Okinawa Forums

First I’ll present my question and then I provide some background.
How much money would I need to make (in dollars) for a family of two to live a middle-of-the-road lifestyle in Okinawa. $30k, $40k, 50k, more?

I am married to a Japanese woman, born in Okinawa, but spent her early adult life in Yokohama where I met her while serving in the navy. We have been living in California for over ten years. Recently, I was laid off from my job and it occurs to me that I am not attached to California (or any other place for that matter) by anything other than employment and now would be a good time to consider an international move.

I would love to be able to reciprocate my wife’s favor of her living in the states by moving to her homeland and in particular Okinawa. My wife’s close family members are on the mainland, though she has some family still in Okinawa but she is not close to them.

I have a military ID card and believe I could probably find some type of contractor work at one of the bases.

We are very middle of the road people for our lifestyle. This leads back to my question. How much do I need to make for a decent living? Would $30-40k work?

Thank you,
Bob