How an Australian man swapped Sydney’s rental crisis for Japan – realestate.com.au

An Australian man has revealed how he left Australia’s rental crisis for a “cleaner, safer, quieter and much more convenient” lifestyle in Japan.

Japan has become one of the most popular travel destinations for Australians in recent years.

An estimated 1 million Aussies traveled to Japan in 2024, and until October this year it was in the top 10 most visited destinations for Australian travelers.

Many are taking their love for the country a step further and moving there as house prices and the cost of living in Australia continue to rise.

Christian, in his late thirties, had been traveling to Japan twice a year for the past fifteen years before making the decision to call Japan his home last April.

“From my very first trip, I felt a strong connection with the country, almost as strong as the connection I have with Australia. Since that first visit, I had set the long-term goal of eventually moving here,” Christian said.

Christian is an Australian in his late thirties who moved to Fukouka, Japan. Photo: supplied

---

MORE:33yo leaves Aus for Dubai and exposes the real costs

A couple leaves Australia for Thailand and exposes the costs

The dark side of life in Bali exposed

The cost of living and housing in Japan has been revealed

Although he initially didn’t want to move because of the lower costs, he said it became an “important factor” as time went on.

“Australia has become unaffordable for most people. I’m in my late 30s and have never lived alone, always renting a bedroom with roommates,” he said.

“I have earned a decent wage, but unless you rent with a partner, most people will continue to rent forever and buying a home will not even be an option anymore.”

Christian paid about $425 in rent in Wolli Creek, for one room in an apartment with roommates.

“In Japan, I have a three-bedroom apartment in downtown Fukuoka for about $250 AUD a week for myself, my wife and my stepson. The difference in value is huge.”

Christian even met his current wife in Japan. Photo: supplied

---

MORE:Australians are swapping Sydney prices for luxury Thai villas

“Australia is beautiful with good wages and great weather, but the cost of living and rental stress makes it harder to enjoy life in the same way,” he added.

Additionally, he said home and living costs were also more affordable, with internet around $40 (4,000 yen) per month and utility bills also cheaper than what he paid in Australia.

“Compared to Australia’s rental crisis, it feels incredibly affordable.”

Christian runs a YouTube channel called Hangs With Christian, as well as an account called Inside Japan Home, which explores real estate and housing in Kyushu.

He still earns his income mainly in Australian dollars and he saved before moving and says his money goes much further in Japan.

Living in Japan with Christian. Photo: supplied

---

Lifestyle, affordability and career

For Christian, he loved the lifestyle. He said everyday life felt easier, from the safety aspects and reliable public transport to the affordable food and healthcare.

“The lower cost of living means I have a much better lifestyle and much less daily stress,” he said.

“Starting a business in Fukuoka is also much cheaper, often around a quarter of the cost compared to Australia.”

Grocery shopping and eating out were also affordable, and for a family of three they typically spent about $150-200 for two weeks’ worth of groceries.

Eating out was also cheap, usually between $5 and 10 for a meal (500-1,000 yen).

“Even nicer restaurants are often much more affordable than in Australia. I can take my family out to eat and all three of us can eat well for less than $30 AUD,” said Christian.

The biggest challenge in Japan for Christian was the language barrier.

Christian reveals about life in Japan on YouTube and Instagram @hangswithchristian. Photo: supplied.

---

“Even simple things like opening a bank account or understanding paperwork can be difficult without Japanese. Culturally, things move slowly and bureaucratic processes can take time.”

But overall, he said the positives far outweighed any challenges.

“Moving to Japan really changed the direction of my life. In my late 30s, I left a stable 13-year career, moved countries, got married, became a stepfather and started building a very different kind of career.

“Not because it was easy, but because I thought it was time to try something new.

“Living here takes effort, patience, and a willingness to adapt. But whether it’s in Japan or elsewhere, any big change will feel risky if your life is stable. Sometimes taking that chance shows you that a better, more fulfilling life is possible when you feel stuck.”

MORE: Revealed: Aus suburbs where homeowners never leave

Australia’s shocking climate risks have been exposed

Shocking reality of Australia’s shrinking housing blocks