A must-read for foreigners looking for rental properties in Tokyo! Average rent prices by area and tips for finding a property

When searching for a rental property in Tokyo, choosing an area has a big impact not only on the rent but also on your lifestyle. In particular, if you are a foreigner considering living in Tokyo, it is important to know which area is suitable for you and what the average rent is.

In this article, we will explain the average rent in each of Tokyo's major areas and some useful points to consider when searching for a property.

What is the average rent in Tokyo? Check the market price!

Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities in Japan for rent, and the average rent is particularly high in the city center, where there are many luxury properties. Rent varies depending on the size of the property, age of the building, distance from the station, and the popularity of the area.

Below is a rough guide to the average rent for rental properties in Tokyo.

Reference: 全国統計データ｜ハトマークサイト

Average rent in Tokyo by area

Average rent in Tokyo varies greatly depending on the area, so choose a place that suits your budget and lifestyle.

Here we will introduce the characteristics of areas and average rent prices for three price ranges, from luxury areas to reasonable areas.

1. Luxury areas (areas with high rents)

Minato Ward

Minato Ward is an area with particularly high rents in Tokyo, and is home to business districts and high-end residential areas, making it popular with foreigners. The average rent for a one-room apartment is 136,300 yen, the highest in Tokyo, and for a 1LDK it is 322,500 yen, far exceeding other areas. Another feature is the well-established international living environment in areas such as Roppongi and Aoyama.

Chuo Ward

Chuo Ward includes high-end commercial areas such as Ginza and Nihonbashi, and rents are on the higher side in Tokyo. The average rent for a studio is 94,000 yen, and for a 1LDK it is 182,600 yen, so it is close to 200,000 yen. It has good transport links and is recommended for those who want a sophisticated urban lifestyle.

Chiyoda Ward

Chiyoda Ward is located in the center of Tokyo, and is an area where government agencies and large corporate offices are concentrated. The average rent for a studio is 101,600 yen, and for a 1LDK it is 292,900 yen, making it the second highest after Minato Ward. With its upscale streetscape, it is the perfect area for those who value status.

2. Mid-range area (area with medium rent)

Shibuya Ward

Shibuya Ward is known as a city for young people and businesses, and although it is located in the city center, it has many parks and libraries, making it a great place to live. The average rent for a studio apartment is 93,500 yen, lower than Minato Ward and Chiyoda Ward, and 226,900 yen for a 1LDK, the third most expensive in Tokyo. The areas around Shibuya and Daikanyama are popular with those seeking a fashionable lifestyle.

Shinjuku Ward

Although Shinjuku Ward is located in the center of Tokyo, rent is a little more affordable than in Minato Ward or Shibuya Ward, with the average rent for a studio being 71,300 yen and 1LDK being 143,700 yen. It is one of the busiest areas in Tokyo, has plenty of commercial facilities, and has good transportation access, making it the area with the most foreign residents.

Meguro Ward

Meguro Ward has many calm residential areas and a stylish atmosphere with abundant greenery, making it a popular place to live. The average rent for a one-room apartment is 72,100 yen, which is cheaper than Shibuya Ward, and 1LDK is 199,800 yen, which is more expensive than Chuo Ward. It is recommended for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city in a quiet environment.

3. Reasonably priced area (area with low rent)

Itabashi Ward

Itabashi Ward is a little far from the city center, but the average rent is reasonable at 56,200 yen for a studio apartment and 95,900 yen for a 1LDK. It has good access to terminal stations, and has about 300 parks and 100 shopping streets, making it a city that combines convenience with nature. It's perfect for people who value value for money.

Adachi Ward

Adachi Ward is rich in water and greenery, has a low cost of living, and has a reputation for being an easy place to live. The average rent is 62,300 yen for a studio apartment and 80,800 yen for a 1LDK, which is more affordable than in the city center, and there are multiple train lines running through the area, making it easy to access the city center. In recent years, the housing environment has improved, making it a popular area for foreigners.

