Cost of Living: Turkmenistan vs Japan

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

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Turkmenistan is 36.1% more expensive than Japan. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 579.3% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Japan, you would spend about $136 in Turkmenistan for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 579.3%

Turkmenistan is 579.3% more expensive

Mobile and Internet 283.2%

Turkmenistan is 283.2% more expensive

Clothing And Shoes 263.3%

Turkmenistan is 263.3% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 36.1%

Turkmenistan is 36.1% more expensive than Japan

Most Expensive Categories

  • Other Expenses +579.3%
  • Mobile and Internet +283.2%
  • Clothing And Shoes +263.3%

Is Turkmenistan cheaper than Japan?

No, Japan is cheaper than Turkmenistan

Overall, living costs in Japan are 36.1% lower than in Turkmenistan.

Where Japan is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 579.3% cheaper
  • Mobile and Internet 283.2% cheaper
  • Clothing And Shoes 263.3% cheaper

Where Japan is more expensive:

  • Salaries And Financing 69.2% more expensive
  • Property Prices 22.5% more expensive
  • Markets 1.6% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Turkmenistan: 34.24 $ Japan: 7.01 $
388.4% more expensive in Turkmenistan

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Turkmenistan: 1,044.22 $ Japan: 624.64 $
67.2% more expensive in Turkmenistan

Monthly public transport pass

Turkmenistan: 8.56 $ Japan: 58.97 $
85.5% cheaper in Turkmenistan

1 liter of milk

Turkmenistan: 4.48 $ Japan: 1.56 $
187.2% more expensive in Turkmenistan

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Japan is indeed cheaper than Turkmenistan. You would spend approximately 36.1% on living expenses by choosing Japan over Turkmenistan. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

