Here, we compare what the cost of living might be like in an average city outside of the large ones such as Tokyo. Fukuoka is one of the largest cities located in Kyushu down south, and the costs found here are similar to the ones you might find in other towns and cities across Japan. The cost of living is generally much lower than Tokyo, but the standards are still just as high. Read on to find out how different the prices might be compared to the US and the UK.

Groceries
Milk (1L) ¥179 ($1.59 - £1.20)
Loaf of bread (500g) ¥155 ($1.38 - £1.04)
Apples (1kg) ¥625 ($5.55 - £4.19)
Beer (500mL bottle) ¥500 ($4.44 - £3.35)
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) ¥455 ($4.04 - £3.05)

Transportation
One-way ticket (local transport) ¥225 ($2.00 - £1.51)
Gasoline (1L) ¥119 ($1.06 - £0.80)

Monthly Utilities
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment ¥20,046 ($178.18 - £134.48)

Monthly Rent
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre ¥65,000 ($577.85 - £436.08)

Average Salaries
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) ¥273,333 ($2,429.86 - £1,833.71)

Let's see what happens when we compare one of the largest cities in the south of Japan to one of the largest in the north of England. The standard of living may appear similar on face value, but let's see what the data shows between Fukuoka in Japan and Liverpool in the UK.

To summarize, it's clear that your groceries will be more affordable in Liverpool if you do not smoke. However, the cost of transportation once again is better off in the Japanese city. When looking at the cost of monthly utilities and rent, you could be saving quite a bit of money in Fukuoka. Considering also that the average salary in Fukuoka is also higher, the clear winner of the two is: Fukuoka!

Groceries
Milk (1L) £0.88 - cheaper by £0.32
Loaf of bread (500g) £0.89 - cheaper by £0.15
Apples (1kg) £1.42 - cheaper by £2.77
Beer (500mL bottle) £1.07 - cheaper by £2.28
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) ¥455 ($4.04 - £3.05) £9.00 - more expensive by £5.95

Transportation
One-way ticket (local transport) £2.30 - more expensive by £0.79
Gasoline (1L) £1.18 - more expensive by £0.38

Monthly Utilities
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment £149.87 - more expensive by £15.39

Monthly Rent
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre £602.29 - more expensive by £166.21

Average Salaries
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) ¥273,333 ($2,429.86 - £1,833.71) £1,639.55 - receiving £194.16 less per month

Finally, we round off our comparisons with a city in the US that might be considered similar in the standard of living with Fukuoka. Let's see how the cost of living differs between Portland, US and Fukuoka, Japan.

A summary of the breakdown shows that the cost of groceries and transportation does not differ too much in favor of either city. When looking at the cost of utilities, Portland has a slight advantage as it's considerably cheaper every month. The average rent in the city center is more affordable in Fukuoka, but the average salary is more than enough with some cash to spare in Portland. For this reason, the outright winner between the two is: Portland!

Groceries
Milk (1L) $0.77 - cheaper by $0.82
Loaf of bread (500g) $3.02 - more expensive by $1.64
Apples (1kg) $4.43 - cheaper by $1.12
Beer (500mL bottle) $2.03 - cheaper by $2.41
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) $6.58 - more expensive by $2.54

Transportation
One-way ticket (local transport) $2.50 - more expensive by $0.50
Gasoline (1L) $0.72 - cheaper by $0.34

Monthly Utilities
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment ¥20,046 ($178.18 - £134.48) $149.71 - cheaper by $28.47

Monthly Rent
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre ¥65,000 ($577.85 - £436.08) $1,541.87 - more expensive by $964.02

Average Salaries
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) ¥273,333 ($2,429.86 - £1,833.71) $3,864.91 - receiving $1,435.05 more per month