Katsushika Ward

Katsushika ward has the cheapest average rent among the 23 wards, with a one-room apartment costing 54,700 yen and a one-bedroom apartment costing 75,300 yen. It borders Chiba and Saitama prefectures, making it convenient to travel to other prefectures. It is known as a city where it is easy to raise children, and is a recommended area for families and foreigners on a budget.

reference:
全国統計データ｜ハトマークサイト(average rent as of October 28, 2024)
外国人人口　令和6年｜東京都の統計

Tips for finding a property in Tokyo

When looking for a property in Tokyo, it is important to consider not only the rent but also other conditions. Here are the main points to keep in mind when looking for a property where foreigners can live comfortably.

1. Points to consider when choosing a property

・Layout and size

There are many compact properties in central Tokyo, so if you are looking for space, consider the suburbs. If you are living alone, a one-room apartment or 1K apartment is the norm.

・Distance from station

Rent varies greatly depending on the distance from the station. Apartments within a 10-minute walk are popular and expensive, but apartments within 15 to 20 minutes are relatively inexpensive.

Age of building

Newly built properties tend to have higher rent but are well equipped. On the other hand, older properties tend to have lower rent but are often renovated. When viewing a renovated property, it is a good idea to check the noise and water pressure.

2. Services and support for foreigners

・Multilingual support

If you use a real estate agency that offers multilingual support, even those who are not confident in their Japanese can search for properties with peace of mind.

・Online viewing and contract

By using a service that allows you to view properties and sign contracts online from overseas, you can prepare to move in before you travel.

・Flexible contract terms

Properties with no penalty fees and few contract period restrictions are perfect for foreigners as they are easy to adapt to changes in lifestyle.

3. Required Procedures and Documents

・Guarantor and initial costs

The number of properties where you can use a guarantee company instead of a guarantor is increasing. The initial fee is roughly 4 to 6 months' rent, and please note that the key money is not refundable.

Required documents

The following documents are required when renting a property:

When searching for an apartment, be sure to have these documents ready in advance in preparation for signing the contract.

Reference: 【永久保存版】日本でアパートを借りるために、どんな書類が必要ですか？

3 recommended property search sites for foreigners

When searching for a property in Tokyo, it is better to use a property search site that caters to foreigners or has multilingual support, as this will make the process smoother and allow you to find your ideal home.

Here we will introduce three property search websites that are especially recommended for foreigners.

1. Best Estate

"Best-Estate" is a room-finding website specializing in foreigners, and has a wide selection of properties for foreigners. It supports seven languages and has multilingual staff on-site, so you can use it with peace of mind. In addition, it is possible to sign a contract even if you are overseas, so it is attractive that you can move in as soon as you arrive in Japan. In addition, it introduces properties with no penalty fees, so it is very convenient for foreigners looking for a property in Tokyo for the first time.

Click here for more details!

2. GaijinPot Apartments

"GaijinPot Apartments" is a room-hunting website that lists many properties aimed at foreigners. In addition to property information, it also lists information on real estate companies that can deal with foreigners, so you can search for properties with peace of mind. The site is available in Japanese, English, and Chinese, so you should be able to use it without feeling any language barriers.

Click here for more details!

3. Sakura House

Sakura House offers monthly rentals, shared houses, apartments, and guest houses exclusively for foreigners. With over 1,000 rooms and beds in about 100 locations in Tokyo and Kyoto, the attractive feature is the accommodation service that you can choose according to the purpose of your stay. In addition, there are foreigner-friendly furnished apartments and shared houses, so you can live comfortably.

Click here for more details!

summary

For foreigners looking for rental properties in Tokyo, choosing the right area is very important. Rent is higher in central Tokyo, such as Minato Ward and Chiyoda Ward, but there are also more affordable properties in more remote areas, such as Itabashi Ward and Katsushika Ward. In addition to rent, it is easier to find a home that suits you by checking the distance from the station, the size of the room, the age of the building, and whether or not there is multilingual support.

Use this article as a reference and start searching for your ideal property!