Cost of Living in Japan: 2025 Complete Breakdown
One of the most common questions foreigners ask before moving to Japan is: "How much does it cost to live there?" The answer depends heavily on where you live and your lifestyle, but here's a realistic breakdown.
Monthly Costs Overview (Single Person)
| Category | Tokyo | Osaka | Regional City |
| Rent (1K–1LDK) | ¥70,000–¥120,000 | ¥50,000–¥80,000 | ¥30,000–¥55,000 |
| Utilities | ¥10,000–¥15,000 | ¥8,000–¥12,000 | ¥7,000–¥10,000 |
| Food | ¥40,000–¥60,000 | ¥35,000–¥50,000 | ¥30,000–¥45,000 |
| Transport | ¥10,000–¥15,000 | ¥8,000–¥12,000 | ¥5,000–¥10,000 |
| Phone | ¥3,000–¥8,000 | ¥3,000–¥8,000 | ¥3,000–¥8,000 |
| Health Insurance | ¥15,000–¥25,000 | ¥15,000–¥25,000 | ¥12,000–¥20,000 |
| Total | ¥148,000–¥243,000 | ¥119,000–¥187,000 | ¥87,000–¥148,000 |
Housing
Housing is typically the biggest expense. Key things to know:
- Key money (礼金): 1–2 months' rent, non-refundable "thank you" to the landlord
- Deposit (敷金): 1–2 months' rent, partially refundable
- Agency fee: Usually 1 month's rent
- Guarantor company: ¥15,000–¥30,000/year if you don't have a Japanese guarantor
Food & Groceries
Eating in Japan can be surprisingly affordable:
- Convenience store meal: ¥400–¥700
- Gyudon chain (Yoshinoya, Matsuya): ¥400–¥600
- Ramen shop: ¥700–¥1,200
- Supermarket weekly groceries: ¥5,000–¥8,000
- Nice restaurant dinner: ¥2,000–¥5,000
- Shop at supermarkets after 7 PM for 20–50% discounts on bento and fresh items
- Use apps like Tabelog for lunch set deals (ランチセット) — often half the dinner price
- Cook at home — rice, seasonal vegetables, and tofu are very cheap
Transportation
Japan's public transport is world-class but costs add up:
- Monthly commuter pass: ¥8,000–¥15,000 (tax deductible if employer provides)
- Bicycle: One-time ¥10,000–¥30,000 — saves a fortune in daily transport
- Car: Generally unnecessary in cities, expensive (parking alone ¥20,000–¥40,000/month in Tokyo)
Health Insurance
All residents must enroll in either:
- National Health Insurance (国保): For self-employed, freelancers — based on income
- Employee Health Insurance (社保): Through your employer — split 50/50 with company
Taxes
- Income tax: 5–45% progressive (most foreigners pay 5–20%)
- Resident tax: ~10% of income (billed June following year — save for this!)
- Consumption tax: 10% (8% on groceries)
Bottom Line
A comfortable single lifestyle in Tokyo costs around ¥200,000–¥250,000/month (roughly $1,400–$1,750 USD). Outside major cities, you can live well on ¥150,000/month. Japan is not as expensive as many people think — it's about knowing where to save.
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