Are you thinking about moving to Japan?
Whether you’re planning to study, work, or simply enjoy life here, knowing the real cost of living is essential.

Here’s a complete guide to Japan’s living expenses in 2025—based on real numbers from people living here.


✅ 1. Rent (Biggest Expense)

Rent prices vary a lot depending on city and apartment type.

City/Town1-Bedroom Apartment (Monthly)
Tokyo (Central Area)¥120,000–¥180,000 ($800–$1,200)
Osaka (Central Area)¥80,000–¥130,000 ($550–$900)
Kyoto¥70,000–¥120,000 ($480–$800)
Smaller Cities/Towns¥40,000–¥80,000 ($270–$550)

Other Rental Costs:

  • Deposit (Shikikin): 1–2 months’ rent
  • Key Money (Reikin): 0–2 months’ rent
  • Agency Fee: Usually 1 month’s rent
  • Guarantor Company Fee: About 0.5–1 month’s rent per year

💡 Tip: Share houses and dorms are cheaper and foreigner-friendly.


✅ 2. Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet)

UtilityMonthly Cost (Estimated)
Electricity¥5,000–¥10,000 ($35–$70)
Gas¥3,000–¥8,000 ($20–$55)
Water¥2,000–¥4,000 ($15–$30)
Internet (WiFi)¥4,000–¥6,000 ($28–$42)

💡 Note: Costs increase in winter/summer due to heating and air conditioning.


✅ 3. Food & Groceries

ItemMonthly Cost (Estimated)
Groceries (Cooking at Home)¥30,000–¥50,000 ($200–$350)
Eating Out (Budget)¥500–¥1,200 ($3.50–$8) per meal
Eating Out (Mid-range)¥2,000–¥4,000 ($14–$28) per meal

💡 Tip: Cooking at home is much cheaper than eating out often.


✅ 4. Transportation

Transport TypeMonthly Cost (Estimated)
Public Transport Pass (City)¥5,000–¥15,000 ($35–$100)
Bicycle MaintenanceMinimal (~¥1,000/month)
Taxi (Occasional Use)¥600–¥1,000 ($4–$7) per ride

💡 Note: Many people in Japan rely on trains and buses.


✅ 5. Health Insurance & Medical Costs

Most residents join National Health Insurance (NHI).

ItemMonthly Cost (Estimated)
National Health Insurance¥2,000–¥30,000 ($15–$210)
Doctor Visit (With Insurance)¥1,000–¥5,000 ($7–$35) per visit
Over-the-Counter Medicine¥500–¥2,000 ($3.50–$14)

💡 Tip: Costs depend on your income and city.


✅ 6. Other Expenses

ItemMonthly Cost (Estimated)
Mobile Phone Plan¥2,000–¥7,000 ($14–$50)
Entertainment (Movies, etc.)¥1,000–¥10,000 ($7–$70)
Gym Membership¥5,000–¥12,000 ($35–$85)
ClothingDepends on lifestyle

✅ 7. Example Monthly Budgets (Estimated)

Lifestyle TypeEstimated Monthly Cost
Student (Living Simply)¥100,000–¥150,000 ($700–$1,050)
Worker (Modest Lifestyle)¥150,000–¥250,000 ($1,050–$1,750)
Comfortable Solo Living¥250,000–¥400,000 ($1,750–$2,800)

✅ Final Thoughts:

Living in Japan can be affordable or expensive, depending on your lifestyle and location.

Biggest Tips:

  • Avoid Tokyo’s most expensive neighborhoods at first.
  • Cook at home and use trains/bicycles.
  • Start with a smaller apartment or share house.

Many foreigners live comfortably here without spending too much—but it’s smart to prepare enough savings before your move!