Cost of Living: Benin vs Japan

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Benin and Japan.

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Benin is 66.7% cheaper than Japan. The biggest difference is in Salaries And Financing, where costs are 88.5% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Japan, you would spend about $33 in Benin for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 88.5%

Benin is 88.5% cheaper

Other Expenses 75.2%

Benin is 75.2% cheaper

Markets 66.7%

Benin is 66.7% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 66.7%

Benin is 66.7% cheaper than Japan

Most Expensive Categories

  • Mobile and Internet +42.1%
  • Transportation +35.1%

Is Benin cheaper than Japan?

Yes, Benin is cheaper than Japan

Overall, living costs in Benin are 66.7% lower than in Japan.

Where Benin is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 88.5% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 75.2% cheaper
  • Markets 66.7% cheaper

Where Benin is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 42.1% more expensive
  • Transportation 35.1% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Benin: 3.47 $ Japan: 7.01 $
50.5% cheaper in Benin

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Benin: 189.44 $ Japan: 624.64 $
69.7% cheaper in Benin

Monthly public transport pass

Benin: 7.55 $ Japan: 58.97 $
87.2% cheaper in Benin

1 liter of milk

Benin: 2.07 $ Japan: 1.56 $
32.7% more expensive in Benin

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Benin is indeed cheaper than Japan. You would save approximately 66.7% on living expenses by choosing Benin over Japan. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

66.7%

Benin is 66.7% cheaper than Japan

Restaurants

29.4%

Benin is 29.4% cheaper than Japan in this category

Markets

66.7%

Benin is 66.7% cheaper than Japan in this category

Other Expenses

75.2%

Benin is 75.2% cheaper than Japan in this category

Transportation

35.1%

Benin is 35.1% more expensive than Japan in this category

Household Utilities

6.2%

Benin is 6.2% cheaper than Japan in this category

Mobile and Internet

42.1%

Benin is 42.1% more expensive than Japan in this category

Sports And Leisure

40.6%

Benin is 40.6% cheaper than Japan in this category

Childcare

52.8%

Benin is 52.8% cheaper than Japan in this category

Clothing And Shoes

64.0%

Benin is 64.0% cheaper than Japan in this category

Rent Per Month

64.6%

Benin is 64.6% cheaper than Japan in this category

Property Prices

26.8%

Benin is 26.8% cheaper than Japan in this category

Salaries And Financing

88.5%

Benin is 88.5% cheaper than Japan in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Benin Japan Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 3.47 $ 7.01 $ 50.5%
Benin is 50.5% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 26.03 $ 35.03 $ 25.7%
Benin is 25.7% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 6.07 $ 5.61 $ 8.2%
Benin is 8.2% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 4.51 $ 3.36 $ 34.2%
Benin is 34.2% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.99 $ 1.12 $ 11.6%
Benin is 11.6% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.97 $ 0.82 $ 18.3%
Benin is 18.3% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.06 $ 0.94 $ 12.8%
Benin is 12.8% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 2.94 $ 2.32 $ 26.7%
Benin is 26.7% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 4.68 $ 8.42 $ 44.4%
Benin is 44.4% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 3.53 $ 11.20 $ 68.5%
Benin is 68.5% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 0.74 $ 2.04 $ 63.7%
Benin is 63.7% cheaper
Milk (1L) 2.07 $ 1.56 $ 32.7%
Benin is 32.7% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.02 $ 1.59 $ 35.8%
Benin is 35.8% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.98 $ 4.51 $ 56.1%
Benin is 56.1% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.25 $ 2.24 $ 0.4%
Benin is 0.4% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 9.26 $ 12.14 $ 23.7%
Benin is 23.7% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 4.54 $ 6.92 $ 34.4%
Benin is 34.4% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 5.32 $ 17.18 $ 69.0%
Benin is 69.0% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 2.71 $ 5.37 $ 49.5%
Benin is 49.5% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.21 $ 2.62 $ 53.8%
Benin is 53.8% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 0.90 $ 4.78 $ 81.2%
Benin is 81.2% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.54 $ 4.84 $ 68.2%
Benin is 68.2% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.11 $ 2.85 $ 61.1%
Benin is 61.1% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.11 $ 2.65 $ 58.1%
Benin is 58.1% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 0.65 $ 1.39 $ 53.2%
Benin is 53.2% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 7.55 $ 58.97 $ 87.2%
Benin is 87.2% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 1.04 $ 4.20 $ 75.2%
Benin is 75.2% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.74 $ 1.54 $ 13.0%
Benin is 13.0% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 1.56 $ 4.20 $ 62.9%
Benin is 62.9% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 1.74 $ 3.15 $ 44.8%
Benin is 44.8% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 1.74 $ 23.82 $ 92.7%
Benin is 92.7% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.04 $ 1.22 $ 14.8%
Benin is 14.8% cheaper
New Economy Car ? 23,415.29 $ N/A
New Mid-Range Car 24,295.14 $ 17,953.06 $ 35.3%
Benin is 35.3% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 167.75 $ 178.92 $ 6.2%
Benin is 6.2% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 27.77 $ 27.25 $ 1.9%
Benin is 1.9% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 61.61 $ 35.66 $ 72.8%
Benin is 72.8% more expensive
Gym Membership 41.65 $ 60.05 $ 30.6%
Benin is 30.6% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 5.21 $ 15.69 $ 66.8%
Benin is 66.8% cheaper
Movie Ticket 6.07 $ 13.31 $ 54.4%
Benin is 54.4% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 185.11 $ 348.57 $ 46.9%
Benin is 46.9% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 6,363.01 $ 13,519.03 $ 52.9%
Benin is 52.9% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 17.35 $ 49.02 $ 64.6%
Benin is 64.6% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 8.68 $ 32.77 $ 73.5%
Benin is 73.5% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 17.35 $ 63.16 $ 72.5%
Benin is 72.5% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 40.49 $ 87.75 $ 53.9%
Benin is 53.9% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 189.44 $ 624.64 $ 69.7%
Benin is 69.7% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 138.83 $ 424.63 $ 67.3%
Benin is 67.3% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 520.61 $ 1,366.33 $ 61.9%
Benin is 61.9% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 299.97 $ 825.90 $ 63.7%
Benin is 63.7% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² ? 6,447.80 $ N/A
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 2,603.05 $ 3,555.73 $ 26.8%
Benin is 26.8% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 245.84 $ 2,177.14 $ 88.7%
Benin is 88.7% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 5.00 1.82 174.7%
Benin is 174.7% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Japan. Enter your monthly expenses in Benin to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Benin and Japan goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Benin vs Japan

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Benin

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.

Japan

  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Benin Cost of living in Japan

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