Tottori, Japan

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,400
Retiree Score
91.0
Safety Index
90.2
Healthcare
19 facilities

With a population of just 549,925, Tottori is the least populous prefecture in Japan. While it boasts natural wonders like the famed Tottori Sand Dunes, the region is heavily agricultural and far from the bright lights of Tokyo. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the complex history of mergers and boundary changes over the centuries. The prefecture was also devastated by a major earthquake in 1943, serving as a reminder of the geological risks. Overall, Tottori is best suited for those seeking a slower, more rural pace of life in Japan, away from the crowds and chaos of the big cities.

Can I afford Tottori?

$

Tottori

You could save

1,600/mo

Savings Rate53%

Monthly Costs

Rent $450
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$950

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
53/100
Retiree Score
(i)
91/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
58/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
90
Safety
19
Healthcare
100
Walkability
5
Nomad

Grocery Basket

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

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$11
Meal (Mid-range) $63
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $101
Mobile Plan (mo) $24
Gym (mo) *$53
Cinema Ticket $12

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $450
1BR Outside (mo) *$364
3BR Center (mo) $900
3BR Outside (mo) *$729

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Very Few
Top Neighborhoods
Tottori City Center, Koyama
Best For
nature lovers, teachers

Expat Life Notes

Tottori is a remote prefecture known for its sand dunes; the expat community is very small and mostly limited to teaching or research.

Pros

  • Incredible natural scenery
  • Very safe and peaceful
  • Extremely affordable

Cons

  • Language barrier is significant
  • Remote from major cities
  • Limited nightlife and international food

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
Temperature
0°C°C - 30°C°C
Annual Rainfall
1936 mm
Coworking Spaces
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Oct

Also Consider

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Tottori

Click any question to expand the answer.

Tottori has a population of approximately 549,925 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,125 per month in Tottori, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $450/month.

The nearest airport to Tottori is OKJ, approximately 77km away.

Tottori is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 90.2. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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