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Oita, Japan

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,500
Retiree Score
86.0
Safety Index
80.2
Healthcare
77 facilities

Oita may be a hot springs paradise, but don't expect an easy ride. With a population of just 1.1 million, bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the prefecture has Japan's fewest municipalities. The winters can be bitterly cold, while summer brings sweltering heat. Yet the region's bounty of natural resources - from saffron to shiitake - makes it an appealing option for those drawn to rural Japan's charms.

Can I afford Oita?

$

Oita

You could save

1,500/mo

Savings Rate50%

Monthly Costs

Rent $550
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$950

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
50/100
Retiree Score
(i)
86/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
55/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
80
Safety
77
Healthcare
100
Walkability
20
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) *$5
Meal (Mid-range) $63
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $50
Mobile Plan (mo) $25
Gym (mo) *$46
Cinema Ticket $9

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $550
1BR Outside (mo) *$364
3BR Center (mo) $1,000
3BR Outside (mo) *$729

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Very Few
Top Neighborhoods
Beppu (nearby), Oita City Center
Best For
retirees, students

Expat Life Notes

Oita is known for its proximity to hot springs (Beppu), but the city itself has a very small, mostly student-based expat community.

Pros

  • ✓ Relaxed pace of life
  • ✓ Great hot springs nearby
  • ✓ Cheaper cost of living

Cons

  • ✗ Limited English
  • ✗ Fewer career opportunities for foreigners
  • ✗ Quiet social scene

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
4°C°C - 31°C°C
Annual Rainfall
1463 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Apr, May, Jun, Oct

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Oita

Click any question to expand the answer.

Oita has a population of approximately 1,121,589 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,375 per month in Oita, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $550/month.

The nearest airport to Oita is KMJ, approximately 84km away.

Oita is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 80.2. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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