Hi Everyone! I am new to this forum and I have a few questions I would like to ask about the Japanese system ie Taxes, Common Bills, etc.

My wife and I are deeply considering moving to Japan. We have a daughter who is 21 months old and being closer to my wife's family seems like a good idea at the moment. My wife comes from Nagano City so, it isn't as expensive as Tokyo and I have a relative idea on how much rent costs. There are somethings I am not so sure of and my wife isn't either so, after watching many of the videos on youtube if not all of them I have decided to join this forum.

Well here goes my questions:

1. How much does the average Japanese person pay for their pension each month?

2. Can a gaijin get this pension if he pays for it? Or is this only for a Japanese?

3. What is the tax system like? Here in Vancouver, Canada we pay income tax approx 30% and then a 12% sales tax on a lot of things but, not all. No special tax on owning a car or special TV tax like in Britain or garbage tax either. If anyone could explain the tax system that would be great and if anyone knows about any weird taxes please explain those too.

4. Health Care..... what is the average cost per person each month? I have a family of three and if anyone knows the cost that would be helpful.

5. What does someone pay on average for cable tv, electricity, internet.... etc? Normal house hold bills.

I know that everyones bills will be different but, I hope to get some insight on what is yet to come. I am just trying to see a comparison to what we are currently paying here in Vancouver, Canada.

Vancouver is a very expensive city on the whole and trying to buy a place here will start at maybe $300,000-$350,000 for a one bedroom condo and a house..... good luck in buying one these days!! Haha. But, the prices of bills are not that expensive..... electricity is about $20 per month.

Well anyways I hope someone can clue me in to the average expenses for someone living in Japan. Thank you for your time in advance.

Welcome

1. How much does the average Japanese person pay for their pension each month?

Depends on your income.

2. Can a gaijin get this pension if he pays for it? Or is this only for a Japanese?

Yes.

3. What is the tax system like? Here in Vancouver, Canada we pay income tax approx 30% and then a 12% sales tax on a lot of things but, not all. No special tax on owning a car or special TV tax like in Britain or garbage tax either. If anyone could explain the tax system that would be great and if anyone knows about any weird taxes please explain those too.

About 10% income tax plus health insurance, city tax, breathing tax
It is a complex mess.. but averages out to be competitive with most other countries.

4. Health Care..... what is the average cost per person each month? I have a family of three and if anyone knows the cost that would be helpful.

The insurances and taxes are scaled to your income.. so it all varies.

5. What does someone pay on average for cable tv, electricity, internet.... etc? Normal house hold bills.

Maybe.. 20,000 yen a month.. for a family.

I know that everyones bills will be different but, I hope to get some insight on what is yet to come. I am just trying to see a comparison to what we are currently paying here in Vancouver, Canada.

Vancouver is a very expensive city on the whole and trying to buy a place here will start at maybe $300,000-$350,000 for a one bedroom condo and a house..... good luck in buying one these days!! Haha. But, the prices of bills are not that expensive..... electricity is about $20 per month.

Well anyways I hope someone can clue me in to the average expenses for someone living in Japan. Thank you for your time in advance. [/quote]

To be honest.. the cost of living here compares pretty well to most countries..
More relevant will be your INCOME.
I would recommend looking into your job prospects and potential income before packing your bags

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