Japan's consumer prices in terms of international levels

Consumer prices are often said to be high in Japan because the country relies on imports of food and raw materials. Nonetheless, prices have leveled off or experienced only modest increases since the mid-'90s. A comparison of Tokyo's actual consumer prices to those of other major world capitals, centered on food-related prices, reveals just how high Japan's consumer prices are, although the gaps have been lessening. Compared with cities in Europe and North America such as New York, London or Paris, residential land for a detached house in Tokyo is only half the size, but still fetches the highest price.

Cost of Homes in Major Cities (2000)
(Unit: JPY million)

Dwelling Floor Space and Lot Space