Cost of Living: Reunion vs Japan

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

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Reunion is 26.2% more expensive than Japan. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 238.8% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Japan, you would spend about $126 in Reunion for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 238.8%

Reunion is 238.8% more expensive

Clothing And Shoes 72.8%

Reunion is 72.8% more expensive

Restaurants 64.4%

Reunion is 64.4% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 26.2%

Reunion is 26.2% more expensive than Japan

Most Expensive Categories

  • Other Expenses +238.8%
  • Clothing And Shoes +72.8%
  • Restaurants +64.4%

Is Reunion cheaper than Japan?

No, Japan is cheaper than Reunion

Overall, living costs in Japan are 26.2% lower than in Reunion.

Where Japan is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 238.8% cheaper
  • Clothing And Shoes 72.8% cheaper
  • Restaurants 64.4% cheaper

Where Japan is more expensive:

  • Childcare 75.5% more expensive
  • Household Utilities 36.1% more expensive
  • Property Prices 35.7% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Reunion: 17.64 $ Japan: 7.01 $
151.6% more expensive in Reunion

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Reunion: 924.89 $ Japan: 624.64 $
48.1% more expensive in Reunion

Monthly public transport pass

Reunion: 44.39 $ Japan: 58.97 $
24.7% cheaper in Reunion

1 liter of milk

Reunion: 1.24 $ Japan: 1.56 $
20.5% cheaper in Reunion

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Japan is indeed cheaper than Reunion. You would spend approximately 26.2% 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

26.2%

Reunion is 26.2% more expensive than Japan

Restaurants

64.4%

Reunion is 64.4% more expensive than Japan in this category

Markets

6.7%

Reunion is 6.7% cheaper than Japan in this category

Other Expenses

238.8%

Reunion is 238.8% more expensive than Japan in this category

Transportation

63.3%

Reunion is 63.3% more expensive than Japan in this category

Household Utilities

36.1%

Reunion is 36.1% cheaper than Japan in this category

Mobile and Internet

5.1%

Reunion is 5.1% more expensive than Japan in this category

Sports And Leisure

30.0%

Reunion is 30.0% cheaper than Japan in this category

Childcare

75.5%

Reunion is 75.5% cheaper than Japan in this category

Clothing And Shoes

72.8%

Reunion is 72.8% more expensive than Japan in this category

Rent Per Month

29.5%

Reunion is 29.5% more expensive than Japan in this category

Property Prices

35.7%

Reunion is 35.7% cheaper than Japan in this category

Salaries And Financing

7.2%

Reunion is 7.2% cheaper than Japan in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Reunion Japan Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 17.64 $ 7.01 $ 151.6%
Reunion is 151.6% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 73.99 $ 35.03 $ 111.2%
Reunion is 111.2% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 13.60 $ 5.61 $ 142.4%
Reunion is 142.4% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 3.13 $ 3.36 $ 6.8%
Reunion is 6.8% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 3.70 $ 1.12 $ 230.4%
Reunion is 230.4% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.85 $ 0.82 $ 247.6%
Reunion is 247.6% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.22 $ 0.94 $ 29.8%
Reunion is 29.8% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 4.55 $ 2.32 $ 96.1%
Reunion is 96.1% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 0.87 $ 8.42 $ 89.7%
Reunion is 89.7% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 4.55 $ 11.20 $ 59.4%
Reunion is 59.4% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.92 $ 2.04 $ 5.9%
Reunion is 5.9% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.24 $ 1.56 $ 20.5%
Reunion is 20.5% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 3.12 $ 1.59 $ 96.2%
Reunion is 96.2% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 2.10 $ 4.51 $ 53.4%
Reunion is 53.4% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 4.74 $ 2.24 $ 111.6%
Reunion is 111.6% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 23.19 $ 12.14 $ 91.0%
Reunion is 91.0% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 13.97 $ 6.92 $ 101.9%
Reunion is 101.9% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 10.88 $ 17.18 $ 36.7%
Reunion is 36.7% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 2.90 $ 5.37 $ 46.0%
Reunion is 46.0% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 2.11 $ 2.62 $ 19.5%
Reunion is 19.5% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 2.86 $ 4.78 $ 40.2%
Reunion is 40.2% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 3.23 $ 4.84 $ 33.3%
Reunion is 33.3% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 2.47 $ 2.85 $ 13.3%
Reunion is 13.3% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 2.13 $ 2.65 $ 19.6%
Reunion is 19.6% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.59 $ 1.39 $ 14.4%
Reunion is 14.4% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 44.39 $ 58.97 $ 24.7%
Reunion is 24.7% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 14.23 $ 4.20 $ 238.8%
Reunion is 238.8% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 2.28 $ 1.54 $ 48.1%
Reunion is 48.1% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare ? 4.20 $ N/A
Taxi per Kilometer ? 3.15 $ N/A
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate ? 23.82 $ N/A
Gasoline (1L) 2.14 $ 1.22 $ 75.4%
Reunion is 75.4% more expensive
New Economy Car 36,426.43 $ 23,415.29 $ 55.6%
Reunion is 55.6% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 31,127.52 $ 17,953.06 $ 73.4%
Reunion is 73.4% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 114.40 $ 178.92 $ 36.1%
Reunion is 36.1% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 12.86 $ 27.25 $ 52.8%
Reunion is 52.8% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 53.25 $ 35.66 $ 49.3%
Reunion is 49.3% more expensive
Gym Membership 35.57 $ 60.05 $ 40.8%
Reunion is 40.8% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 15.37 $ 15.69 $ 2.0%
Reunion is 2.0% cheaper
Movie Ticket 11.38 $ 13.31 $ 14.5%
Reunion is 14.5% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 85.37 $ 348.57 $ 75.5%
Reunion is 75.5% cheaper
International School (Yearly) ? 13,519.03 $ N/A
1 Pair of Jeans 117.63 $ 49.02 $ 140.0%
Reunion is 140.0% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 37.00 $ 32.77 $ 12.9%
Reunion is 12.9% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 114.78 $ 63.16 $ 81.7%
Reunion is 81.7% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 132.80 $ 87.75 $ 51.3%
Reunion is 51.3% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 924.89 $ 624.64 $ 48.1%
Reunion is 48.1% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 683.00 $ 424.63 $ 60.8%
Reunion is 60.8% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,536.74 $ 1,366.33 $ 12.5%
Reunion is 12.5% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,052.95 $ 825.90 $ 27.5%
Reunion is 27.5% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 3,414.98 $ 6,447.80 $ 47.0%
Reunion is 47.0% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 3,016.56 $ 3,555.73 $ 15.2%
Reunion is 15.2% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,017.11 $ 2,177.14 $ 7.4%
Reunion is 7.4% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 4.00 1.82 119.8%
Reunion is 119.8% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

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

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Reunion

  • 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 Reunion Cost of living in Japan

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