Shocking Prices in Japan vs USA

So I recently traveled to the US with my family from Japan, and I was a bit stunned on how much things cost in America compared to Japan. Granted, I was somewhat expecting it given the the current exchange rate between the US dollar and Japanese yen at the time, but when I was actually there and saw the prices first hand, it really hit me. I still remember the days when everything in Japan was expensive and the US was cheap. So in the video, I wanted to share with all of you my own personal experience on how much thighs costs in the US vs Japan…I think you may be surprised as me. I should mention that I was staying in Los Angeles more specifically Venice Beach of all places so the prices may be higher or lower depending on the prices you’re referencing in the states. Definitely, let me know if it’s different for where you live or where you’ve visited. The cost of living in Japan vs USA just seemed quite different during this last visit. Let me know what you think.

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I'm from TOKYO JAPAN, I've been living here for a long time. I'll be your Tokyo Travel Guide, taking you to the spots I love as well as showing you what to do all around Japan and maybe sometimes overseas. I'm also into Tech so you'll see a few videos about my drone and other cool toys I discover. In short, the channel is all about what I Love, Japan, Food, Travel, Tech and most likely coming FROM-TOKYO, my home.

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[jehfes]

Having moved to Japan from the US, I agree it's much cheaper here. In addition to the things mentioned in this video, the biggest differences for me are rent, utilities, health insurance, and transportation. The overall quality of life and safety is much higher here as well.

[YoToB]

American here and Japan has a much higher living standards than the US.

[stephaniewaldhart]

Universal city walk is going to be super expensive. Not comparable to what average cost is in LA. That being said cost in LA is still more expensive.

[xmcjjsd]

I am Japanese. Since the COVID-19 pandemic and wars around the world, the Japanese government has provided huge amounts of support to companies. It's support for electricity and gas and oil. As a result, manufacturing costs haven't soared and prices have remained stable. In other words, people have been less in debt. As a result, the Japanese government's policies have been very good. Although, imported goods are expensive due to the weak yen lol😅

[greeneclipse]

Not only are Japan prices cheaper, but they're at the upmost quality!

[gotakazawa]

I'm a Japanese resident living in the countryside, and I buy some of my groceries at discount supermarkets. For example, I can get a 2-liter bottle of water or green tea for around 100 yen there, which is less than half the price compared to popular convenience stores.

[mbank]

Japanese products aren't just cheaper in general but they are better quality too. Their package is creative and their restaurant menu has new items from time to time

[nkgeorge]

I travel to Japan frequently and consistently amazed how cheap and delicious food is here. Step away from Tokyo to the smaller cities and difference is even more marked. My price reference back home is Portland, Oregon where cost of living is fairly high - especially eating out. Overall, your assessment reflects my own observations.

[smboo]

I would rather live in Japan, even if it is more expensive. Safety is priceless.

[AijunSHAW]

At the same time, a large number of foreign workers in Japan earn far less money than Japanese people, but their workload and probability of injury are ridiculously high. And the same job earns much more in the United States than in Japan.

[Dangic]

I’ve been in Japan for a year now and my cost of living has been about 50% cheaper than what it was in the Florida Panhandle.

We are also traveling and eating it 75% more than in Florida.

[magnus]

Hey Paolo! I was in Japan with some friends last month, and of course we had to stop by the store that sells your hot sauce in Tokyo. We had a nice chat with one of the employees there, and we love the hot sauce. Thanks for consistently putting out great content, too!

[mattcy]

I mean if you are comparing Los Angeles to Tokyo both large metropolitan cities, it is a fair comparison. But Universal City Walk is a premium priced area.

[prajwalpaedeshi]

Looks like my fav YouTuber uploaded a new video

[monkey]

Need to dive in the purchasing power parity for a better answer. Median income in the US is 38k, median income in japan is 24k. Meaning unless an item is 50% more expense in the US the purchasing power in the US is higher. Also 99.5% of groceries are bought at a grocery store in the US. Nobody in the US does shopping at a convenient store because prices are terrible in comparison. I can get those ramen noodles at half the cost at a regular grocery store.

[Karen-dvns]

As someone who lives in Cali this was super informative, thanks :D

[azabujuban-hito]

I'm from Switzerland and living in Tokyo. Been living here for almost 8 years. Everytime I go to the US (once a year for work purpose ) I'm always shocked how the richest country in earth is turning into a 3rd world country.

[Siwyenbast]

As someone who lives in the US, LA is one of the most expensive cities in the country. As far as states go, Texas has the 9th cheapest cost, but you also have to look at the income in the state. The cheapest ones usually have some of the worst income rates, so they have to price things lower.

[TheDragonshunter]

to be fair Japan beats the entire world on food prices/quality