Cost of Living: Japan vs Reunion

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

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Japan is 20.0% cheaper than Reunion. The biggest difference is in Childcare, where costs are 308.3% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Reunion, you would spend about $80 in Japan for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 70.5%

Japan is 70.5% cheaper

Clothing And Shoes 42.1%

Japan is 42.1% cheaper

Restaurants 39.2%

Japan is 39.2% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 20.0%

Japan is 20.0% cheaper than Reunion

Most Expensive Categories

  • Childcare +308.3%
  • Household Utilities +56.4%
  • Property Prices +55.5%

Is Japan cheaper than Reunion?

Yes, Japan is cheaper than Reunion

Overall, living costs in Japan are 20.0% lower than in Reunion.

Where Japan is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 70.5% cheaper
  • Clothing And Shoes 42.1% cheaper
  • Restaurants 39.2% cheaper

Where Japan is more expensive:

  • Childcare 308.3% more expensive
  • Household Utilities 56.4% more expensive
  • Property Prices 55.5% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Japan: 7.01 $ Reunion: 17.64 $
60.3% cheaper in Japan

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Japan: 624.64 $ Reunion: 924.89 $
32.5% cheaper in Japan

Monthly public transport pass

Japan: 58.97 $ Reunion: 44.39 $
32.8% more expensive in Japan

1 liter of milk

Japan: 1.56 $ Reunion: 1.24 $
25.8% more expensive in Japan

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Japan is indeed cheaper than Reunion. You would save approximately 20.0% on living expenses by choosing Japan over Reunion. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

20.0%

Japan is 20.0% cheaper than Reunion

Restaurants

39.2%

Japan is 39.2% cheaper than Reunion in this category

Markets

7.2%

Japan is 7.2% more expensive than Reunion in this category

Other Expenses

70.5%

Japan is 70.5% cheaper than Reunion in this category

Transportation

38.8%

Japan is 38.8% cheaper than Reunion in this category

Household Utilities

56.4%

Japan is 56.4% more expensive than Reunion in this category

Mobile and Internet

4.8%

Japan is 4.8% cheaper than Reunion in this category

Sports And Leisure

42.9%

Japan is 42.9% more expensive than Reunion in this category

Childcare

308.3%

Japan is 308.3% more expensive than Reunion in this category

Clothing And Shoes

42.1%

Japan is 42.1% cheaper than Reunion in this category

Rent Per Month

22.8%

Japan is 22.8% cheaper than Reunion in this category

Property Prices

55.5%

Japan is 55.5% more expensive than Reunion in this category

Salaries And Financing

7.8%

Japan is 7.8% more expensive than Reunion in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Japan Reunion Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 7.01 $ 17.64 $ 60.3%
Japan is 60.3% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 35.03 $ 73.99 $ 52.7%
Japan is 52.7% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 5.61 $ 13.60 $ 58.7%
Japan is 58.7% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 3.36 $ 3.13 $ 7.3%
Japan is 7.3% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.12 $ 3.70 $ 69.7%
Japan is 69.7% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.82 $ 2.85 $ 71.2%
Japan is 71.2% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.94 $ 1.22 $ 23.0%
Japan is 23.0% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 2.32 $ 4.55 $ 49.0%
Japan is 49.0% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 8.42 $ 0.87 $ 867.8%
Japan is 867.8% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 11.20 $ 4.55 $ 146.2%
Japan is 146.2% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.04 $ 1.92 $ 6.3%
Japan is 6.3% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.56 $ 1.24 $ 25.8%
Japan is 25.8% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.59 $ 3.12 $ 49.0%
Japan is 49.0% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 4.51 $ 2.10 $ 114.8%
Japan is 114.8% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 2.24 $ 4.74 $ 52.7%
Japan is 52.7% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 12.14 $ 23.19 $ 47.6%
Japan is 47.6% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 6.92 $ 13.97 $ 50.5%
Japan is 50.5% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 17.18 $ 10.88 $ 57.9%
Japan is 57.9% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 5.37 $ 2.90 $ 85.2%
Japan is 85.2% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 2.62 $ 2.11 $ 24.2%
Japan is 24.2% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 4.78 $ 2.86 $ 67.1%
Japan is 67.1% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.84 $ 3.23 $ 49.8%
Japan is 49.8% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.85 $ 2.47 $ 15.4%
Japan is 15.4% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 2.65 $ 2.13 $ 24.4%
Japan is 24.4% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 1.39 $ 1.59 $ 12.6%
Japan is 12.6% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 58.97 $ 44.39 $ 32.8%
Japan is 32.8% more expensive
Cigarettes (20 pack) 4.20 $ 14.23 $ 70.5%
Japan is 70.5% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.54 $ 2.28 $ 32.5%
Japan is 32.5% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 4.20 $ ? N/A
Taxi per Kilometer 3.15 $ ? N/A
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 23.82 $ ? N/A
Gasoline (1L) 1.22 $ 2.14 $ 43.0%
Japan is 43.0% cheaper
New Economy Car 23,415.29 $ 36,426.43 $ 35.7%
Japan is 35.7% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 17,953.06 $ 31,127.52 $ 42.3%
Japan is 42.3% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 178.92 $ 114.40 $ 56.4%
Japan is 56.4% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 27.25 $ 12.86 $ 111.9%
Japan is 111.9% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 35.66 $ 53.25 $ 33.0%
Japan is 33.0% cheaper
Gym Membership 60.05 $ 35.57 $ 68.8%
Japan is 68.8% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 15.69 $ 15.37 $ 2.1%
Japan is 2.1% more expensive
Movie Ticket 13.31 $ 11.38 $ 17.0%
Japan is 17.0% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 348.57 $ 85.37 $ 308.3%
Japan is 308.3% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 13,519.03 $ ? N/A
1 Pair of Jeans 49.02 $ 117.63 $ 58.3%
Japan is 58.3% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 32.77 $ 37.00 $ 11.4%
Japan is 11.4% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 63.16 $ 114.78 $ 45.0%
Japan is 45.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 87.75 $ 132.80 $ 33.9%
Japan is 33.9% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 624.64 $ 924.89 $ 32.5%
Japan is 32.5% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 424.63 $ 683.00 $ 37.8%
Japan is 37.8% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,366.33 $ 1,536.74 $ 11.1%
Japan is 11.1% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 825.90 $ 1,052.95 $ 21.6%
Japan is 21.6% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,447.80 $ 3,414.98 $ 88.8%
Japan is 88.8% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 3,555.73 $ 3,016.56 $ 17.9%
Japan is 17.9% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,177.14 $ 2,017.11 $ 7.9%
Japan is 7.9% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 1.82 4.00 54.5%
Japan is 54.5% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

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

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Japan

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

Reunion

  • 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 Japan Cost of living in Reunion

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