Kyoto
Japan · Asia
$2,800
Monthly Cost
avg/person
78
Cost Index
NYC=100
60
Rent Index
NYC=100
84
Quality of Life
Excellent
90
Safety Index
Excellent
1.5M
Population
JPY
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources. Updated monthly. Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $9 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $44 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $6.5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $4.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $5.5 |
| Cappuccino | $4.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.8 |
| Water (0.33L) | $1.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.4 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.8 |
| Rice (1kg) | $3.3 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.3 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $7.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $19 |
| Apples (1kg) | $4.8 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.9 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $3.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1.9 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1.9 |
| Water (1.5L) | $1.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $1.8 |
| Monthly Pass | $88 |
| Taxi 1km | $3.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.5 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $29000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $21000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $168 |
| Mobile Plan | $50 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $33 |
| Fitness Club/month | $65 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,400/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $950/mo |
| 3BR Center | $3,200/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $2,000/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $9,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $5,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $2600 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 1.2% |
Cost of Living in Kyoto — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Kyoto, Japan is approximately $2,800 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Kyoto has a cost index of 78, making it around 22% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Kyoto costs around $950/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,400/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $3,200/month. The rent index is 60 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Kyoto scores 84/100 on the quality of life index and 90/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 90/100. The climate index is 65/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Kyoto is approximately $2,600/month. With a purchasing power index of 70/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is JPY, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
How does Kyoto compare to other cities?
Kyoto is located in Asia with a population of approximately 1.5M. At a cost index of 78 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Kyoto stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.