If you are planning to move to Japan or stay there for a long time then the first thing you should understand is the Cost of Living in Tokyo. Tokyo is one of the world’s largest cities and provides many opportunities, amazing public transportation, modern infrastructure and a very high quality of lifestyle. At the same time it is also one of the most expensive cities in Japan.
Your monthly expenses depend on where you live, your lifestyle and how you manage your money. Whether you are a student, a working professional or moving with your family you must know the average cost of living so that it will help you to plan your budget better. In this guide you will know everything you need to know about the Cost of Living in Tokyo including rent, food, transportation, healthcare, entertainment and the best ways to save money.
Table of Contents
Why Is Tokyo Considered Expensive?
Tokyo has more than 14 million people and it is one of the busiest cities in the world. Many of Japan’s biggest businesses and higher companies are here which attracts millions of workers, students and tourists every year.
Many people think Tokyo is expensive because of the high cost of renting a house. Apartments near the business areas and popular areas usually ask for higher rent. But the food, public transportation and healthcare are cheaper than many people think. So Tokyo is perfect because of its safety, cleanliness, proper public transport and high-quality services.
Average Monthly Cost of Living in Tokyo
| Expense | Average monthly cost | Cost in Dollars |
| Rent | ¥70,000 – ¥150,000 | $480 – $1,035 |
| Utilities | ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 | $70 – $140 |
| Internet | ¥4,000 – ¥6,000 | $28 – $42 |
| Groceries | ¥30,000 – ¥60,000 | $205 – $415 |
| Transportation | ¥8,000 – ¥20,000 | $55 – $140 |
| Entertainment | ¥15,000 – ¥40,000 | $105 – $275 |
A single person usually spends around ¥180,000 to ¥300,000 which is approximately $1,113 – $1,855 per month. For a family we will get a bigger budget depending on their lifestyle, housing and daily expenses.
Housing Costs in Tokyo
Housing is usually the biggest monthly expense in Tokyo.
Studio Apartment
If you are living alone then a studio apartment is the most common choice. In the city center it costs nearly ¥100,000 to ¥150,000. If you live outside the city center then it’s almost ¥70,000 to ¥100,000. Living a little outside the city can help you to save money on rent and it is still easy for you to use trains.
Family Apartments
If you are living with a family then generally you would choose one bedroom, two bedroom or three bedroom apartments. If you need more space then a one bedroom apartment usually costs ¥120,000 to ¥180,000, a two bedroom apartment costs around ¥180,000 to ¥280,000 and a three bedroom apartment costs ¥250,000 to ¥400,000 or more depending on the location, size and area we choose.
Food and Grocery Expenses
Food and grocery costs depend on whether you cook or eat out regularly. Average groceries are rice, milk, eggs, chicken, apples, bread and etc. For someone who cooks food at home it costs between ¥30,000 and ¥50,000 each month.
Eating Out in Tokyo
Tokyo has restaurants with different prices so you can find a good restaurant that has better food and is within your budget. Food from a store usually costs ¥500 to ¥800 while a bowl of ramen costs around ¥900 to ¥1,300. Curry rice is usually ¥700 to ¥1,200 and a sushi lunch set costs about ¥1,200 to ¥2,500. Dinner at a casual restaurant is around ¥1,500 to ¥3,000 while having a good meal in a fancy restaurant usually costs from ¥8,000. Many affordable restaurants are available where people get good food as well as the cheap price.
Transportation Costs
Tokyo has one of the best public transportation systems in the world. A monthly train pass usually costs ¥8,000 to ¥20,000 while a single train ride costs around ¥170 to ¥350. A bus ride usually costs about ¥210. Many companies in Japan pay for their employees transportation daily which helps workers save money on transportation.
Healthcare Expenses
Japan has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Most people living in Japan join the national health insurance system which helps them to reduce medical costs.
When people visit a clinic it usually costs ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 after insurance. The cost of prescription medicine depends on the treatment and many dental procedures are somewhat covered by insurance. On the overall basis healthcare in Japan is much cheaper than in many Western countries.
Entertainment Costs
Tokyo has so many entertainment options for everyone’s budget. You can watch movies, relax at a cafe, join a gym or visit museums throughout the city. If you want to save money there are also many free places to explore including parks, temples, gardens and seasonal festivals. This makes it easy to enjoy Tokyo without spending a lot of money.
Education Costs
If you are planning to study in Tokyo then it is important to consider the education costs in your budget. Tuition fees at public universities are around ¥535,800 per year while private universities usually cost ¥800,000 to ¥1,500,000 or more per year. You should also calculate for other expenses such as books, transportation, food and hostel facilities.
Cost of Living in Tokyo in Dollars
If you are more familiar with U.S dollars then the cost of living in Tokyo is easier to understand when converted into US currency. The exact amount depends on the current exchange rate. On an average basis a single person spends around $1,200 to $2,000 per month without including any luxury expenses. A family usually needs around $3,000 to $4,500 per month depending on where they live and their lifestyle.
Ways to Save Money in Tokyo
Living in Tokyo is not that expensive if you plan your budget correctly. You can save money by living a little outside the city where the rent will usually be lower. Cooking at home instead of eating out every day can also help you to reduce your monthly expenses. Buying groceries from supermarkets that give discounts is a better way to save money and shopping at stores that sell at less cost is also a better option for everyday items. These are some great ways to save money. You can also enjoy many free attractions, such as parks, temples and seasonal festivals without spending any money. These simple tips can help you spend less and can make living in Tokyo more affordable.
You Might Also Want to Know : What Is a Kotatsu? Everything You Need to Know
Conclusion
The cost of living in Tokyo depends on where you live, your lifestyle and how you manage your money. Rent is usually the biggest expense but food, public transportation and healthcare are more affordable than many people think. Whether you are a student, a working professional or moving with your family to tokyo it would be better if you plan your budget by knowing all the monthly expenses.
Before moving to Tokyo it is a good idea to understand the cost of renting a house, food, transportation, healthcare and other daily expenses. With good planning and proper spending you can enjoy everything in Tokyo.
