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Yamaguchi, Japan

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,400
Retiree Score
86.0
Safety Index
80.0
Healthcare
37 facilities

With a population of just over 1.3 million, Yamaguchi Prefecture is a sleepy backwater on Japan's western edge. The region has developed a reputation as an industrial hub, thanks to its petrochemical complexes, but the reality is a slow, bureaucratic pace of life that can test the patience of newcomers. Yamaguchi's coastal location brings the benefits of scenic natural parks and a lively maritime culture, but also the drawbacks of a heavy tax burden and persistent headaches with red tape. For those seeking a quiet, traditional slice of provincial Japan, Yamaguchi may be an ideal fit - but the city is decidedly not for the faint of heart.

Can I afford Yamaguchi?

$

Yamaguchi

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)
86/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
55/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
80
Safety
37
Healthcare
100
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) *$31
Cinema Ticket $11

* 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
Ogori
Best For
teachers

Expat Life Notes

A quiet, traditional Japanese city. Expat life is minimal, primarily involving English teachers or industrial engineers.

Pros

  • ✓ Safe and extremely quiet
  • ✓ Access to Akiyoshidai nature

Cons

  • ✗ Limited English spoken
  • ✗ Lack of nightlife
  • ✗ Small expat social circle

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
1°C°C - 31°C°C
Annual Rainfall
1621 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Apr, May, Jun, Oct

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Yamaguchi

Click any question to expand the answer.

Yamaguchi has a population of approximately 1,336,522 people.

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

The nearest airport to Yamaguchi is KKJ, approximately 49km away.

Yamaguchi is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 80.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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