When you look for an apartment, one of the most commonly written information is the type of gas the property uses. It is either City gas (都市ガス、toshi gasu), or LP gas (プロパンガス,puropan gasu). Since we are in Hokkaido, city gas can also commonly referred as Kita gas (キタガス, kita gasu). So what is the main difference? Well, in summary, City gas is cheaper, while LP gas produces more heat (but more expensive).
City Gas (都市ガス、toshi gasu)
- Significantly cheaper
- More environmentally friendly, since it emits less carbon dioxide during combustion.
- Only limited to certain area.
- In case of natural disaster, it will take more time to recover due to its more centralized distribution.
On average in Hokkaido, for 20 sqm room, city gas cost on average 4792 yen/ month.
Basic price+(Unit price*20)
928+(193.22*20) = 4792
source
LP Gas (プロパン, puropan)
- Emit more heat during combustion.
- Since LP gas is commonly distributed door-to-door, recovery after natural disaster is faster.
- Significantly more expensive, so expect the monthly fee to be higher in Hokkaido due to long winter.
- Emits more Carbon Dioxide during combustion.
On average in Hokkaido, for 20 sqm room, LP gas cost on average 12,350 yen/ month.
Basic price+(Unit price*20)
1890+(523*20) = 12350
source
As you can see, LP gas is significantly more expensive, and it will be even more expensive if you are planning to rent a bigger room. For a 20 sqm room, monthly gas cost will be 7558 yen more expensive on average, in one year, you might need to spend 90,696 yen more! If you are looking for for Apartment in Sapporo that uses City gas, check out this link.
