Japan’s announcement that it is willing to hire Filipino domestic workers has become a welcome news to many Filipinos worldwide. Earning a salary much higher — pegged at US$1,500 or about P66,000 — than most other countries is a welcome alternative.
Adding to the allure is Japan’s appeal as a tourist destination and a civilized society that is a contrast to what many Filipino domestic workers endure in certain places where they experience abuse, long working hours and receive low wages.
But is it worth the try?
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First, applicants need to understand that there are additional requirements such as language proficiency before one is admitted to work as a domestic worker in Japan. That’s on top of the usual requirements of TESDA training and necessary paperwork at POEA.
And since news reports say helpers will be on a live-out working arrangement, at areas such as Osaka and Kanagawa prefectures, it is also important to understand how much is the cost of living in these areas. Assuming that food and accommodation is not free, it is prudent to make conservative estimates on how much is the take home pay after calculating the cost of living in Japan.
Just like in any opportunity to work abroad, we should not look only at the salary offer but also understand the cost of living in that country.
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Cost of living in Osaka – based on Expatistan data entered by 52 individuals.
| Food |
 |
Lunchtime menu in the business district |
Php469 |
 |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) |
Php262 |
 |
1/2 Kg (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast |
Php198 |
 |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk |
Php73 |
 |
12 eggs, large |
Php101 |
 |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes |
Php227 |
 |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese |
Php296 |
 |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples |
Php269 |
 |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes |
Php155 |
 |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket |
Php102 |
 |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality |
Php421 |
 |
2 liters of Coca-Cola |
Php85 |
 |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day |
Php85 |
| Housing |
 |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation in EXPENSIVE area |
Php75,697 |
 |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas …) for 2 people in 85m2 flat |
Php8,310 |
 |
Internet 8MB (1 month) |
Php1,068 |
 |
40” flat screen TV |
Php46,327 |
 |
Microwave, known brand, 800/900 Watt |
Php4,778 |
 |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) |
Php698 |
 |
Hourly rate for cleaning help |
Php1,215 |
| Clothes |
 |
1 pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar) |
Php3,288 |
 |
1 summer dress in a chain store (Zara, H&M, …) |
Php1,573 |
 |
1 pair of sport shoes (Nike, Adidas, or similar) |
Php2,773 |
 |
1 pair of leather business shoes |
Php4,179 |
| Transportation |
 |
Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 140 CV 6 vel. (or equivalent), with no extras, new |
Php862,329 |
 |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas |
Php56 |
 |
Monthly ticket public transport |
Php3,613 |
 |
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 Km. (5 miles) |
Php1,045 |
| Personal Care |
 |
Medicine against cold for 6 days (Frenadol, Coldrex, …) |
Php467 |
 |
1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, …) |
Php211 |
 |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) |
Php265 |
 |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) |
Php211 |
 |
4 rolls of toilet paper |
Php48 |
 |
Tube of toothpaste |
Php96 |
 |
Standard men’s haircut in expat area of the city |
Php1,229 |
| Entertainment |
 |
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub |
Php1,713 |
 |
2 tickets to the movies |
Php1,329 |
 |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) |
Php2,620 |
 |
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant including wine and dessert |
Php3,052 |
 |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club |
Php270 |
 |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city |
Php199 |
 |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) |
Php193 |
 |
iPod nano 16GB |
Php5,106 |
 |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) |
Php21 |
 |
1 month of gym membership in business district |
Php3,513 |
 |
1 package of Marlboro cigarettes |
Php156 |
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