Cost of Living: Burundi vs Japan

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

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Burundi is 68.6% cheaper than Japan. The biggest difference is in Salaries And Financing, where costs are 71.9% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Japan, you would spend about $31 in Burundi for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 71.9%

Burundi is 71.9% cheaper

Rent Per Month 68.2%

Burundi is 68.2% cheaper

Mobile and Internet 58.2%

Burundi is 58.2% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 68.6%

Burundi is 68.6% cheaper than Japan

Most Expensive Categories

  • Transportation +25.6%

Is Burundi cheaper than Japan?

Yes, Burundi is cheaper than Japan

Overall, living costs in Burundi are 68.6% lower than in Japan.

Where Burundi is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 71.9% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 68.2% cheaper
  • Mobile and Internet 58.2% cheaper

Where Burundi is more expensive:

  • Transportation 25.6% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Burundi: 1.84 $ Japan: 7.01 $
73.8% cheaper in Burundi

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Burundi: 212.67 $ Japan: 624.64 $
66.0% cheaper in Burundi

Monthly public transport pass

Burundi: 30.00 $ Japan: 58.97 $
49.1% cheaper in Burundi

1 liter of milk

Burundi: 0.95 $ Japan: 1.56 $
39.1% cheaper in Burundi

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Burundi is indeed cheaper than Japan. You would save approximately 68.6% on living expenses by choosing Burundi over Japan. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

68.6%

Burundi is 68.6% cheaper than Japan

Restaurants

6.5%

Burundi is 6.5% cheaper than Japan in this category

Markets

39.8%

Burundi is 39.8% cheaper than Japan in this category

Other Expenses

42.1%

Burundi is 42.1% cheaper than Japan in this category

Transportation

25.6%

Burundi is 25.6% more expensive than Japan in this category

Mobile and Internet

58.2%

Burundi is 58.2% cheaper than Japan in this category

Childcare

22.9%

Burundi is 22.9% cheaper than Japan in this category

Rent Per Month

68.2%

Burundi is 68.2% cheaper than Japan in this category

Property Prices

49.4%

Burundi is 49.4% cheaper than Japan in this category

Salaries And Financing

71.9%

Burundi is 71.9% cheaper than Japan in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Burundi Japan Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 1.84 $ 7.01 $ 73.8%
Burundi is 73.8% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 33.90 $ 35.03 $ 3.2%
Burundi is 3.2% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 3.85 $ 5.61 $ 31.4%
Burundi is 31.4% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 3.43 $ 3.36 $ 2.1%
Burundi is 2.1% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.70 $ 1.12 $ 51.8%
Burundi is 51.8% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 1.04 $ 0.82 $ 26.8%
Burundi is 26.8% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.66 $ 0.94 $ 76.6%
Burundi is 76.6% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 5.82 $ 2.32 $ 150.9%
Burundi is 150.9% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 3.47 $ 8.42 $ 58.8%
Burundi is 58.8% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 13.11 $ 11.20 $ 17.1%
Burundi is 17.1% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.97 $ 2.04 $ 45.6%
Burundi is 45.6% more expensive
Milk (1L) 0.95 $ 1.56 $ 39.1%
Burundi is 39.1% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.14 $ 1.59 $ 28.3%
Burundi is 28.3% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.66 $ 4.51 $ 63.2%
Burundi is 63.2% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 3.40 $ 2.24 $ 51.8%
Burundi is 51.8% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 10.30 $ 12.14 $ 15.2%
Burundi is 15.2% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 9.86 $ 6.92 $ 42.5%
Burundi is 42.5% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 10.05 $ 17.18 $ 41.5%
Burundi is 41.5% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 5.87 $ 5.37 $ 9.3%
Burundi is 9.3% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 0.55 $ 2.62 $ 79.0%
Burundi is 79.0% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 1.73 $ 4.78 $ 63.8%
Burundi is 63.8% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.10 $ 4.84 $ 77.3%
Burundi is 77.3% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 0.42 $ 2.85 $ 85.3%
Burundi is 85.3% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 0.50 $ 2.65 $ 81.1%
Burundi is 81.1% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 0.49 $ 1.39 $ 64.7%
Burundi is 64.7% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 30.00 $ 58.97 $ 49.1%
Burundi is 49.1% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 2.43 $ 4.20 $ 42.1%
Burundi is 42.1% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.02 $ 1.54 $ 33.8%
Burundi is 33.8% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 6.75 $ 4.20 $ 60.7%
Burundi is 60.7% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 3.51 $ 3.15 $ 11.4%
Burundi is 11.4% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 30.00 $ 23.82 $ 25.9%
Burundi is 25.9% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 1.35 $ 1.22 $ 10.7%
Burundi is 10.7% more expensive
New Economy Car ? 23,415.29 $ N/A
New Mid-Range Car ? 17,953.06 $ N/A
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) ? 178.92 $ N/A
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 6.30 $ 27.25 $ 76.9%
Burundi is 76.9% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 20.00 $ 35.66 $ 43.9%
Burundi is 43.9% cheaper
Gym Membership ? 60.05 $ N/A
Tennis Court (Weekend) ? 15.69 $ N/A
Movie Ticket ? 13.31 $ N/A
Private Preschool (Full Day) 105.93 $ 348.57 $ 69.6%
Burundi is 69.6% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 10,592.87 $ 13,519.03 $ 21.6%
Burundi is 21.6% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans ? 49.02 $ N/A
1 Summer Dress ? 32.77 $ N/A
1 Pair of Running Shoes ? 63.16 $ N/A
1 Pair of Business Shoes ? 87.75 $ N/A
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 212.67 $ 624.64 $ 66.0%
Burundi is 66.0% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 80.92 $ 424.63 $ 80.9%
Burundi is 80.9% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 469.43 $ 1,366.33 $ 65.6%
Burundi is 65.6% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 267.33 $ 825.90 $ 67.6%
Burundi is 67.6% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 2,737.96 $ 6,447.80 $ 57.5%
Burundi is 57.5% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 2,322.02 $ 3,555.73 $ 34.7%
Burundi is 34.7% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 597.69 $ 2,177.14 $ 72.5%
Burundi is 72.5% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 14.17 1.82 678.6%
Burundi is 678.6% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Japan. Enter your monthly expenses in Burundi 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 Burundi 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 Burundi vs Japan

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Burundi

  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Japan

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.

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 Burundi Cost of living in Japan

Related comparisons