Cost Of Living in Sapporo 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Sapporo

Whether you're living in Sapporo or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

500,000 JPY

per month
$3,300

38,000 JPY   $250
$33,000   5M JPY

Single

340,000 JPY

per month
$2,300

110,000 JPY   $760
$15,000   2.3M JPY

Couple

570,000 JPY

per month
$3,800

190,000 JPY   $1,300
$20,000   3.1M JPY

Family

760,000 JPY

per month
$5,100

270,000 JPY   $1,800
$28,000   4.2M JPY

Student

240,000 JPY

per month
$1,600

96,000 JPY   $640
$2,900   430,000 JPY
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Sapporo is 340,000 JPY. Expenses can range from 110,000 JPY at the minimum level to 2.3M JPY at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Sapporo is 570,000 JPY. Expenditure can range from 190,000 JPY to 3.1M JPY per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Sapporo is 760,000 JPY per month. Families spend anywhere from 270,000 JPY to 4.2M JPY.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Sapporo is 240,000 JPY. Students spend from 96,000 JPY to 430,000 JPY per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Sapporo


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
61 JPY 69 JPY 80 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.40 $0.46 $0.53
Fast food combo meal
520 JPY 1,000 JPY 1,700 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $6.9 $11
Restaurant meal for one
1,800 JPY 2,600 JPY 5,300 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $17 $35
Fine dining meal for one
3,500 JPY 5,300 JPY 21,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $35 $140
Soda or Soft Drink
74 JPY 86 JPY 100 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.49 $0.57 $0.69
Cappuccino or latte
430 JPY 690 JPY 1,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.9 $4.6 $6.9

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
340 JPY 410 JPY 520 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $2.8 $3.4
Loaf of bread
62 JPY 71 JPY 82 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.41 $0.47 $0.55
12 eggs
260 JPY 340 JPY 520 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.3 $3.4
Fresh whole chicken
590 JPY 760 JPY 1,100 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.9 $5.1 $7.2
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
690 JPY 1,000 JPY 2,100 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $6.9 $14
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
280 JPY 380 JPY 540 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $2.5 $3.6
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
100 JPY 140 JPY 260 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.69 $0.92 $1.7
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
180 JPY 240 JPY 400 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.6 $2.6

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
440 JPY 530 JPY 1,100 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.9 $3.5 $7
Average car full tank
2,600 JPY 3,400 JPY 6,900 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $23 $46
Average car 1-day rental
2,700 JPY 3,600 JPY 5,300 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $24 $35
Average car price
1.3M JPY 2.6M JPY 3.4M JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8,600 $17,000 $23,000
Bus ticket one way
89 JPY 130 JPY 270 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.59 $0.89 $1.8
Car Service
3,600 JPY 5,300 JPY 11,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $35 $71

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
6,900 JPY 21,000 JPY 140,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$46 $140 $910
Utility Bill - Couple
9,500 JPY 29,000 JPY 150,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$63 $190 $1,000
Utility Bill - Family
8,000 JPY 23,000 JPY 130,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$53 $150 $840
Internet and cable
2,600 JPY 5,200 JPY 6,900 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $34 $46
Mobile phone charges
2,100 JPY 3,400 JPY 10,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $23 $69

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
1,300 JPY 1,700 JPY 2,600 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.6 $11 $17
One month gym membership
4,300 JPY 5,300 JPY 11,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$28 $35 $71

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
3,100 JPY 4,400 JPY 6,700 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $30 $44
Woman dress
3,000 JPY 4,100 JPY 13,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $27 $89
Woman shoes
2,800 JPY 3,800 JPY 8,900 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $25 $59
Men's shoes
2,400 JPY 3,000 JPY 5,900 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $20 $39
Men suit
2,700 JPY 3,300 JPY 18,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $22 $120
Regular t-shirt
1,300 JPY 1,800 JPY 5,300 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.9 $12 $35

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
44,000 JPY 67,000 JPY 180,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $440 $1,200
1-bedroom apartment
67,000 JPY 110,000 JPY 270,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440 $710 $1,800
2-bedroom apartment
89,000 JPY 130,000 JPY 360,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$590 $890 $2,400

