Data updated Nov 13, 2026
Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 71)
Beppu sits on the eastern coast of Kyushu, Japan, at an elevation of just 5 meters above sea level, in the Asia/Tokyo timezone. Its climate features humid summers with highs around 34°C and cold winters with lows reaching -5°C, paired with an average humidity of 76%. Expats tend to settle in neighborhoods like Beppu Station, Kannawa Onsen, and Hamawaki, though the overall expat community size is listed as none.
Living costs in Beppu are remarkably low. A single person's monthly expenses excluding rent come to $980/mo, while a family of four spends about $3,300/mo excluding rent. Rent for a one-bedroom in the city center averages $310/mo, dropping to $231/mo outside the center; a three-bedroom in the center runs $569/mo, and outside the center it's $380/mo. Utilities run $148/mo, internet $28/mo, and a mobile phone plan $13/mo. A monthly public transport pass costs $32/mo, a gym membership $44/mo, an inexpensive restaurant meal is $6 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two is $24, and a cappuccino is $3. The average monthly net salary locally is $1,360/mo, and the cost of living index (NYC = 100) stands at 68/100.
Safety is a standout feature: the safety index is 90/100, and the crime index is 10/100 (lower is safer). Healthcare quality is rated as good, providing reliable medical care for residents.
Japan offers the Japan Digital Nomad Visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of $6,667/mo. The nearest airport is OIT, located 14 km away. Beppu suits budget-conscious singles, families, and retirees alike, with a FIRE score of 71/100, a retiree score of 56/100, and a digital nomad score of 69/100. The overall expat score is 71/100.
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Beppu at the budget tier comes to about $618 a month for one adult, with $231 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $110 on groceries, $25.00 on dining out, $31.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $189 on utilities and connectivity and $32.00 on transport.
Rent
$231/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$110/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$25.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$31.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$189/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$32.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Beppu at the mid-range tier comes to about $755 a month for one adult, with $231 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $146 on groceries, $63.00 on dining out, $94.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $189 on utilities and connectivity and $32.00 on transport.
Rent
$231/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$146/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$63.00/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$94.00/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$189/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$32.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Beppu at the comfortable tier comes to about $975 a month for one adult, with $310 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $204 on groceries, $109 on dining out, $131 on entertainment and lifestyle, $189 on utilities and connectivity and $32.00 on transport.
Rent
$310/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$204/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$109/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$131/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$189/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$32.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $310/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Beppu's cost of living compares with Mito
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Beppu is exceptionally safe by any standard, with a Safety Index of 90/100 reflecting Japan's low violent crime rates and strong law enforcement. Petty theft and scams are minimal; the main concerns for expats are minor issues like bicycle theft and occasional package theft. Avoid no particular neighborhoods—the city is uniformly safe. As an American relocating here, you'll experience a secure environment with reliable police, excellent emergency services, and a culture emphasizing public order. Geopolitical risks are negligible. This is an ideal destination for remote workers or retirees prioritizing personal safety.
See how Beppu's healthcare compares with Mito
Beppu experiences humid summers with highs around 34°C and cold winters with lows reaching -5°C, combined with an average humidity of 76%.
Beppu is famous for its hot springs and offers an excellent digital nomad environment with abundant coworking opportunities.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Alliance Social Share Office Beppu（アライアンスソーシャルシェアオフィス別府） | Located at 田の湯町3-7, 別府市. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Planning to live in Beppu long-term? Japan Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally with a minimum income of $6,667/month.
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See how Beppu's digital nomad life compares with Mito
Beppu is Japan's most famous onsen (hot spring) city in Oita Prefecture on Kyushu, attracting significant domestic and some international tourism. APU (Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University) brings some internationalism.
Areas of Beppu that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Central, convenient, bustling transport hub
Located around Beppu Station, Ekimae is incredibly convenient for transport and offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, and services. Many short-term rentals cater to tourists, but longer-term apartments are available. Expect some noise and crowds due to its central location, but the accessibility is a major plus.
Relaxed seaside, onsen access
Kitahama offers a more relaxed atmosphere with beautiful views of Beppu Bay and easy access to onsen (hot springs). It's popular with retirees and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. While some English is spoken in tourist-oriented businesses, knowing some Japanese is helpful for daily life.
Traditional, onsen town atmosphere
Kamegawa is a historic onsen town with a more traditional Japanese feel. It's less touristy than some other areas, offering a glimpse into local life. While charming, English is not widely spoken, and navigating daily life requires more Japanese language skills. Rent can be slightly cheaper here.
Onsen steam, therapeutic, historic
Famous for its jigoku (hells) and abundant onsen steam, Kannawa is a unique and atmospheric area. It's a popular tourist destination, but also a place where people come for therapeutic hot spring treatments. Expect a mix of tourists and locals, and a slightly higher cost of living due to its popularity.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $310/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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