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Nagano, Japan

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,570
Retiree Score
40.0
Safety Index
84.8
Healthcare
1 facilities

Living in Nagano's highlands will test your resilience - the prefecture has an alpine climate with frigid, snowy winters. With a population of 2,024,073, it's the landlocked heart of Japan's mountainous Chūbu region. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as Nagano borders more prefectures than any other in the country. However, its natural parks cover over 21% of the total land area, and it boasts some of Japan's highest peaks. Nagano's allure as a winter sports destination may draw adventurous types, but the isolation and climate are not for the faint of heart.

Can I afford Nagano?

$

Nagano

You could save

1,430/mo

Savings Rate48%

Monthly Costs

Rent $620
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$950

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
48/100
Retiree Score
(i)
40/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
24/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
85
Safety
1
Healthcare
20
Walkability
5
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) $52
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $115
Mobile Plan (mo) $23
Gym (mo) *$50
Cinema Ticket $11

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $620
1BR Outside (mo) *$364
3BR Center (mo) $1,150
3BR Outside (mo) *$729

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Hakuba, Nagano City Center
Best For
skiers, outdoors enthusiasts

Expat Life Notes

Nagano attracts outdoorsy expats particularly for its winter sports, though the year-round community is small.

Pros

  • ✓ World-class skiing
  • ✓ Stunning mountains
  • ✓ Friendly local community

Cons

  • ✗ Harsh winters
  • ✗ Limited non-seasonal work
  • ✗ Language barriers outside tourism

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
-4°C°C - 30°C°C
Annual Rainfall
1421 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jul, Aug, Sep

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Nagano

Click any question to expand the answer.

Nagano has a population of approximately 2,024,073 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,550 per month in Nagano, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $620/month.

The nearest airport to Nagano is KMQ, approximately 153km away.

Nagano is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 84.8. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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