In many surveys we often see Tokyo as the world’s most expensive city, but is that really true?

Surely there are many posh restaurants where would charge you $200 per person easily and if you were taken to one of those high end places during your business trip, you may as well think Tokyo is pricy. It is no secret that Japan has extremely limited space as a small island country and the housing prices and rental prices are naturally expensive. But wait. How about everyday cost of living? When the average annual income in Japan is around ¥2,420,000 (about USD $21,625) for early 20’s and ¥4,560,000 (about USD $40,748) for early 40’s, how one can survive if it is the most expensive place to live in the world as they say?

Here are some sample prices shown in Japanese Yen (also converted in US Dollar), and you will be the judge!

When it comes to wine and dine, you just need to know where to go! This photo below is showing 1 x Grilled Fish, 1 x Teriyaki Chicken, 1 x Ginger Pork, 3 x Small dishes, 2 x Rice and Miso Soup – and costs about ¥2,500 (about USD $22.40) at my favourite restaurant in Tokyo. Not bad at all, huh?