VanLife
OpenVan.campβ World of motorhomes — here
Japan

Japan

Current Index
199.5
vs World Average
+99.5%
Official (IMF + World Bank)

What this means for vanlife

Food in Japan is significantly more expensive — 99.5% above the world average. One of the pricier food destinations: the same basket costs around $599 per month (vs $300 world average).

↑ Year-over-year change: +2.1% 2026

Index History

90 140 190 240 World = 100 2015 2018 2021 2024 2027
Index:

Based on World Bank ICP 2021, adjusted with IMF CPI

Compare with Japan

Japan
199.5
World (base = 100)
100

If you spend 100 at home:

100

Select home and destination countries to compare food costs

Similar Countries

Switzerland 199.2 +99.2%
South Korea 208.8 +108.8%
Israel 188.7 +88.7%

More countries in Asia

India 58.2 -41.8%
Nepal 61 -39%
Tajikistan 62 -38%
Myanmar 63 -37%
Kyrgyzstan 65 -35%
Bangladesh 65 -35%

FAQ

Is food expensive in Japan?

Yes, food in Japan is above average. The VanBasket Index is 199.5 (world average = 100), meaning food costs 99.5% more than the global average.

How much should I budget for food in Japan per month?

If the world average monthly food spend is $300, in Japan you can expect to spend around $599. This is based on the VanBasket Index of 199.5 (world = 100).

How does Japan compare to similar countries?

Japan has a VanBasket Index of 199.5. Similar or nearby countries: Switzerland, South Korea, Israel.

How often is the food price data for Japan updated?

The index is updated monthly using IMF Consumer Price Index data. The baseline is from World Bank ICP 2021.

About the data: The VanBasket Index is based on World Bank ICP 2021 food price level data, adjusted monthly using IMF CPI. World average = 100. Index > 100 means food is more expensive than the global average. API for developers →

Install OpenVan.camp

Get quick access and offline reading.

Install on iOS

  1. 1 Tap Share in Safari.
  2. 2 Choose "Add to Home Screen".
  3. 3 Confirm by tapping Add.

Already installed

The app is already installed on this device.

Install from browser menu

Use your browser menu to install or add to home screen.