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
8.9M JPY 13M JPY 27M JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$59,000 $89,000 $180,000
1-bedroom apartment
11M JPY 18M JPY 67M JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$71,000 $120,000 $440,000
2-bedroom apartment
18M JPY 53M JPY 110M JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120,000 $350,000 $710,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
52,000 JPY 65,000 JPY 86,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $430 $570
Double Bed
34,000 JPY 52,000 JPY 65,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $340 $430
Single Bed
30,000 JPY 40,000 JPY 52,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $260 $340
Living Room
57,000 JPY 74,000 JPY 260,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $490 $1,700
Dining Table
26,000 JPY 34,000 JPY 65,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $230 $430
Sofa or Couch
34,000 JPY 47,000 JPY 100,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $310 $690

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
34,000 JPY 52,000 JPY 100,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $340 $690
Fridge or Freezer
30,000 JPY 47,000 JPY 65,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $310 $430
Washing Machine
40,000 JPY 57,000 JPY 100,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $380 $690
Stove or Cooker
37,000 JPY 47,000 JPY 65,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $310 $430
Mobile Phone
43,000 JPY 52,000 JPY 74,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $340 $490
Laptop or Computer
47,000 JPY 57,000 JPY 100,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $380 $690

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Sapporo

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

85%

76% to 94%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%5%
50% - 60%11%
60% - 70%17%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%17%
90% - 100%10%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Sapporo is 85% This means that on average, people spend around 85% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 17% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
77%
Spending-Income-Ratio
69%
85%

Couple
81%
Spending-Income-Ratio
72%
90%

Family
90%
Spending-Income-Ratio
80%
99%

How do people spend their money in Sapporo?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure26%

26% of total expenses on average (15% to 34%)

LOW$76   11,000 JPY
AVERAGE$990   150,000 JPY
HIGH$9,900   1.5M JPY
Per Month

People living in Sapporo typically spend from 15% to 34% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average spend on housing is 150,000 JPY with expenditure ranging from 11,000 JPY to 1.5M JPY. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$13   1,900 JPY
AVERAGE$160   25,000 JPY
HIGH$1,600   250,000 JPY
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Sapporo ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 25,000 JPY with 1,900 JPY and 250,000 JPY being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$25   3,800 JPY
AVERAGE$330   50,000 JPY
HIGH$3,300   500,000 JPY
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 3,800 JPY to 500,000 JPY on commuting with 50,000 JPY being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW$63   9,500 JPY
AVERAGE$820   120,000 JPY
HIGH$8,200   1.2M JPY
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Sapporo is 120,000 JPY. The cost of groceries can range between 9,500 JPY to 1.2M JPY. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$18   2,700 JPY
AVERAGE$230   35,000 JPY
HIGH$2,300   350,000 JPY
Per Month

People in Sapporo allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 2,700 JPY to 350,000 JPY with 35,000 JPY being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$10   1,500 JPY
AVERAGE$130   20,000 JPY
HIGH$1,300   200,000 JPY
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 1,500 JPY to 200,000 JPY with 20,000 JPY being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$15   2,300 JPY
AVERAGE$200   30,000 JPY
HIGH$2,000   300,000 JPY
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 30,000 JPY per month with 2,300 JPY being the minimum spent amount and 300,000 JPY being the maximum.

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$33   5,000 JPY
AVERAGE$430   65,000 JPY
HIGH$4,300   650,000 JPY
Per Month

How much money can you save in Sapporo every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.

What percentage of people in Sapporo manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
67%
Not Saving
33%

Almost 67% of the surveyed people in Sapporo said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 33% said that aren't saving anything.

Percentage of people saving money by population group in Sapporo

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles72%28%
Couples67%33%
Families62%38%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

9.1% 17% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

15,000 JPY
$100		 200,000 JPY
$1,300		 2M JPY
$13,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 9.1% to 29% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 17% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 200,000 JPY on average with savings ranging from 15,000 JPY to 2M JPY.

72% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 67% of couples said the same. 62% of families confirmed their ability to save money.

How much money do people actually save in Sapporo?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

45,000 JPY
$300		 140,000 JPY
$900		 910,000 JPY
$6,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%30%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%15%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 12% to 32% of their monthly income to savings, with 21% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 140,000 JPY with 45,000 JPY and 910,000 JPY being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

10% 19% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

76,000 JPY
$500		 230,000 JPY
$1,500		 1.2M JPY
$8,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%34%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%10%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 10% to 31% of their monthly income, with 19% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 230,000 JPY with 76,000 JPY and 1.2M JPY being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Families

Saving to Income Ratio

9.1% 16% of income 28%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

110,000 JPY
$700		 300,000 JPY
$2,000		 1.7M JPY
$11,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%37%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%7%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Sapporo can save anywhere between 9.1% to 28% of their monthly income, with 16% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 300,000 JPY with 110,000 JPY and 1.7M JPY being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Sapporo

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Sapporo?


