How Much is the Cost of Living in Japan? Complete Guide to Monthly Expenses for Foreigners Living Alone

For foreigners considering living in Japan, the biggest concern is probably, "How much will the monthly living expenses be in Japan?" Especially if you are living alone, the costs of daily life such as rent, food, transportation, and utility bills cannot be ignored. Living expenses in Japan vary depending on the city and lifestyle, but knowing accurate information will make it easier to make concrete plans.

This article provides a thorough breakdown of monthly living expenses for foreigners who are planning to live alone in Japan. We will explain in detail everything from the approximate amounts for rent, food, and transportation costs to tips on how to keep living expenses down, so be sure to use this as a reference when starting your life in Japan!

• Table of Contents
• Total cost of living in Japan for one person
• Average rent in major cities in Japan
• What are the average utility and communication costs in Japan?
• How much does food cost in Japan? The difference between cooking at home and eating out
• How much does transportation cost in major cities in Japan?
• How much do entertainment and hobbies cost in Japan?
• Find out about medical and insurance costs in Japan
• 5 tips to reduce living expenses in Japan
• summary

Total cost of living in Japan for one person

When living in Japan, it is very important to know the specific monthly living expenses required for a single person. Since living expenses vary greatly from city to city, here we will introduce the totals for major living expenses such as rent, utilities, and food using Tokyo and Osaka as examples.

Estimated living expenses for a single person in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities in Japan to live in, but it can vary greatly depending on which area you live in and your lifestyle. Below is a breakdown of the average monthly living expenses for a single person in Tokyo.

Total: Approximately 180,000 to 240,000 yen

As you can see, if you live alone in Tokyo, your monthly living expenses will be roughly 180,000 to 240,000 yen. Since rent takes up a large portion of your living expenses, the area and property you choose will have a big impact on your costs.

Estimated living expenses for a single person in Osaka

The cost of living in Osaka tends to be slightly cheaper than in Tokyo. The average monthly living expenses for a single person in Osaka are as follows:

Total: Approximately 140,000 to 200,000 yen

If you live alone in Osaka, the average monthly living expenses are around 140,000 to 200,000 yen. Rent and transportation costs are cheaper than in Tokyo, so the overall cost of living is a little lower.

In the next section, we will explain in detail the breakdown of each living expense, such as rent, utilities, and food!

Average rent in major cities in Japan

When living alone in Japan, rent is the largest part of your living expenses. Rent varies greatly depending on the area, such as major cities and rural areas, and also depending on the area and type of property you choose.

Here we will take a closer look at average rent prices in Japan's major cities.

How much is rent for a single person in Tokyo?

Tokyo is the most populous city in Japan, and rent is also on the expensive side. The closer you get to the city center, the more expensive it gets, and in areas that are particularly popular with foreigners, such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ebisu, and Aoyama, it is common for even a one-room apartment (what is called a studio-type room overseas) to cost over 100,000 yen per month.

However, even within the 23 wards, in areas such as Itabashi and Adachi, you can find studio apartments for around 60,000 to 70,000 yen. Furthermore, if you look a little further out into the suburbs, such as Hachioji and Nishitokyo, you can sometimes find studio apartments for as little as 30,000 yen.

The key to saving on rent in Tokyo is to choose an area a little away from the city center while still taking commuter and transportation access into consideration.

Reference: Search for average rent and rental prices in Tokyo | SUUMO

Rent comparison in Osaka and Nagoya

Rent in Osaka and Nagoya tends to be cheaper than in Tokyo.

In central Osaka, for example Umeda, the average rent is among the highest in the city, but you can still find one-room apartments for 60,000 to 70,000 yen. Even in Namba, the second busiest area after Umeda, you can find one-room apartments for around 60,000 yen. Furthermore, if you look to the suburbs, you can find properties for around 30,000 yen.

Similarly, in Nagoya, you can find one-room apartments in the city center for as little as 50,000 yen. Furthermore, if you look to the suburbs, you can find decent properties for around 30,000 to 40,000 yen.

Reference: Search for average rent information by city, ward, and district in Osaka Prefecture | SUUMO Search for average rent information by city, ward, and district in Aichi Prefecture | SUUMO

Tips for finding a cheap apartment

There are a few points to keep in mind when looking for a cheap property in Japan. First, if you choose an older property, you can save a lot on rent. Even older properties can be renovated and have clean interiors, making them great value for money. Also, properties within a 10-minute walk from the station tend to have higher rents, so you can find cheaper properties by looking for areas that are 15 minutes or more away on foot.

Recommended property search site: "Best Estate"!

Rental sites for foreigners are useful for finding properties in Japan.

In particular, "Best Estate" is a room search site exclusively for foreigners, and is characterized by a wide variety of properties for foreigners and multilingual support. It supports seven languages, so even if you don't understand Japanese, you can search for properties with confidence.

In addition, staff from various countries are available to support you, so you can watch videos and sign contracts even if you are overseas. They can also introduce properties suitable for minors and properties that do not incur penalty fees even if you cancel midway, so their flexible response is an attractive feature.

