Cost of Living: Lesotho vs Japan

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

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Lesotho is 74.9% cheaper than Japan. The biggest difference is in Property Prices, where costs are 91.6% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Japan, you would spend about $25 in Lesotho for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Property Prices 91.6%

Lesotho is 91.6% cheaper

Childcare 89.8%

Lesotho is 89.8% cheaper

Rent Per Month 75.7%

Lesotho is 75.7% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 74.9%

Lesotho is 74.9% cheaper than Japan

Most Expensive Categories

  • Clothing And Shoes +43.9%
  • Other Expenses +13.3%
  • Household Utilities +9.5%

Is Lesotho cheaper than Japan?

Yes, Lesotho is cheaper than Japan

Overall, living costs in Lesotho are 74.9% lower than in Japan.

Where Lesotho is cheaper:

  • Property Prices 91.6% cheaper
  • Childcare 89.8% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 75.7% cheaper

Where Lesotho is more expensive:

  • Clothing And Shoes 43.9% more expensive
  • Other Expenses 13.3% more expensive
  • Household Utilities 9.5% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Lesotho: 9.79 $ Japan: 7.01 $
39.7% more expensive in Lesotho

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Lesotho: 149.25 $ Japan: 624.64 $
76.1% cheaper in Lesotho

Monthly public transport pass

Lesotho: 27.98 $ Japan: 58.97 $
52.6% cheaper in Lesotho

1 liter of milk

Lesotho: 1.02 $ Japan: 1.56 $
34.6% cheaper in Lesotho

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Lesotho is indeed cheaper than Japan. You would save approximately 74.9% on living expenses by choosing Lesotho over Japan. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

74.9%

Lesotho is 74.9% cheaper than Japan

Restaurants

2.8%

Lesotho is 2.8% cheaper than Japan in this category

Markets

28.8%

Lesotho is 28.8% cheaper than Japan in this category

Other Expenses

13.3%

Lesotho is 13.3% more expensive than Japan in this category

Transportation

16.2%

Lesotho is 16.2% cheaper than Japan in this category

Household Utilities

9.5%

Lesotho is 9.5% more expensive than Japan in this category

Mobile and Internet

18.6%

Lesotho is 18.6% cheaper than Japan in this category

Sports And Leisure

60.3%

Lesotho is 60.3% cheaper than Japan in this category

Childcare

89.8%

Lesotho is 89.8% cheaper than Japan in this category

Clothing And Shoes

43.9%

Lesotho is 43.9% more expensive than Japan in this category

Rent Per Month

75.7%

Lesotho is 75.7% cheaper than Japan in this category

Property Prices

91.6%

Lesotho is 91.6% cheaper than Japan in this category

Salaries And Financing

66.9%

Lesotho is 66.9% cheaper than Japan in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Lesotho Japan Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 9.79 $ 7.01 $ 39.7%
Lesotho is 39.7% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 27.98 $ 35.03 $ 20.1%
Lesotho is 20.1% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 8.39 $ 5.61 $ 49.6%
Lesotho is 49.6% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 1.75 $ 3.36 $ 47.9%
Lesotho is 47.9% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.29 $ 1.12 $ 15.2%
Lesotho is 15.2% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.76 $ 0.82 $ 7.3%
Lesotho is 7.3% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.82 $ 0.94 $ 12.8%
Lesotho is 12.8% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 5.76 $ 2.32 $ 148.3%
Lesotho is 148.3% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 4.77 $ 8.42 $ 43.3%
Lesotho is 43.3% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 13.01 $ 11.20 $ 16.2%
Lesotho is 16.2% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.39 $ 2.04 $ 31.9%
Lesotho is 31.9% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.02 $ 1.56 $ 34.6%
Lesotho is 34.6% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 0.78 $ 1.59 $ 50.9%
Lesotho is 50.9% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.96 $ 4.51 $ 56.5%
Lesotho is 56.5% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 1.34 $ 2.24 $ 40.2%
Lesotho is 40.2% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 6.02 $ 12.14 $ 50.4%
Lesotho is 50.4% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 5.74 $ 6.92 $ 17.1%
Lesotho is 17.1% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 35.64 $ 17.18 $ 107.5%
Lesotho is 107.5% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 1.60 $ 5.37 $ 70.2%
Lesotho is 70.2% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.74 $ 2.62 $ 33.6%
Lesotho is 33.6% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 2.24 $ 4.78 $ 53.1%
Lesotho is 53.1% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 2.24 $ 4.84 $ 53.7%
Lesotho is 53.7% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.44 $ 2.85 $ 49.5%
Lesotho is 49.5% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.15 $ 2.65 $ 56.6%
Lesotho is 56.6% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.44 $ 1.39 $ 3.6%
Lesotho is 3.6% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 27.98 $ 58.97 $ 52.6%
Lesotho is 52.6% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 4.76 $ 4.20 $ 13.3%
Lesotho is 13.3% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.73 $ 1.54 $ 52.6%
Lesotho is 52.6% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 0.73 $ 4.20 $ 82.6%
Lesotho is 82.6% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 0.67 $ 3.15 $ 78.7%
Lesotho is 78.7% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 10.07 $ 23.82 $ 57.7%
Lesotho is 57.7% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.24 $ 1.22 $ 1.6%
Lesotho is 1.6% more expensive
New Economy Car 19,587.76 $ 23,415.29 $ 16.3%
Lesotho is 16.3% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 15,110.56 $ 17,953.06 $ 15.8%
Lesotho is 15.8% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 195.96 $ 178.92 $ 9.5%
Lesotho is 9.5% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 19.04 $ 27.25 $ 30.1%
Lesotho is 30.1% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 32.19 $ 35.66 $ 9.7%
Lesotho is 9.7% cheaper
Gym Membership 30.09 $ 60.05 $ 49.9%
Lesotho is 49.9% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 0.00 $ 15.69 $ 100.0%
Lesotho is 100.0% cheaper
Movie Ticket ? 13.31 $ N/A
Private Preschool (Full Day) 64.38 $ 348.57 $ 81.5%
Lesotho is 81.5% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 1,343.32 $ 13,519.03 $ 90.1%
Lesotho is 90.1% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 53.18 $ 49.02 $ 8.5%
Lesotho is 8.5% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 39.18 $ 32.77 $ 19.6%
Lesotho is 19.6% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 111.94 $ 63.16 $ 77.2%
Lesotho is 77.2% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 130.60 $ 87.75 $ 48.8%
Lesotho is 48.8% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 149.25 $ 624.64 $ 76.1%
Lesotho is 76.1% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 78.36 $ 424.63 $ 81.5%
Lesotho is 81.5% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 401.18 $ 1,366.33 $ 70.6%
Lesotho is 70.6% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 158.57 $ 825.90 $ 80.8%
Lesotho is 80.8% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 355.29 $ 6,447.80 $ 94.5%
Lesotho is 94.5% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 481.13 $ 3,555.73 $ 86.5%
Lesotho is 86.5% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 712.74 $ 2,177.14 $ 67.3%
Lesotho is 67.3% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 8.50 1.82 367.0%
Lesotho is 367.0% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

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

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Lesotho

  • 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 Lesotho Cost of living in Japan

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