What is the cost of living in Japan relative to the US/Canada? Is there a difference within Japan?
The cost of living in Japan is generally less than in the US/Canada. The cost of living varies from larger cities to smaller cities. Your monthly expenses will largely depend on your discretion, how you choose to spend your money. One way to save money is to buy domestic brands rather than imports with names you recognize. You will need about 200,000 yen (about $1,600 USD) for your first month. If you bring a Credit, Debit or Visa card, beware as there will be very very few places you can use them and ATMs shut around 8pm. Most transactions in Japan are made in cash. Travellers cheques in yen are preferable. You will need this money to have fun, set up your apartment, buy food and maybe for a little comfort shopping. Apartments are, of course, more expensive than rooms in shared apartments, where kitchen and bathroom are shared. Depending on the room and company, the monthly rate for a shared apartment in Tokyo is about 50,000 to 100,000 Yen per month and person while a whole apartment
