Cost of Living: French Guiana vs Japan

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between French Guiana and Japan.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in French Guiana is 52.1% more expensive than Japan. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 116.9% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Japan, you would spend about $152 in French Guiana for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 116.9%

French Guiana is 116.9% more expensive

Restaurants 103.7%

French Guiana is 103.7% more expensive

Transportation 92.5%

French Guiana is 92.5% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 52.1%

French Guiana is 52.1% more expensive than Japan

Most Expensive Categories

  • Other Expenses +116.9%
  • Restaurants +103.7%
  • Transportation +92.5%

Is French Guiana cheaper than Japan?

No, Japan is cheaper than French Guiana

Overall, living costs in Japan are 52.1% lower than in French Guiana.

Where Japan is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 116.9% cheaper
  • Restaurants 103.7% cheaper
  • Transportation 92.5% cheaper

Where Japan is more expensive:

  • Childcare 92.6% more expensive
  • Property Prices 34.0% more expensive
  • Sports And Leisure 9.9% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

French Guiana: 10.24 $ Japan: 7.01 $
46.1% more expensive in French Guiana

1-bedroom apartment in city center

French Guiana: 1,063.77 $ Japan: 624.64 $
70.3% more expensive in French Guiana

Monthly public transport pass

French Guiana: 34.15 $ Japan: 58.97 $
42.1% cheaper in French Guiana

1 liter of milk

French Guiana: 3.04 $ Japan: 1.56 $
94.9% more expensive in French Guiana

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Japan is indeed cheaper than French Guiana. You would spend approximately 52.1% on living expenses by choosing Japan over French Guiana. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

52.1%

French Guiana is 52.1% more expensive than Japan

Restaurants

103.7%

French Guiana is 103.7% more expensive than Japan in this category

Markets

25.9%

French Guiana is 25.9% more expensive than Japan in this category

Other Expenses

116.9%

French Guiana is 116.9% more expensive than Japan in this category

Transportation

92.5%

French Guiana is 92.5% more expensive than Japan in this category

Household Utilities

6.7%

French Guiana is 6.7% more expensive than Japan in this category

Mobile and Internet

82.5%

French Guiana is 82.5% more expensive than Japan in this category

Sports And Leisure

9.9%

French Guiana is 9.9% cheaper than Japan in this category

Childcare

92.6%

French Guiana is 92.6% cheaper than Japan in this category

Clothing And Shoes

44.3%

French Guiana is 44.3% more expensive than Japan in this category

Rent Per Month

56.9%

French Guiana is 56.9% more expensive than Japan in this category

Property Prices

34.0%

French Guiana is 34.0% cheaper than Japan in this category

Salaries And Financing

4.6%

French Guiana is 4.6% more expensive than Japan in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item French Guiana Japan Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 10.24 $ 7.01 $ 46.1%
French Guiana is 46.1% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 113.83 $ 35.03 $ 225.0%
French Guiana is 225.0% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 9.96 $ 5.61 $ 77.5%
French Guiana is 77.5% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 3.23 $ 3.36 $ 3.9%
French Guiana is 3.9% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 3.07 $ 1.12 $ 174.1%
French Guiana is 174.1% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.43 $ 0.82 $ 196.3%
French Guiana is 196.3% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.62 $ 0.94 $ 72.3%
French Guiana is 72.3% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 1.04 $ 2.32 $ 55.2%
French Guiana is 55.2% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.17 $ 8.42 $ 74.2%
French Guiana is 74.2% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 10.15 $ 11.20 $ 9.4%
French Guiana is 9.4% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 0.87 $ 2.04 $ 57.4%
French Guiana is 57.4% cheaper
Milk (1L) 3.04 $ 1.56 $ 94.9%
French Guiana is 94.9% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 4.08 $ 1.59 $ 156.6%
French Guiana is 156.6% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 3.04 $ 4.51 $ 32.6%
French Guiana is 32.6% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 8.08 $ 2.24 $ 260.7%
French Guiana is 260.7% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 28.46 $ 12.14 $ 134.4%
French Guiana is 134.4% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 16.70 $ 6.92 $ 141.3%
French Guiana is 141.3% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 29.88 $ 17.18 $ 73.9%
French Guiana is 73.9% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 5.09 $ 5.37 $ 5.2%
French Guiana is 5.2% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 3.27 $ 2.62 $ 24.8%
French Guiana is 24.8% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 5.12 $ 4.78 $ 7.1%
French Guiana is 7.1% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 9.39 $ 4.84 $ 94.0%
French Guiana is 94.0% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 4.03 $ 2.85 $ 41.4%
French Guiana is 41.4% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 5.41 $ 2.65 $ 104.2%
French Guiana is 104.2% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 3.41 $ 1.39 $ 145.3%
French Guiana is 145.3% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 34.15 $ 58.97 $ 42.1%
French Guiana is 42.1% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 9.11 $ 4.20 $ 116.9%
French Guiana is 116.9% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 2.28 $ 1.54 $ 48.1%
French Guiana is 48.1% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 5.69 $ 4.20 $ 35.5%
French Guiana is 35.5% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 4.10 $ 3.15 $ 30.2%
French Guiana is 30.2% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 7.97 $ 23.82 $ 66.5%
French Guiana is 66.5% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 2.16 $ 1.22 $ 77.0%
French Guiana is 77.0% more expensive
New Economy Car 34,149.78 $ 23,415.29 $ 45.8%
French Guiana is 45.8% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 45,533.04 $ 17,953.06 $ 153.6%
French Guiana is 153.6% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 190.86 $ 178.92 $ 6.7%
French Guiana is 6.7% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 45.53 $ 27.25 $ 67.1%
French Guiana is 67.1% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 69.25 $ 35.66 $ 94.2%
French Guiana is 94.2% more expensive
Gym Membership 39.80 $ 60.05 $ 33.7%
French Guiana is 33.7% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 28.46 $ 15.69 $ 81.4%
French Guiana is 81.4% more expensive
Movie Ticket 11.95 $ 13.31 $ 10.2%
French Guiana is 10.2% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 683.00 $ 348.57 $ 95.9%
French Guiana is 95.9% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 341.50 $ 13,519.03 $ 97.5%
French Guiana is 97.5% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 79.68 $ 49.02 $ 62.5%
French Guiana is 62.5% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 45.53 $ 32.77 $ 38.9%
French Guiana is 38.9% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 108.14 $ 63.16 $ 71.2%
French Guiana is 71.2% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 102.45 $ 87.75 $ 16.8%
French Guiana is 16.8% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,063.77 $ 624.64 $ 70.3%
French Guiana is 70.3% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 815.80 $ 424.63 $ 92.1%
French Guiana is 92.1% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,612.63 $ 1,366.33 $ 18.0%
French Guiana is 18.0% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,593.66 $ 825.90 $ 93.0%
French Guiana is 93.0% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 3,452.92 $ 6,447.80 $ 46.4%
French Guiana is 46.4% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 3,149.37 $ 3,555.73 $ 11.4%
French Guiana is 11.4% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,276.65 $ 2,177.14 $ 4.6%
French Guiana is 4.6% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 3.53 1.82 94.0%
French Guiana is 94.0% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

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

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

Cultural Cost Differences

French Guiana

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.
  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Japan

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 French Guiana Cost of living in Japan

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