Cost of living in Japan compared to China
Currency:
| Food | + 42% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Japan is 42% more expensive than in China | ||||
| Japan | China | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | ¥1,035 (51元) | 44元 | + 15% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | ¥820 (40元) | 38元 | + 6% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | ¥618 (30元) | 15元 | + 107% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | ¥237 (12元) | 14元 | - 17% | |
| 12 eggs, large | ¥335 (16元) | 15元 | + 8% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | ¥439 (21元) | 11元 | + 99% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | ¥1,195 (58元) | 50元 | + 17% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | ¥822 (40元) | 16元 | + 148% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | ¥509 (25元) | 6元 | + 285% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | ¥312 (15元) | 7元 | + 128% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | ¥1,267 (62元) | 89元 | - 30% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | ¥276 (13元) | 8元 | + 71% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | ¥293 (14元) | 12元 | + 17% | |
| Housing | + 58% | |||
| Housing in Japan is 58% more expensive than in China | ||||
| Japan | China | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | ¥365,082 (17,858元) | 11,793元 | + 51% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | ¥197,811 (9,676元) | 4,991元 | + 94% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | ¥19,132 (936元) | 429元 | + 118% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | ¥145,654 (7,124元) | 6,388元 | + 12% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | ¥106,059 (5,188元) | 3,587元 | + 45% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | ¥8,349 (408元) | 296元 | + 38% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | ¥4,448 (218元) | 100元 | + 118% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | ¥74,559 (3,647元) | 1,460元 | + 150% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | ¥25,414 (1,243元) | 553元 | + 125% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | ¥1,338 (65元) | 45元 | + 45% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | ¥2,815 (138元) | 50元 | + 178% | |
| Clothes | - 7% | |||
| Clothes in Japan is 7% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Japan | China | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | ¥9,315 (456元) | 418元 | + 9% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | ¥5,103 (250元) | 302元 | - 17% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | ¥10,686 (523元) | 553元 | - 5% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | ¥12,189 (596元) | 705元 | - 15% | |
| Transportation | + 45% | |||
| Transportation in Japan is 45% more expensive than in China | ||||
| Japan | China | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | ¥3,060,780 (149,714元) | 141,513元 | + 6% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | ¥169 (8元) | 8元 | + 9% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | ¥8,198 (401元) | 217元 | + 84% | |
| Personal Care | + 27% | |||
| Personal Care in Japan is 27% more expensive than in China | ||||
| Japan | China | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | ¥2,133 (104元) | 45元 | + 133% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | ¥2,551 (125元) | 60元 | + 107% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | - | 114元 | - | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | ¥1,337 (65元) | 67元 | - 2% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | ¥930 (45元) | 57元 | - 20% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | ¥622 (30元) | 25元 | + 22% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | ¥224 (11元) | 6元 | + 78% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | ¥188 (9元) | 15元 | - 40% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | ¥4,604 (225元) | 64元 | + 250% | |
| Entertainment | + 50% | |||
| Entertainment in Japan is 50% more expensive than in China | ||||
| Japan | China | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | ¥4,908 (240元) | 169元 | + 42% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | ¥3,881 (190元) | 100元 | + 91% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | ¥7,212 (353元) | 1,179元 | - 70% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | ¥8,269 (404元) | 320元 | + 26% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | ¥1,244 (61元) | 81元 | - 25% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | ¥547 (27元) | 28元 | - 3% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | ¥674 (33元) | 19元 | + 72% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | ¥51,659 (2,527元) | 3,720元 | - 32% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | ¥52 (2.55元) | 0.34元 | + 661% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | ¥9,530 (466元) | 374元 | + 25% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | ¥613 (30元) | 25元 | + 21% | |
| TOTAL | + 44% | |||
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 1,014 prices entered by 191 different people.
These prices were last updated on July 15, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.04891
CNY
/
JPY
Cost of living in Japan is 44% more expensive than in China
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