Moving to Japan isn’t just about visas and flights—it also requires serious money.
Here’s a realistic breakdown of how much it costs to relocate to Japan, whether you’re moving alone or as a couple.
✅ 1. Visa Application Costs
| Type of Cost | Single Person | Couple (Both Apply) |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Eligibility (COE) | Usually free (school or employer applies) | Same |
| Visa Application Fee | ¥3,000–¥6,000 ($20–$40) | Double if both apply |
📝 Tip: Some visas may require extra documents (translations, apostilles, etc.).
✅ 2. Flight Costs (One-Way)
| From | Single Person | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| North America (Economy) | ¥100,000–¥150,000 ($700–$1,050) | ¥200,000–¥300,000 ($1,400–$2,100) |
| Europe (Economy) | ¥120,000–¥180,000 ($850–$1,250) | ¥240,000–¥360,000 ($1,700–$2,500) |
| Southeast Asia | ¥40,000–¥70,000 ($280–$490) | ¥80,000–¥140,000 ($560–$980) |
💡 Tip: Round-trip may be cheaper for short-term stays, but one-way is usually better for long-term moves.
✅ 3. Initial Apartment Costs (Move-In Fees)
Japan’s rental system can be expensive for newcomers.
| Type of Cost | Single Person | Couple (1 Bedroom Apartment) |
|---|---|---|
| First Month’s Rent | ¥50,000–¥150,000 ($350–$1,050) | ¥70,000–¥180,000 ($500–$1,250) |
| Deposit (Shikikin) | 1–2 months’ rent | Same |
| Key Money (Reikin) | 0–2 months’ rent | Same |
| Agency Fee | About 1 month’s rent | Same |
| Guarantor Company Fee (If Needed) | ¥30,000–¥80,000 ($200–$560) | Same |
| Furniture & Appliances (If Unfurnished) | ¥100,000–¥300,000 ($700–$2,100) | Same or slightly higher |
💡 Tip: Total apartment setup costs can easily reach ¥300,000 to ¥800,000 ($2,100–$5,600) even for a modest place.
✅ 4. Basic Living Costs (First 3 Months)
It’s smart to budget for at least 3 months of living costs before you start earning money.
| Category | Single Person (Monthly) | Couple (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | ¥50,000–¥150,000 | ¥70,000–¥180,000 |
| Utilities & Internet | ¥10,000–¥20,000 | ¥15,000–¥25,000 |
| Food | ¥30,000–¥60,000 | ¥50,000–¥100,000 |
| Transportation | ¥5,000–¥15,000 | ¥8,000–¥20,000 |
| Mobile Phone | ¥2,000–¥7,000 | ¥4,000–¥10,000 |
| Health Insurance | ¥2,000–¥30,000 | ¥4,000–¥60,000 |
| Entertainment & Misc. | ¥10,000–¥30,000 | ¥20,000–¥50,000 |
💡 Tip: A couple may not need double the rent but food, utilities, and insurance will increase.
✅ 5. Total Estimated Costs (Minimum Recommended)
| Situation | Total Estimated Initial Cost (Including Flights, Visa, Apartment, 3-Month Buffer) |
|---|---|
| Single (Minimal Budget) | ¥600,000–¥1,200,000 ($4,200–$8,400) |
| Couple (Minimal Budget) | ¥1,000,000–¥2,000,000 ($7,000–$14,000) |
✅ 6. Additional Hidden Costs (Often Forgotten)
| Expense Type | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Document Translation | ¥5,000–¥20,000 ($35–$140) | Depends on document & language |
| National Pension (If Required) | ¥15,000–¥20,000/month ($100–$140) | Required for most working residents |
| Language School/Classes | ¥10,000–¥50,000/month ($70–$350) | Optional but helpful |
✅ Tips for Saving Money:
- Choose a share house or guesthouse for cheaper rent & no key money.
- Look for furnished apartments to skip furniture costs.
- Use low-cost airlines for initial flight if possible.
- Research city-specific support programs for foreign residents.
✅ Final Thoughts:
Moving to Japan costs more than many people expect.
Even on a tight budget, you’ll likely need at least ¥600,000 ($4,200) for a solo move.
For couples, double that to be safe.
But with careful planning and realistic expectations, Japan can be an amazing place to start a new chapter!