36.1%

Turkmenistan is 36.1% more expensive than Japan

Restaurants

104.0%

Turkmenistan is 104.0% more expensive than Japan in this category

Markets

1.6%

Turkmenistan is 1.6% cheaper than Japan in this category

Other Expenses

579.3%

Turkmenistan is 579.3% more expensive than Japan in this category

Transportation

143.8%

Turkmenistan is 143.8% more expensive than Japan in this category

Household Utilities

218.9%

Turkmenistan is 218.9% more expensive than Japan in this category

Mobile and Internet

283.2%

Turkmenistan is 283.2% more expensive than Japan in this category

Sports And Leisure

156.0%

Turkmenistan is 156.0% more expensive than Japan in this category

Childcare

85.4%

Turkmenistan is 85.4% more expensive than Japan in this category

Clothing And Shoes

263.3%

Turkmenistan is 263.3% more expensive than Japan in this category

Rent Per Month

46.6%

Turkmenistan is 46.6% more expensive than Japan in this category

Property Prices

22.5%

Turkmenistan is 22.5% cheaper than Japan in this category

Salaries And Financing

69.2%

Turkmenistan is 69.2% cheaper than Japan in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Turkmenistan Japan Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 34.24 $ 7.01 $ 388.4%
Turkmenistan is 388.4% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 85.59 $ 35.03 $ 144.3%
Turkmenistan is 144.3% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 12.84 $ 5.61 $ 128.9%
Turkmenistan is 128.9% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 7.26 $ 3.36 $ 116.1%
Turkmenistan is 116.1% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 3.17 $ 1.12 $ 183.0%
Turkmenistan is 183.0% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.76 $ 0.82 $ 7.3%
Turkmenistan is 7.3% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.12 $ 0.94 $ 19.1%
Turkmenistan is 19.1% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 0.96 $ 2.32 $ 58.6%
Turkmenistan is 58.6% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.28 $ 8.42 $ 72.9%
Turkmenistan is 72.9% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 9.82 $ 11.20 $ 12.3%
Turkmenistan is 12.3% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 0.81 $ 2.04 $ 60.3%
Turkmenistan is 60.3% cheaper
Milk (1L) 4.48 $ 1.56 $ 187.2%
Turkmenistan is 187.2% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.39 $ 1.59 $ 50.3%
Turkmenistan is 50.3% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 5.14 $ 4.51 $ 14.0%
Turkmenistan is 14.0% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 6.28 $ 2.24 $ 180.4%
Turkmenistan is 180.4% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 39.94 $ 12.14 $ 229.0%
Turkmenistan is 229.0% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 16.05 $ 6.92 $ 131.9%
Turkmenistan is 131.9% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 17.61 $ 17.18 $ 2.5%
Turkmenistan is 2.5% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 4.35 $ 5.37 $ 19.0%
Turkmenistan is 19.0% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 7.96 $ 2.62 $ 203.8%
Turkmenistan is 203.8% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 6.56 $ 4.78 $ 37.2%
Turkmenistan is 37.2% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 3.22 $ 4.84 $ 33.5%
Turkmenistan is 33.5% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.71 $ 2.85 $ 40.0%
Turkmenistan is 40.0% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.28 $ 2.65 $ 51.7%
Turkmenistan is 51.7% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 2.00 $ 1.39 $ 43.9%
Turkmenistan is 43.9% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 8.56 $ 58.97 $ 85.5%
Turkmenistan is 85.5% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 28.53 $ 4.20 $ 579.3%
Turkmenistan is 579.3% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.14 $ 1.54 $ 90.9%
Turkmenistan is 90.9% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 2.85 $ 4.20 $ 32.1%
Turkmenistan is 32.1% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 0.86 $ 3.15 $ 72.7%
Turkmenistan is 72.7% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 8.56 $ 23.82 $ 64.1%
Turkmenistan is 64.1% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 0.43 $ 1.22 $ 64.8%
Turkmenistan is 64.8% cheaper
New Economy Car 43,865.91 $ 23,415.29 $ 87.3%
Turkmenistan is 87.3% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 57,061.34 $ 17,953.06 $ 217.8%
Turkmenistan is 217.8% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 570.61 $ 178.92 $ 218.9%
Turkmenistan is 218.9% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 57.06 $ 27.25 $ 109.4%
Turkmenistan is 109.4% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 184.02 $ 35.66 $ 416.0%
Turkmenistan is 416.0% more expensive
Gym Membership 167.62 $ 60.05 $ 179.1%
Turkmenistan is 179.1% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 44.70 $ 15.69 $ 184.9%
Turkmenistan is 184.9% more expensive
Movie Ticket 15.69 $ 13.31 $ 17.9%
Turkmenistan is 17.9% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 34.24 $ 348.57 $ 90.2%
Turkmenistan is 90.2% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 25,677.60 $ 13,519.03 $ 89.9%
Turkmenistan is 89.9% more expensive
1 Pair of Jeans 65.62 $ 49.02 $ 33.9%
Turkmenistan is 33.9% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 99.86 $ 32.77 $ 204.7%
Turkmenistan is 204.7% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 389.92 $ 63.16 $ 517.4%
Turkmenistan is 517.4% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 290.06 $ 87.75 $ 230.6%
Turkmenistan is 230.6% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,044.22 $ 624.64 $ 67.2%
Turkmenistan is 67.2% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 656.21 $ 424.63 $ 54.5%
Turkmenistan is 54.5% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,654.78 $ 1,366.33 $ 21.1%
Turkmenistan is 21.1% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,398.00 $ 825.90 $ 69.3%
Turkmenistan is 69.3% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 4,755.11 $ 6,447.80 $ 26.3%
Turkmenistan is 26.3% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 2,995.72 $ 3,555.73 $ 15.7%
Turkmenistan is 15.7% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 663.34 $ 2,177.14 $ 69.5%
Turkmenistan is 69.5% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 8.50 1.82 367.0%
Turkmenistan 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 Turkmenistan 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 Turkmenistan 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 Turkmenistan vs Japan

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Turkmenistan

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

Japan

  • 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 Turkmenistan Cost of living in Japan

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