Many people are looking for ways to reduce their cost of living, and one person who made the leap is Graham Hill. After living in California, Hill decided to move to Japan in 2019, where the cost of living is much lower. By making this move, he saved thousands of dollars each month on rent and food costs. In this article, we’ll explore how Hill and others are finding ways to live more affordably outside of the United States.
Why the US Has a High Cost of Living
The United States is known for its high cost of living. From housing and healthcare to education and food, many Americans face significant financial pressures. The US is ranked as the 13th most expensive country to live in, largely due to high housing prices, healthcare costs, and other daily expenses. However, the cost of living in the US can vary greatly depending on where you live. States like New York, Hawaii, and California have high living costs, while places like Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama are more affordable.
Graham Hill’s Move to Japan
Graham Hill, a US citizen, made the decision to leave his expensive lifestyle in California and move to Japan. He chose Sapporo, a city in Japan’s Hokkaido region, which is known for being relatively low-cost compared to other parts of the world. In California, Hill was paying around $2,500 to $3,000 a month in rent, but in Sapporo, he found that rent cost him just $700 per month. This major savings was one of the reasons he moved to Japan.
Cost Comparison: Japan vs. the US
Hill found that many aspects of life in Japan are more affordable than in the US. For example, a $12 sandwich in the US costs only $7 in Japan. Subway rides, which typically cost around $2 in both countries, are another example of consistent pricing. However, when it comes to rent, the difference is much more noticeable. In Sapporo, rent is significantly lower than in California, where rent prices in cities like San Francisco can be as high as $3,000 a month.
Why Sapporo is an Attractive Option
Sapporo is not only cheaper but also safer and cleaner than many parts of the US, according to Hill. He describes it as a “great little city” that offers a comfortable lifestyle. It’s not just affordable living that attracted Hill; he was also interested in the potential for real estate investment in the city. The average cost of a home in Sapporo is around $188,537, which is much lower than the average home price in Los Angeles, which can run up to $650,000.
Challenges of Moving Abroad
While living in a lower-cost country offers many benefits, it also comes with challenges. One of the biggest obstacles for Americans moving abroad is obtaining a long-term visa. Many countries allow tourists to stay for three to six months, but securing a visa for a longer stay can be difficult. For Hill, he was able to start his own businesses in Japan, including a restaurant review website and a real estate company, which allowed him to secure a business manager visa.
Hill’s Businesses in Japan
To support his life in Japan, Hill started two businesses. One is called Ichiban No Machi, a restaurant review website in Sapporo that shares food reviews from a local perspective in English. His other business, Find Hokkaido Agents, helps foreigners navigate the Japanese real estate market. By running these businesses, Hill was able to secure the necessary visa to live and work in Japan. He also found that owning property in Sapporo was more affordable than in California, making it an attractive option for investment.
Affordable Alternatives in the US: Tiny Homes
For those who want to stay in the US but still reduce their living costs, tiny homes are becoming an increasingly popular option. Tiny homes are much cheaper than traditional houses, and you can buy one for as little as $13,000 on Amazon. These small homes are self-sufficient and fit in smaller spaces, making them a viable alternative for those looking to downsize and save money.
Graham Hill’s decision to leave the high cost of living in California and move to Japan highlights how people are finding new ways to live more affordably. With rent, food, and other living expenses being much lower in Japan, Hill has been able to save thousands each month. Whether you’re considering a move abroad or looking for more affordable options within the US, it’s clear that there are ways to cut costs and live a comfortable life. From low-cost cities in other countries like Japan to tiny homes in the US, many people are finding creative solutions to high living expenses.