Question

Imagine you work for a multinational corporation and considering accepting an international assignment to work in the firm’s Tokyo branch for three years. The task you perform will be as similar to the one you perform in your own country, but will give you an international experience in which you believe may benefit your future career aspirations. You are single. Use the web to compare the cost of living in your home city with that of Tokyo (for items like housing, food, transport and other general everyday goods and services). What salary and benefits might you wish to negotiate with your employer?

Answer 1

Tokyo is the third most expensive city in Asia. Cost of living is more expensive than in 87% of the world.

COST OF LIVING FOR A SINGLE PERSON IN TOKYO

(The values mentioned here are in rupee per month)

Rent differs depending on the area/ward a person stays. Rent for a studio apartment located outside central Tokyo(30 to 45 min travel by train) to an important Tokyo station

- Average Rs.40000/- (Rent is 260% more expensive than India)

Food/Groceries (For self cooking person) - Rs.28000/- (186% more expensive than India)

Utilities (Electricity, Water & Gas) - Rs.7000/- (Water bill may vary depending on the consumption, One way to lower the bill would be to avoid using shower)

Please note- From second year onwards an amount of Rs.14000/-, towards inhabitant tax will have to be remitted

Transportation - For commuting by bus / train - Rs.3000/-

Internet/Mobile - Rs.7000/-

Socializing -Rs.7000/-

Clothing and personal care - Rs.7000/-

Books, Music, Movies - Rs.7000/-

Income Tax/health/Insurance/Pension - Rs.30000/-

Considering the high cost of living in Tokyo in comparison with India, one has to look at the expenses that are high which affects the paypack largely. One can negotiate with the employer for providing company accomodation or make a 50/50 payment of rent between employee and the employer.

The rest of the expenses can be taken care of by increasing the salary by 60%.