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Kawagoe, Japan

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,730
Retiree Score
78.0
Safety Index
88.5
Healthcare
173 facilities

With a population of over 340,000, Kawagoe is no quaint rural town. This once-strategic castle town has evolved into a bustling commercial hub just 30 kilometers from Tokyo. However, its historic charm comes at a price - Kawagoe's heavy bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents. The city's subtropical climate, while mild, brings regular heavy rainfall, including typhoons. Still, Kawagoe's iconic 'Little Edo' district, with its preserved 18th-century warehouses, attracts tourists seeking an authentic taste of old Japan. This blend of modern and traditional may appeal to those seeking a slower-paced, yet convenient, alternative to the capital.

Can I afford Kawagoe?

$

Kawagoe

You could save

1,270/mo

Savings Rate42%

Monthly Costs

Rent $680
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,050

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
42/100
Retiree Score
(i)
78/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
89
Safety
173
Healthcare
100
Walkability
50
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$5
Chicken (1kg) *$6

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$8
Meal (Mid-range) $53
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $126
Mobile Plan (mo) $23
Gym (mo) *$54
Cinema Ticket $12

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $544
1BR Outside (mo) *$291
3BR Center (mo) $1,080
3BR Outside (mo) *$583

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Kawagoe City Center
Best For
teachers

Expat Life Notes

'Little Edo' is a beautiful tourist town, popular with expats who want a traditional life near Tokyo.

Pros

  • ✓ Historic beauty
  • ✓ Close to Tokyo
  • ✓ Safe

Cons

  • ✗ Touristy weekends
  • ✗ Quiet nightlife
  • ✗ Limited jobs

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
1310 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Mar, Apr, May, Oct

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Kawagoe

Click any question to expand the answer.

Kawagoe has a population of approximately 342,670 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,700 per month in Kawagoe, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $680/month.

The nearest airport to Kawagoe is HND, approximately 50km away.

Kawagoe is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 88.5. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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