in Tokyo, representing significant long-term savings. Utilities in rural areas might be slightly higher in winter due to heating needs, especially in the Sea of Japan coastal areas that receive heavy snowfall.

Healthcare and Education

Japan’s universal healthcare system provides consistent service across regions:

• Private health insurance supplements the national system and costs approximately ¥5,000-¥10,000 monthly depending on coverage.
• A doctor’s visit typically costs ¥1,000-¥3,000 after insurance.

For families with children, education expenses in Tottori include:

• Preschool/Kindergarten (private, full day): ¥50,000 monthly
• International primary school: ¥1,250,000 yearly

International education options are more limited in Chugoku compared to Tokyo or Osaka, with the exception of Hiroshima, which has several international schools. If your children will attend Japanese schools, our Hiragana & Katakana Cheat Sheet and JLPT N5 Kanji Cheat Sheet provide excellent resources for helping them adapt to the Japanese education system.

Beyond Tottori: Other Chugoku Cities

The Chugoku cost of living varies significantly across the region. Here’s how other notable cities compare:

Hiroshima City

• Housing: 30-40% higher than Tottori
• Food: 5-10% higher than Tottori
• Transportation: More comprehensive public transit
• Advantage: International community, historical significance, and excellent urban amenities

Matsue (Shimane Prefecture)

• Housing: Similar to Tottori
• Food: Similar to Tottori
• Transportation: Less comprehensive than Hiroshima
• Advantage: Beautiful lake and castle views with authentic traditional culture

Okayama City

• Housing: 20-30% higher than Tottori
• Food: 5-10% higher than Tottori
• Transportation: Good rail connections to Osaka and Hiroshima
• Advantage: Mild climate, excellent fruit production, and proximity to the Seto Inland Sea

Yamaguchi City

• Housing: 10-15% higher than Tottori
• Food: Similar to Tottori
• Transportation: Less comprehensive public transit
• Advantage: Historic atmosphere with fewer tourists and close proximity to Kyushu

For those interested in smaller cities and rural areas within Chugoku, our guide to Living in the Japanese Countryside & Cost of Living in Rural Japan offers additional valuable insights.

Seasonal Considerations in the Chugoku Cost of Living

Chugoku’s varied geography creates distinct seasonal experiences that impact living expenses:

Winter (December-March)

The northern prefectures of Tottori and Shimane, which face the Sea of Japan, experience significant snowfall and cold temperatures. Winter utility bills in these areas can be ¥5,000-¥10,000 higher per month compared to summer. Southern areas facing the Seto Inland Sea, like Hiroshima and southern Okayama, have milder winters with smaller cost increases.

Summer (June-September)

Summers in Chugoku are hot and humid, particularly in the urban heat islands of Hiroshima and Okayama. Air conditioning is essential, adding approximately ¥3,000-¥8,000 to monthly utility bills during peak months. Coastal areas benefit from sea breezes, reducing cooling costs slightly.

Average Salaries in Chugoku

Understanding local salary levels helps contextualize the Chugoku cost of living:

While specific data for Tottori wasn’t available, average monthly salaries after taxes in Chugoku typically range from:

• Hiroshima: ¥280,000-¥320,000
• Okayama: ¥260,000-¥300,000
• Smaller cities and rural areas: ¥220,000-¥270,000

These salaries are lower than Tokyo (¥364,667) and Osaka (¥312,000), but the dramatically reduced living costs—particularly for housing—result in potentially higher disposable income and quality of life.

Industry-specific average monthly salaries (after tax) in Chugoku:

• Manufacturing: ¥270,000-¥350,000
• Education (English teaching): ¥230,000-¥280,000
• Tourism/Hospitality: ¥200,000-¥250,000
• Agriculture/Fisheries: ¥180,000-¥250,000
• Entry-level positions: ¥180,000-¥220,000

When compared to our analysis of Okinawa’s cost of living, Chugoku generally offers similar or slightly higher salaries with comparable or lower living costs, especially in rural areas.

Comparing Chugoku and Other Japanese Regions

For a clearer picture of how Chugoku compares to other Japanese regions, consider this comparison for a single person’s monthly expenses (excluding rent):

This comparison reveals that Chugoku offers excellent value—significantly more affordable than Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya while providing a quality of life that many residents consider superior due to reduced crowding, lower stress, and closer proximity to nature.

Money-Saving Tips for Living in Chugoku

To maximize your budget in this region:

1. Consider smaller cities – Living in satellite cities rather than prefectural capitals can reduce housing costs by 15-30%
2. Shop at local farmers’ markets – Direct from farmer markets (直売所, chokubaijo) offer fresh produce at lower prices
3. Take advantage of Japan’s excellent secondhand culture – “Recycle shops” in Chugoku offer quality used furniture and appliances at significant discounts
4. Use local fish and seasonal vegetables – Coastal areas offer excellent seafood directly from fishermen at prices lower than supermarkets
5. Consider traditional Japanese housing – Older Japanese-style homes are often dramatically cheaper than modern apartments
6. Learn basic Japanese numbers – Our Counting to 100 in Japanese guide will help you understand prices and negotiate effectively

Who Will Thrive in Chugoku?

