Practical Matters...

[sabro]

Even if I wanted to come to Japan and work for a year, I still have bills to pay- house and car payments and a job that I like. It doesn't seem practical at all. But I do play bass and guitar, I can lead worship, teach english and have several credentials.

Is there any way of finding out the actual cost of living in various Japanese cities, and figuring out how to make enough to augment a modest teachers salary to pay all my old bills?

Any ideas?

 

[Ewok85]

Its hard to estimate, really the key cost is going to be living, with 20-30,000 in utilities on top. At least 10,000 a month in public transport. Food about 40-50,000. This is if you live thrifty as well..

Really if you have ties like house and car payments I wouldn't suggest moving to Japan, it would be a real strain on the budget!

 

[Davey]

Food about 40-50,000.

This is for going out? or groceries?

Me and my wife spend around 25.000 on groceries each month, and it is enough!

We do go out sometimes so then it would be around 35.000-40.000 but 50.000 is way to much IMO... maybe when you want to eat Kobe Beef once a month haha

 

[DoctorP]

Why not sell the car? I don't understand why you would move to Japan and keep a car payment in the US. As for the house, why not rent it out while you plan to live in Japan. The rent will cover your payment and when you return you will still have your equity!

You may have to pay say $100/month for someone to manage the property for you though.

 

[Ewok85]

This is for going out? or groceries?

Me and my wife spend around 25.000 on groceries each month, and it is enough!

We do go out sometimes so then it would be around 35.000-40.000 but 50.000 is way to much IMO... maybe when you want to eat Kobe Beef once a month haha

Well I spend about 500en a day give-or-take at work for lunch as does my girlfriend (so thats about 14,000 a month, she also pays her way but I chip in), and about 1000 for dinner each day (eating in or out - so thats 30,000). We might go out once a week and have something about 2000-8000en as well.

 

[sabro]

I could sell the cars... rent out the house and just go. I suppose experience in life is worth some bit of cost.

Sounds rather scary... a big leap!

 

[AmiraHime]

sabro: do you have a job going on, or are you going to search for one while there?

I am curious, as I have heard it is difficult to get a Visa if you do not have a jobcontract.

 

[sabro]

Unfortunately I can't afford to take the job. Perhaps in a few years after I retire and pay off all my bills I might consider it.