Cost of Living in Saitama (2026) — Monthly Budget

Wondering how far your salary goes in Saitama? Here’s what everyday life costs, in local prices — the numbers that matter when you’re deciding to move or negotiating a package.

What things cost

One-bed flat, Ōmiya or Urawa station areaJPY 70,000–100,000 / month

One-bed flat, outer wards (Minuma, Iwatsuki, Sakura)JPY 48,000–70,000 / month

Utilities and internet, one personJPY 12,000–19,000 / month

Groceries, one personJPY 33,000–46,000 / month

Commuter pass, Ōmiya to central TokyoJPY 12,000–17,000 / month, almost always reimbursed by employers

Good to know

Population

≈1.36 million — Japan's ninth-largest city, and one created by merger only in 2001

Languages

Japanese, in standard Kantō form. English signage is good at Ōmiya and thin elsewhere

Currency

Japanese yen (JPY)

Time zone

JST (GMT+9) — Japan does not observe daylight saving

Power plug

Type A and B, 100 V, 50 Hz in eastern Japan against 60 Hz in the west

Climate

Humid subtropical, inland — hot humid summers among the hottest in Japan, a June rainy season, and cold dry winters with a persistent north wind and very little snow

Driving side

Left

Wards

Ten — Nishi, Kita, Ōmiya, Minuma, Chūō, Sakura, Urawa, Minami, Midori and Iwatsuki

Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.

A note on budgeting

Rent is usually the swing factor — location and whether bills are included move the number most. Build your estimate from the rent band above, add a monthly living figure, and keep a buffer for one-off setup costs (deposits, a residence permit, a local SIM, first-month transport). Globe Quest turns this into a personalized Saitama checklist so nothing setup-related catches you off guard.