Is the cost of living in Japan expensive? Should I complain and compare?

People often compare the cost of living in Japan with that of their home countries and frequently criticize the prices and daily expenses in Japan. Expensive fruits, high taxes, and other recurring costs are mentioned as negative points. In this article, we will reflect on why it is not worth complaining or making simplistic comparisons between the Japanese economy and those of other places.

Natural Products: Expensive Fruits, But There’s Context

One of the main focuses of comparisons is the price of fruits and vegetables in Japan. It is true that a fruit that would cost R$ 1 in Brazil can cost up to ¥300 (about R$ 10) in Japan. This shocks many Brazilians, leading to the false perception that Japanese people do not consume fresh food due to the prices. However, it is essential to remember that the cost of living is relative to the currency and local purchasing power.

In October 2024, the exchange rate for the yen is around ¥1 = R$0.033. Thus, even if a strawberry or an apple seems expensive when directly converted to reais, the average salary in Japan compensates for this difference. A Japanese worker can earn between ¥180,000 to ¥300,000 per month (about R$6,000 to R$10,000), while the Brazilian minimum wage is still around R$1,320.

So, what is worth more: buying expensive fruits earning in yen or saving on food but having a tight budget earning in reais? Japanese cuisine also values fresh food. Virtually all bentōs (lunch boxes) and desserts include fruits and vegetables, showing that, even with the higher cost, these products are an important part of the diet.

Read also:
Trip to Japan 2016 – What did I eat?
Getting to Know the Yen – The Currency of Japan

Taxes and Monthly Expenses: Not Everything is So Different

Another common criticism is about taxes and fixed costs in Japan. Rent, transportation, and monthly bills may seem high, but they need to be analyzed in the right context. Let’s make a comparison:

• In Brazil, if a worker earns R$1,500 per month and pays R$1,000 in rent, taxes, and other expenses, only R$500 is left for food and leisure.
• In Japan, someone earning ¥300,000 (approximately R$10,000) may have ¥200,000 committed to rent, transportation, and bills. Still, they will have ¥100,000 free (about R$3,300) for other expenses.

Although the cost of living in Japan may be high, it is proportional to local purchasing power. And, despite the expenses, many Japanese manage to save money, something that is not always possible in Brazil, where salaries often do not cover all basic needs.

One Thing Compensates for Another: Salaries, Electronics, and Consumption

If we are going to compare, then let’s do it fairly. Processed products and electronics in Japan are often cheaper than in Brazil. The difference is noticeable in items like cell phones, computers, and video games. While a Brazilian may take months or even years to save money to buy a top-of-the-line smartphone, a Japanese person can acquire one in a few installments or monthly savings with effort and planning.

Imagine a Brazilian worker, after paying their expenses, has R$100 left for leisure. They might fill their home with more affordable fruits and vegetables, but if they need a new sofa or want to travel abroad, they will have to save for a long time or resort to loans. On the other hand, in Japan, even with sacrifices, many manage to save money and make larger purchases, like an iPad or an international trip, without much difficulty.

Adaptation is Key: Stop Comparing and Live in Yen

There is no perfect place or ideal cost of living. Each country has its strengths and weaknesses. Many Brazilians go to Japan in search of financial stability, knowing that it is possible to save and build a reserve there, something difficult in Brazil. Additionally, safety in Japan is another attractive reason, as the risks of being robbed or suffering violence are much lower than in large Brazilian cities.

Of course, not all Japanese live comfortably. Some live in tiny apartments or face financial difficulties, just like in Brazil. The difference is that in Japan there is a sense of stability: with planning, it is possible to maintain a good quality of life and still save.

Therefore, instead of complaining that Japan is expensive, it is important to understand the differences and adapt. Living in Japan means learning to deal with the local currency and enjoying what the country has to offer, without constantly comparing it to Brazil or other places.

Conclusion: The Economy is Relative

In the end, there is no place that is intrinsically “more expensive” or “cheaper.” It all depends on how you adapt to the local context and adjust your lifestyle. Many Brazilians living in Japan choose this country not only for the salary but also for safety and the possibility of achieving financial goals.

Complaining about the cost of living is a fruitless attitude. The whole world is going through economic changes and challenges, and each country has its own difficulties. Instead of focusing on the negative, it is better to find ways to adapt, plan, and live well, regardless of where you are. After all, every currency has its value — you just need to learn to use it to your advantage.