Hiroshima sits in Hiroshima, where 72,628 foreign residents make up 2.7% of the population. A one-room rents for ¥40,000–¥60,000, a single person spends about ¥120,000–¥180,000 a month, and the prefectural minimum wage is ¥1085 an hour.
Key facts
- Prefecture
- Hiroshima
- Foreign residents
- 72,628 (2.7% of population)
- Rent, one room
- ¥40,000–¥60,000
- Monthly cost, single
- ¥120,000–¥180,000
- Minimum wage
- ¥1085/hour
- Typical pay
- ¥200,000–¥315,000/month
Who already lives here
Vietnamese 22.4%, Chinese 17.3%, Filipino 15.6%.
What the work actually is
Hiroshima works like a proper regional capital rather than a factory town. Mazda is headquartered next door in Fuchu and anchors an auto-parts network; shipbuilding and steel sit along the coast. The city has a tram system, real universities including Hiroshima University, and year-round international visitors drawn by the Peace Memorial. Its foreign population is spread across manufacturing, study and services instead of concentrating in one industry the way the Tokai prefectures do.
What it costs
A single person spends roughly ¥120,000–¥180,000 a month including rent. Compare that with the calculator, which adjusts for household size and spending style. Rent is ¥40,000–¥60,000 of that, leaving roughly ¥80,000–¥120,000 for food, utilities, phone, transport and everyday spending. Move-in cash is separate — typically four to six months of rent up front.
Before you commit
The international profile is largely about the Peace Memorial and tourism. It does not translate into a broad English-language job market — that is still Tokyo and Osaka.
Common mistakes & warnings
- The international profile is largely about the Peace Memorial and tourism. It does not translate into a broad English-language job market — that is still Tokyo and Osaka.
Frequently asked questions
How many foreigners live in Hiroshima?
72,628 people, or 2.7% of the prefecture. The largest communities are listed above — concentration matters more than raw size when you are deciding where your own language is spoken.
Is Hiroshima cheaper than Tokyo?
Yes, mainly on rent: ¥40,000–¥60,000 for a one-room here against ¥80,000–¥120,000 in Tokyo. Wages are lower too, so compare the monthly surplus, not the rent alone.
What work is there?
Typical full-time pay runs ¥200,000–¥315,000 a month. See the salary pages for what specific occupations earn, and the SSW route if you are coming through a skills test.
Official sources
- ISA — 在留外国人統計 (2025-12) (2026-07-28)
- MHLW — 地域別最低賃金 (FY2025) (2026-07-28)
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration rules change; always confirm details with the official sources listed above before making decisions.