How much is the cost of living in Japan compared to living in the united states?

It is more like 120 yen to the $1. Check www.xe.com Outside of Tokyo, rent is cheaper. 50,000-60,000 yen per month. In Tokyo, rent can be 80,000 for a one bedroom. Grocery stores are about the same. Buses and trains start at about 150 yen and go up from there. Taxis start at 500 yen. Beer and drinks start at 300-400 yen. Meals at a restaurant start at 300-400 yen. For the most part, it is about the same. Just gotta know where to go.

The "most expensive cities/countries" articles that you see from time to time in the news are misleading. They are merely comparing the cost of the exact same goods between countries and not allowing for cultural variations. The vast majority of japanese enjoy an economic lifestyle equivalent to the american middle class.

1 bedroom starts 5~60,000yen (1 bedroom means 1 bedroom and kitchen and dining space. sometimes no dining space. smaller than us) there're 100yen shops. same as '99cents only store' quality is much better than us vegetables and fruits are more expensive than us. restaurants are cheaper than us (starts 1 meal for $4~5) of course some restaurants are expensive.