Yes
75%
No
25%

Around 75% of surveyed residents think that living in Sapporo is affordable with proper budgeting while 25% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Sapporo

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options62%

Few low-cost options38%


Based on the survey, 62% of the people living in Sapporo have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 38% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Sapporo whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes73%

No27%


Based on the survey, 27% of the people living in Sapporo said that they don't have an emergency fund while 73% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Japan

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy69%


We asked residents of Japan whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 31% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 69% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Japan have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 28% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 72% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance28%

Easily manages finances72%

Financial goals of people in Sapporo

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Sapporo, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction36%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle10%
Healthcare Expenses10%
Financial Independence7%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 36% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 10% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 10% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Sapporo

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Sapporo. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans17%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later18%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 17% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 18% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Sapporo

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold11%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings17%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks5%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Sapporo

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Sapporo and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Japan is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Sapporo:
AgeAmount
251.4M JPY
302.8M JPY
354.8M JPY
406.9M JPY
4510M JPY
5015M JPY
5517M JPY
6021M JPY
6526M JPY

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Sapporo about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job11%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Sapporo

83,000 JPY
$550		 250,000 JPY
$1,600		 1.7M JPY
$11,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Sapporo


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
27%
Debt Free
73%

According to the survey, 27% of the people in Sapporo have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 73% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Sapporo

Debt to income ratio

29%

20% to 39%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 29% of the people's monthly income in Sapporo goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%13%
40% - 50%12%
30% - 40%14%
20% - 30%14%
10% - 20%17%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Sapporo pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 13% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 14% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Sapporo

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage12%
Auto Loan20%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card26%
Personal Loan38%

12% of debtors in Sapporo confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 26% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 20% of people and personal loans rose at 38%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Sapporo.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.

Loan Affordability Index in Sapporo

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Sapporo how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never54%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Sapporo

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Sapporo

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
44,000 JPY 67,000 JPY 180,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $440 $1,200
1-bedroom apartment
67,000 JPY 110,000 JPY 270,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440 $710 $1,800
2-bedroom apartment
89,000 JPY 130,000 JPY 360,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$590 $890 $2,400
3-bedroom apartment
110,000 JPY 180,000 JPY 480,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$710 $1,200 $3,200
Furnished apartment
210,000 JPY 530,000 JPY 1.1M JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,400 $3,500 $7,100
Townhouse
180,000 JPY 270,000 JPY 760,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,200 $1,800 $5,100
House
210,000 JPY 530,000 JPY 1.1M JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,400 $3,500 $7,100
Villa
270,000 JPY 670,000 JPY 1.1M JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,800 $4,400 $7,100

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Sapporo ranges between 44,000 JPY and 180,000 JPY, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 67,000 JPY to 270,000 JPY. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 89,000 JPY and 360,000 JPY per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 110,000 JPY to 480,000 JPY. The average rent of a townhouse in Sapporo is around 270,000 JPY while house rental costs can be as high as 530,000 JPY per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 270,000 JPY to 1.1M JPY per month.



Apartment and house prices in Sapporo

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
8.9M JPY 13M JPY 27M JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$59,000 $89,000 $180,000
1-bedroom apartment
11M JPY 18M JPY 67M JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$71,000 $120,000 $440,000
2-bedroom apartment
18M JPY 53M JPY 110M JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120,000 $350,000 $710,000
3-bedroom apartment
59M JPY 89M JPY 270M JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$390,000 $590,000 $1.8M
Townhouse
76M JPY 180M JPY 670M JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$510,000 $1.2M $4.4M
House
89M JPY 530M JPY 760M JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$590,000 $3.5M $5.1M
Villa
110M JPY 590M JPY 890M JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$710,000 $3.9M $5.9M

The average price of a studio apartment in Sapporo can range from 8.9M JPY to 27M JPY depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 11M JPY to 67M JPY. A villa can cost you 590M JPY on average with prices ranging from 110M JPY to 890M JPY.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Sapporo will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


