Thinking about living in Tokyo or Kyoto? Here's a detailed comparison of monthly expenses based on official Japanese government data.
The Verdict
Kyoto is 20.9% cheaper
You save approximately ¥90,012 ($600 USD) per month by living in Kyoto instead of Tokyo.
¥430,771
$2,872 / month
¥340,759
$2,272 / month
More Affordable| Category | Tokyo | Kyoto | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 👕Clothing | ¥9,285 | ¥7,109 | +¥2,176 |
| 📚Education | ¥5,111 | ¥3,607 | +¥1,504 |
| 🎌Entertainment | ¥24,897 | ¥22,595 | +¥2,302 |
| 🍱Food & Groceries | ¥76,097 | ¥70,485 | +¥5,612 |
| 🏥Healthcare | ¥11,321 | ¥9,651 | +¥1,670 |
| 🏠Housing & Rent | ¥19,262 |
| ¥3,203 |
| +¥16,059 |
| 📦Other | ¥254,650 | ¥198,470 | +¥56,181 |
| 🚃Transportation | ¥19,729 | ¥14,840 | +¥4,889 |
| 💡Utilities | ¥10,419 | ¥10,799 | ¥-381 |
| Total | ¥430,771 | ¥340,759 | +¥90,012 |