To start your new life smoothly, use "Best Estate" ! First, check out the property you want here .

What are the average utility and communication costs in Japan?

When living in Japan, utility bills and communication fees are basic expenses that occur every month. Just like rent, these expenses will vary depending on the area you live in and your lifestyle.

Here we will introduce the average costs of utility and communication fees for living alone, as well as tips for saving money.

Monthly electricity, gas and water costs

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' " Household Income and Expenditure Survey: Single-Person Households (2023) ," the average monthly utility bill (electricity, gas, and water) for a single person is 15,654 yen. Specifically, the breakdown is typically as follows:

Average cost of internet and mobile phone

Telecommunications costs include internet access and cell phone usage. Again, this varies depending on the service provider and plan, but here are some general guidelines:

Reference: How much does the internet cost? | Port Co., Ltd.

Tips for saving on utility and communication costs

There are several ways to save money on your energy and communication costs.

First, one of the easiest ways to save on utility bills is to switch electricity and gas companies and switch to a cheaper rate plan. If you choose a combined electricity and gas plan, you will not only receive a set discount, but you will also be able to reduce your utility bills by consolidating your payments, making it easier to manage your household finances.

Another way to save on communication costs is to choose a rental property where the internet fee is included in the rent, so you don't have to pay a separate internet fee. Also, by using a low-cost SIM, you can get a much better deal than the plans of major carriers.

The recommended low-cost SIM is "GTN Mobile"!

GTN Mobile, which is specialized for foreigners, offers multilingual support and simple contract procedures. You can use it with confidence even if you don't speak Japanese, and you can enjoy comfortable internet with a 5G-compatible high-speed network. What's more, you can pay at convenience stores nationwide, so you don't need a credit card!

GTN Mobile offers postpaid and prepaid SIM cards, mobile Wi-Fi, and even flat-rate and unlimited internet services, allowing you to choose the plan that best suits your needs.

To make your life in Japan more comfortable, be sure to check out " GTN Mobile " !

How much does food cost in Japan? The difference between cooking at home and eating out

Food costs are one of the most variable aspects of living expenses. In Japan, the cost of cooking at home and eating out can vary greatly, making it an important point in budget management.

Here we will introduce the difference in cost between cooking at home and eating out, as well as some tips for keeping food costs down.

Which is cheaper: eating out or cooking at home?

In Japan, eating out is convenient and often delicious, but going out frequently can be expensive. For people living alone, the general guideline for the cost of eating out is about 500 yen for breakfast, 800 to 1,000 yen for lunch, and about 2,000 yen for dinner.

For example, a meal at a fast food restaurant or beef bowl chain can cost around 500 yen, but at a ramen shop it's usually around 800 to 1,000 yen, at a restaurant it's 1,500 to 2,000 yen, and at an izakaya it's over 3,000 yen. Compared to cooking at home, eating out tends to be more expensive overall.

On the other hand, if you cook at home, the average monthly food cost for a single person living alone is said to be about 30,000 yen. In particular, buying ingredients in bulk at the supermarket and planning your meals ahead can save you a lot more than eating out. Food prices at Japanese supermarkets are relatively stable, and although there are slight differences depending on the region, they tend to be in the following price ranges:

By taking advantage of business supermarkets (supermarkets where you can purchase large quantities of products at low prices) and sale days, you can purchase ingredients even cheaper and significantly reduce your food expenses.

Tips to save money on food

In order to reduce food costs, it is important to plan your meals and eat out more frequently. Here are some specific tips to save money on food:

By incorporating these ideas, you can effectively manage your monthly food expenses and maintain a satisfying diet while keeping your eating out expenses down.

How much does transportation cost in major cities in Japan?

In Japan, public transportation such as trains and buses is extremely well developed, so it is important to know the transportation costs for your daily travels.

Here we will explain in detail about transportation costs in Japan.

Public transport costs

In Japan, trains and buses are the main means of transportation, and monthly transportation costs vary depending on the distance and frequency of use. For example, the average monthly transportation cost for commuting to work or school within Tokyo's 23 wards is around 13,000 yen. In Osaka and Nagoya, it is similarly likely to cost around 10,000 to 15,000 yen per month.

In particular, if you travel the same route frequently, purchasing a commuter pass can be cheaper than the regular fare and can be purchased in one, three or six month increments.

Taxis are also a commonly used means of transportation in Japan. In Tokyo, the fare is 500 yen for the first kilometer, and 100 yen is added for every 255 meters thereafter. Please note that there are times during the night and early morning when surcharges apply.

Reference: How much does it cost to live alone? What are the average costs for food and electricity? Simulation of the breakdown by income | SUUMO

Other transportation costs

Besides public transportation, there are many other ways to get around, such as bicycles and shared mobility services. Bicycles are very popular in urban areas, and even if you take into account the initial cost of purchasing one (10,000 to 30,000 yen), monthly maintenance costs are almost zero. Additionally, shared bicycle services offered in many cities are a convenient and inexpensive option for short distance travel.

