How much does it cost to move to Nagasaki?

You have gotten your JET placement and started researching about the prefecture that will be your new home. There is tons of information about things to see, Nagasaki’s history, and even the cost of living. But you may have one question- how much is it going to cost to move in? There are a number of costs that come up during your first month in Nagasaki. We have curated this page to give you a general idea of potential costs and who to contact to get the concrete numbers.

Accommodation

There are several types of accommodation, depending on your placement. Ask your Board of Education (BOE) or Contracting Organisation (CO) about information specific to your situation. 

  • Some people live in teacher housing, or apartments owned by the BOE or CO. These are usually subsidised, and close to the school, but can be older. These are most common for prefectural JETs (almost always High School). 

Subsidised housing estimate: From 10,000 yen to 60,000 yen + per month. 

  • Some JETs live in a private house or apartment organised by their BOE or CO. The price will range a lot based on the area and type of housing. 

Private housing estimate: From 20,000 yen to 70,000 yen + per month. 

  • In rare cases, JETs will need to organise their own accommodation. The BOE or CO should help arrange this. The costs can be higher depending on the area and type of accommodation. 

Independent housing estimate: From 20,000 yen to 70,000 yen + per month. 

  • Most people will need to pay a deposit and/or key money, and the first month’s rent on or shortly after arriving. The key money and deposit is usually equivalent to one to three months’ rent. In some cases, the deposit is the last month’s rent, so you won’t need to pay rent in your final month.  The deposit and/or key money are often returned when the rent contract finishes, as the JET is returning home.  Some COs set up a small deduction from your monthly paycheck rather than asking you to pay up front.

First month’s estimate: First month + 1-3 months deposit/key money. The absolute minimum (no key money or deposit with subsidised rent) is 10,000 yen for the first month. 

The upper estimate (higher rent and 2-months deposit/key money) is 250,000 yen for the first month.

*The vast majority of people will be in the middle of this range. This varies greatly and it’s best to ask your CO or BOE about it.*  

Don’t hesitate to ask your CO/BOE about these costs if you do not have the information! They know you need to prepare for your arrival.

Furniture

You may be left some furniture by your predecessor or BOE/CO, or your predecessor may be selling furniture and will ask if you would like to buy it, or you could find your apartment completely unfurnished.

  • If you want to buy new furniture in person, look for stores such as Nafco or Nitori.
  • You can also buy furniture online, such as from Amazon or Rakuten. 
  • Second-hand or purchasing from other departing ALTs is a great option too. Hard Off or other second-hand shops may have good deals available, and they sometimes deliver. Ask around, as local ALTs will know the best spots or may know someone selling what you are looking for.
  • *Remember that you don’t need to buy all of this in the first month!*

Expected price : 

The absolute minimum is 0 yen, if you have been left everything you need and don’t need to reimburse your predecessor. 

You may need to spend up to 100,000 yen + if you need to furnish things yourself.

Appliances 

In most cases, your apartment will already have a fridge, freezer and washing machine. But if it doesn’t, there are many options available.

  • If your apartment has nothing, you can usually purchase a “shinseikatsu” set from hardware stores like Nitori for around 60,000 yen.  These sets commonly include appliances like a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, and vacuum cleaner, and sometimes include a rice cooker.
  • Your accommodation will also most likely have an air conditioning unit (they can usually do heating as well). Please check! It will be very uncomfortable in summer without one. Not using it could potentially make your house very humid and prone to mould. 

If you need to buy an air conditioner, please ask your BOE or CO first. They may have one lying around somewhere. Otherwise, expect about 40,000 yen upwards for a second hand AC (from somewhere like Hard Off), or 100,000 yen +  for a new one. 

  • There will most likely be a coin laundry nearby if you do not have a washing machine.
  • Many second hand shops also sell appliances still in good condition. Some electronic shops even have second-hand areas. They often come with warranties. 

Expected price : 

The absolute minimum is 0 yen, if you have been left everything you need and don’t need to reimburse your predecessor. 

You may need to spend up to 100,000 yen + if you need to get everything yourself.

*Check with your contracting organization to find out ahead of time what appliances/furniture your apartment already has.*

Transport

The first month’s costs vary based on the placement and situation. Some people can walk to school while others need to purchase a car and drive. 

  • Depending on your BOE/CO, some or all of your transportation costs may be reimbursed, but this is not always the case.
  • If you are buying a bicycle, new ones are available from Nafco from about 15,000 yen. Second-hand ones are available from Hard Off as well. 
  • Some JETs rent a car, which greatly lowers their start-up costs. Expect about 13,000 yen + per month for car rental. 
  • In some cases, JETs purchase a car, which is expensive at first, but cheaper per month. It depends on the car, but starting from about 200,000 yen +.

Expected price: 

0 yen up to 200,000 yen + if you need to buy a car and pay for gas. 

Please check with your BOE/CO or predecessor what applies in your case.

Food, drink, other groceries and personal care

You will probably want to make sure you pick up stuff like toilet paper, personal care items, food and drinks quite soon. Expect about 10,000 yen +. 

Internet

Depending on your situation, you might want to get a home internet connection as well as a SIM card. Expect about 5000 yen +, especially if your accommodation has not been connected to fibre internet before. There could be a wait to get fibre installed, depending on the provider and how busy they are. Many JETs start off with a pocket wifi as it is an affordable and portable option.

Fun

You will probably want to start enjoying your new home, so consider bringing some extra cash to make the most of the opportunities in your area, such as summer festivals, shopping or experiences.

  • Your school will likely host a welcome party for you as well. It will likely be a dinner party at a local izakaya, restaurant, or hotel dining room. These parties range from about 3,000 yen to 8, 000 yen. Check out our Enkai Etiquette page for more information.

How much money do you need to bring? 

As you can see, it depends. Please consider your own circumstances, and remember it’s better to bring more. 

  • We recommend bringing at least 300,000 yen, but you may need more or less depending on your circumstances. 
  • Most people will receive their first paycheck towards the end of August, but in some cases, it may not be until September. Please double check with your contracting organization and budget appropriately.

All these numbers can be a bit overwhelming, but we hope it has given you a good idea of all the possible costs you will have when you first arrive. Every situation will be different. Please double check with your contracting organization so that you are prepared for your unique circumstances!