Hello, I came to this sub because I wanted ask some questions to people who have moved to Japan already and might be able to answer me.
Searched for other threads but could not find one that was able to answer my specific questions.
Already Googled but it wasn’t interactive(couldn’t find ways to contact the writer to solve doubts I had at the time) and it didn’t relate enough to my situation in particular.
I intend to find work in an IT company since I have a bachelors degree in the area. By the time I intend to make the move I will have **4700 euros saved up**(I will work in euros since I’m more used to it, sorry).
Since I don’t have certainties of where I’ll end up in the country nor how much the employer will help with moving I will deduce it’s gonna be a job in Tokyo and that they won’t help at all(at least in regards to money).
What I was able to find regarding living expenses**(and would like help with knowing if I’m underestimating anything)** is this:
1k apartment close enough to a station to be able to walk there- 520 euros first and second month(from what I found, job pay is not given first month but second) + 520×3 deposit = 2600 euros
Food for 2 months = 600 euros(as that’s the average for men)
Train ticket 2 months = 300 euros
Appliances, etc = Fridge + microwave + futon + clothing iron and ironing board + washing machine = 500 euros
Electricity 45 euros + Water 15 euros + Gas 25 euros + Internet 44 euros + Phone 30 euros = 320 euros considering it’s 2 months I’m accounting for.
Total is 4320.
I have absolutely zero idea of what I might have missed in the post, I would like help with what I might have gotten wrong and what I missed so I know if I should save up more before going.
7 comments
Don’t know if I’m being too specific or wordy in the post but I really just want to know general amount of money needed, what I might be missing or underestimating.
Would appreciate answer to the general question, thanks!
What type of visa are you coming with?
Eh, your numbers are probably fine. The main thing will be your apartment. You may need to pay even more than you’re expecting for your move-in costs – most apartment listing sites will enumerate what you’ll be expected to pay. You may also not be able to move in as soon as you land, and may need to budget for a short term Airbnb/sharehouse for your first few weeks, or a month, even two.
If you’re not budgeting for any relocation costs being covered, don’t forget your flight to Japan. Nowadays this could easily run you another 1000 euros. You should also budget for incidentals – socialising with colleagues, random emergency costs, stuff like that.
Bear in mind plane tickets are ridiculously expensive compared to pre-covid, but I’d say that your calculations are ok (some places may ask for a larger deposit) but it’s common for companies to at least point you in the direction of their real estate agency of choice.
Good luck with your job search!!
You can always start by staying in a sharehouse, would probably not have a high starting cost (deposit, key money etc), no need to buy appliance and utilities (water, gas, internet…) would be included. Could be an idea for a couple of months to starts, then you would be able to search in person, take your time to find a place that you would like, maybe have time to shop around for appliance so you only have to buy and get it delivered when you are ready to move in the new place.
The move in costs may be more than you anticipate. It’s not unreasonable to find at that cost, but it depends on the market at the time.
I suppose the appliances are second hand, and you may be able to find that, but be aware that you’d need to install the fridge yourself if it’s second hand (or hire someone, which would add on the costs). So make sure the apartment has elevator if it’s not the first floor. If you do it yourself, you’d want a friend and somehow transport it.
I recommend looking at living at a sharehouse for the first couple of months, since the move in costs will be lower, no need to buy furniture, and the rent would be similar anyways. When you’ve settled down and are mote stable you can look at moving to an apartment.
This figure is fine. The biggest chunk would probably be the apartment. If you wana get by for a few months before you get your salary I suggest looking into share houses first( you hVe your own room ) but kitchen and living room is shared. This will cut down the cost of cashing out big on rent (deposit+key money+insurance) usually the apartment rent of around 50,000-60,000yen would have a minimum cash out of at least 260,000yen to 320,000yen on average. You can find apartments without key money too.