Additionally, LUUP , a sharing service that allows users to rent electric kick scooters and electric bicycles, is also garnering attention. It is particularly convenient for short-distance travel in urban areas, and is also appealing for its environmental friendliness. Using a smartphone app, users can rent a bike from a transportation hub called a "port" and return it to another port, making it easy to use. The fee structure is a basic fee of 50 yen, with an additional 15 yen added for each minute, and payments can be made cashlessly through the app.

Ways to save on transportation costs

Here are some tips to help you save money on transportation in Japan:

By making good use of these methods, you can effectively reduce your daily transportation costs while traveling comfortably.

How much do entertainment and hobbies cost in Japan?

Having a refreshing activity between work or study is essential to improving your quality of life, and in Japan there are many entertainment and hobbies to enjoy.

Here we will provide more details on the costs for each activity.

Major entertainment expenses

We will provide a detailed explanation of the costs of major entertainment options available in Japan, such as movie theaters, gyms, and tourist attractions.

Popular activities for foreigners and their costs

Popular activities for foreigners living in Japan include karaoke, hot spring trips, and experiencing traditional culture.

Tips for saving money on entertainment

Here are some tips to help you keep your entertainment costs down:

Find out about medical and insurance costs in Japan

When living in Japan, medical expenses and health insurance costs are likely to be a concern for foreigners. Japan's medical system is of high quality and is easily accessible to everyone.

Here we will explain the points that foreigners should know about medical expenses and health insurance costs in Japan.

Overview of health insurance and costs

If you are staying in Japan for a medium to long term, you will basically need to enroll in health insurance (national health insurance or social insurance). This will reduce your out-of-pocket medical expenses to around 30%, but if you are not enrolled, you will have to pay the full amount yourself, which can be quite expensive, so be careful.

Reference: National Health Insurance System | Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare

Use of medical facilities and out-of-pocket expenses

In Japan, appointments are often required to see a doctor or receive treatment at a hospital or clinic, and they can be crowded, especially in big cities. If you have health insurance, you will only have to pay 30% of the cost of your medical care or treatment.

Reference: How much does it cost to see an internal medicine doctor? Explanation of initial consultation fees and calculation methods | sokuyaku How much is the daily hospitalization fee (self-pay amount)? | Life Insurance Cultural Center

Medical services and support for foreigners

If you get sick in Japan and can't speak your native language, it can be worrying. Although an increasing number of hospitals in Japan are offering English-language support, not all hospitals do. In such cases, you should definitely use the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) website, which allows you to search for medical institutions by region and language. We recommend using this as a way to prepare for smooth medical care.

Tips for reducing medical expenses

Here are some ways to help lower your medical costs:

5 tips to reduce living expenses in Japan

So far, we have introduced in detail the cost of living alone in Japan and the breakdown of the expenses, but at the end, we will give you five tips for saving money that you can put into practice in your daily life. By following these tips to wisely reduce costs without sacrificing your quality of life, you can make your life in Japan more comfortable.

1. Keep rent and initial costs down

Rent makes up the largest proportion of living expenses in Japan. Therefore, keeping rent down is a major key to reducing overall living expenses. Relatively inexpensive properties can be found in areas a little away from the center, such as Itabashi Ward, Adachi Ward, and Hachioji City in Tokyo, and Hirano Ward and Sumiyoshi Ward in Osaka.

Furthermore, you can significantly reduce your initial costs by choosing a property with no deposit or key money. We also recommend using the rental website for foreigners , Best Estate .

2. Buy in bulk and freeze food to save money on food

Buying ingredients in bulk and freezing them will reduce waste and ultimately lower your food costs. You can also get ingredients at cheaper prices by taking advantage of special sales days and discount coupons at supermarkets.

3. Eco-friendly habits to save on utility bills

In order to reduce utility bills, it is important to review your daily lifestyle habits. By adopting eco-friendly habits such as using air conditioners and lights only when necessary and using electrical appliances in energy-saving mode, you can reduce your monthly expenses.

4. Cut communication costs with low-cost SIM cards

Smartphone plans from major carriers tend to be expensive, but you can significantly reduce your communication costs by using a low-cost SIM. Plans ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 yen will provide you with a sufficient amount of data, and we recommend using a mobile service aimed at foreigners such as GTN Mobile .

5. Use second-hand and thrift stores

When purchasing furniture and home appliances, you can significantly reduce costs by shopping for second-hand goods or at thrift stores. There are many thrift stores and second-hand shopping apps in Japan, so you can get high-quality items at reasonable prices.

summary

The cost of living alone in Japan will vary depending on where you live and your lifestyle, but through this article, we hope you have gotten an idea of the major costs, such as rent, utilities, food, transportation, and entertainment.

You can also reduce your living expenses by following the tips we've introduced in this article and managing your spending wisely. In particular, by cutting fixed costs such as rent, food, and communication fees, you can live a more comfortable and cost-effective life.

Use this article as a reference to help you manage your living expenses well and get started on living comfortably in Japan!