40 x117 monthly income 212
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Sapporo can be x117 to x212 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x117 multiples of the average monthly salary in Sapporo.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


21% 32% of income 42%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Sapporo is around 32%. This means that people pay 32% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 42% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
29%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.1%
AVERAGE
3.1%
TO
4%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


760 JPY 9,900 JPY 99,000 JPY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Sapporo

Housing32%

32% of total expenses on average (20% to 44%)

LOW$270   41,000 JPY
AVERAGE$820   120,000 JPY
HIGH$5,500   820,000 JPY
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$46   6,900 JPY
AVERAGE$140   21,000 JPY
HIGH$910   140,000 JPY
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$61   9,200 JPY
AVERAGE$180   27,000 JPY
HIGH$1,200   180,000 JPY
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$120   18,000 JPY
AVERAGE$370   55,000 JPY
HIGH$2,400   370,000 JPY
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$69   10,000 JPY
AVERAGE$210   31,000 JPY
HIGH$1,400   210,000 JPY
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (3% to 6%)

LOW$38   5,700 JPY
AVERAGE$110   17,000 JPY
HIGH$760   110,000 JPY
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$15   2,300 JPY
AVERAGE$46   6,900 JPY
HIGH$300   46,000 JPY
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$140   21,000 JPY
AVERAGE$410   62,000 JPY
HIGH$2,700   410,000 JPY
Per Month


CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Sapporo

Housing29%

29% of total expenses on average (22% to 39%)

LOW$420   63,000 JPY
AVERAGE$1,300   190,000 JPY
HIGH$6,700   1M JPY
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$63   9,500 JPY
AVERAGE$190   29,000 JPY
HIGH$1,000   150,000 JPY
Per Month

Transport, Fuel10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$150   23,000 JPY
AVERAGE$460   69,000 JPY
HIGH$2,400   370,000 JPY
Per Month

Food and Groceries16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$180   27,000 JPY
AVERAGE$530   80,000 JPY
HIGH$2,800   430,000 JPY
Per Month

Healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$140   21,000 JPY
AVERAGE$420   63,000 JPY
HIGH$2,200   340,000 JPY
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$76   11,000 JPY
AVERAGE$230   34,000 JPY
HIGH$1,200   180,000 JPY
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$25   3,800 JPY
AVERAGE$76   11,000 JPY
HIGH$410   61,000 JPY
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$220   32,000 JPY
AVERAGE$650   97,000 JPY
HIGH$3,500   520,000 JPY
Per Month


FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Sapporo

Housing28%

28% of total expenses on average (23% to 38%)

LOW$570   86,000 JPY
AVERAGE$1,600   240,000 JPY
HIGH$8,900   1.3M JPY
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$140   21,000 JPY
AVERAGE$410   61,000 JPY
HIGH$2,200   340,000 JPY
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$320   48,000 JPY
AVERAGE$910   140,000 JPY
HIGH$5,000   760,000 JPY
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$140   21,000 JPY
AVERAGE$410   61,000 JPY
HIGH$2,200   340,000 JPY
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$89   13,000 JPY
AVERAGE$250   38,000 JPY
HIGH$1,400   210,000 JPY
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$250   37,000 JPY
AVERAGE$710   110,000 JPY
HIGH$3,900   590,000 JPY
Per Month

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$210   32,000 JPY
AVERAGE$610   92,000 JPY
HIGH$3,400   500,000 JPY
Per Month


StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Sapporo

Housing20%

20% of total expenses on average (15% to 26%)

LOW$150   23,000 JPY
AVERAGE$380   58,000 JPY
HIGH$690   100,000 JPY
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$26   3,800 JPY
AVERAGE$64   9,600 JPY
HIGH$110   17,000 JPY
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$45   6,700 JPY
AVERAGE$110   17,000 JPY
HIGH$200   30,000 JPY
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW$130   19,000 JPY
AVERAGE$320   48,000 JPY
HIGH$570   86,000 JPY
Per Month

Healthcare8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$38   5,800 JPY
AVERAGE$96   14,000 JPY
HIGH$170   26,000 JPY
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$32   4,800 JPY
AVERAGE$80   12,000 JPY
HIGH$140   22,000 JPY
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$120   18,000 JPY
AVERAGE$300   46,000 JPY
HIGH$550   82,000 JPY
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$96   14,000 JPY
AVERAGE$240   36,000 JPY
HIGH$430   65,000 JPY
Per Month
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