The Chugoku cost of living and lifestyle make this region particularly well-suited for:

• Nature enthusiasts who value access to mountains, coastlines, and the Seto Inland Sea
• History buffs interested in exploring lesser-known aspects of Japanese culture and tradition
• Budget-conscious families looking for spacious housing at reasonable prices
• Remote workers who can leverage local living costs while earning from elsewhere
• Agricultural enthusiasts interested in Japan’s farming traditions or starting their own projects
• Peace activists and researchers drawn to Hiroshima’s historical significance

Frequently Asked Questions About Chugoku Cost of Living

How does Chugoku compare to Tokyo for expats?

Chugoku offers dramatically better value than Tokyo for expatriates. With housing costs 50-70% lower and other expenses generally 15-30% less expensive, your money goes significantly further in Chugoku. While offering fewer international amenities than Tokyo, cities like Hiroshima still provide enough English support for comfortable living, and the trade-off in terms of space, nature access, and reduced stress is substantial.

Is a car necessary for living in Chugoku?

In prefectural capitals like Hiroshima, Okayama, and Yamaguchi, public transportation is sufficient for daily needs. However, in smaller cities and rural areas of Tottori and Shimane, a car becomes increasingly essential. For those living outside major cities, budget for car ownership costs including purchase price, insurance (approximately ¥5,000-¥10,000 monthly), gasoline, and maintenance.

Which area of Chugoku offers the best value for remote workers?

Medium-sized cities like Matsue, Yonago, Tsuyama, and Hagi offer exceptional value for remote workers. These cities provide essential amenities and reliable internet while offering housing costs that are a fraction of Tokyo prices. Additionally, they provide easy access to nature for weekend excursions, creating an ideal work-life balance for digital nomads and remote employees.

How much Japanese language ability is needed in Chugoku?

Basic Japanese skills are more important in Chugoku than in Tokyo or Osaka. While Hiroshima has a modest international presence due to Peace Memorial tourism, most of Chugoku has limited English infrastructure. Being able to handle everyday transactions, read basic signs, and navigate simple conversations will significantly improve your quality of life. Our 100+ Essential Japanese Phrases guide provides an excellent starting point for daily communication.

What’s the most affordable way to relocate to Chugoku?

The most cost-effective relocation strategy involves:

• Initially staying in budget accommodations while apartment hunting
• Using a Japanese guarantor company rather than paying higher foreigner-specific deposits
• Purchasing furniture from recycle shops or online marketplaces
• Choosing cities with JET Program or English teaching opportunities if language skills are limited
• Selecting housing slightly outside city centers to maximize value

How much should I budget for initial moving costs to Chugoku?

Plan for:

• Initial housing costs (deposit, key money, agent fee): equivalent to 2-4 months’ rent (lower than Tokyo)
• Basic furniture and appliances: ¥80,000-¥150,000
• Utility deposits and setup fees: ¥20,000-¥40,000
• Moving expenses: ¥50,000-¥150,000 depending on distance and volume

In total, having ¥400,000-¥700,000 (approximately $2,700-$4,700) available for initial setup costs is advisable.

Conclusion: Is Chugoku Right for You?

The Chugoku cost of living represents one of Japan’s best values, offering an ideal balance between affordability and livability. With costs substantially lower than Tokyo, Osaka, and even Sendai, Chugoku provides an opportunity to experience authentic Japanese culture without the financial pressure of major metropolitan areas.

Whether you choose Hiroshima’s international atmosphere, the natural beauty of the San’in coast, or the mild climate of the Seto Inland Sea region, Chugoku offers diverse environments to match various lifestyles and budgets. Compared to our explorations of the Kanto cost of living, Chubu cost of living, and Kansai cost of living, Chugoku emerges as perhaps the best value proposition in western Japan—offering substantially lower costs than Kansai, more temperate weather than Tohoku, and a rich cultural landscape that rivals more expensive regions.

For additional resources on living in Japan, including language guides to help with your transition, visit our resources page where you can find free guides like our popular “Counting to 100 in Japanese” and “Hiragana & Katakana Cheat Sheet.”

Have you considered living in Chugoku? Share your questions or plans in the comments below!

This article was last updated in March 2025 with the most current pricing information available for the Chugoku region. While I write from the Netherlands, this guide compiles research and firsthand accounts from expats living in the region to provide you with accurate insights.