When we want to live in Japan, the first thing we ask ourselves is,“How much does it cost to live comfortably in Japan?”

The minimum is about 130,000 yen per month, but here we’ll tell you what the daily cost of living in Japan is and include tips on how to save money and enjoy your time better!

We recommend that you calculate your potential expenses in Japan ahead of time, whether you’re going to work or to study Japanese, especially if you plan to live alone. If you don’t balance what you earn and what you spend, you’ll find yourself living very tightly.

Below, I’ll show you a breakdown of the average cost of living in Japan with the bare minimum. I’ll also talk a bit about the average expenses and incomes of foreign students who decide to move to Japan, and if you’re one of them, I’ll share some ideas on how to save money effectively. Check out this article if you’re thinking about moving to Japan.

It’s important to note that living costs will vary depending on which part of the country you reside in. For instance, if you live in a major city like Tokyo, the costs will be higher, primarily due to the added expense of housing in such a central location. However, if you move to regions like Kyushu, Shikoku, or Tohoku, you’ll be able to save a significant amount of money.

According to a survey titled “Household Budget Survey” conducted by the Statistics Bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, which compiled household income and expenditure data for the period from January to December 2021, the average expenditure for a single person was around 132,962 yen. It’s important to clarify that this amount includes utilities, food, and entertainment, but not rent.

The average cost is calculated for someone living alone. With that in mind, the average food expenses are 28,051 yen. It’s important to maintain a good diet to avoid health risks.

Monthly utility expenses are around 11,421 yen. Keep in mind that your electricity bill can reach 5,491 yen, while your gas bill can be around 2,948 yen. These costs can vary depending on the season, as you might use the air conditioning more often in the summer, increasing your electricity bill, while in the winter, you’ll use more gas to keep warm, raising your gas bill.

These expenses are hard to save on as they are a necessity.

The average health insurance cost is 7,480 yen, and 2,000 yen if you are a student.

Japan has implemented a universal health insurance system that allows foreigners with a residence card in Japan to join a plan. When using hospital services, the insurance covers 70% of the total cost, meaning you only have to pay 30% of the medical expenses.

On average, living alone, you can spend around 4,736 yen monthly on clothing. You can save in this area by investing in high-quality clothing that lasts longer or by opting for fast fashion.

This is an area where you can try to save as much as possible since, while dressing is a basic need, having many different outfits, accessories, or shoes is not.

Data shows that, on average, a person living alone spends around 7,089 yen on communication.

While it’s a necessary service, you can save money by choosing the right plan. Pay close attention to all the options provided by the companies to select the one that best suits your income, with plans starting from 1,500 yen per month.

Getting around has its costs. While there are free ways to do it, like walking or investing in a bicycle, depending on the distances and the weather, you might not always be able to use these options.

A good idea would be to rent your home near your workplace or school.

Another good saving option if you frequently use public transport is to buy a commuter pass. The average spending is estimated at 2,832 yen per person.

This expense should be one of the easiest to reduce since it’s related to leisure. The average cost is around 16,485 yen.

There are many free activities in the city; not every outing needs to be expensive. Japan is full of beautiful parks to visit, and even just walking around the city can be a lovely experience.

When we talk about entertainment, we include travel costs, movie tickets, shows, dining out, etc.

We recommend that while you try to save in this area by avoiding unnecessary expenses, don’t forget to have some fun and go out occasionally to enjoy life. Not everything is about work, study, and saving.

This is one of the most significant expenses. Renting a room, house, or apartment can have a substantial impact on your budget.

On average, a person can spend around 80,000 yen on rent.

A more economical option is a share house, where you can find rooms starting at 40,000 yen per month.

These types of housing give you a private room and shared spaces like the bathroom, kitchen, and living room, making it a good option if you want to save a lot of money.

A detailed breakdown of living expenses in Japan for a salaried employee:

• Accommodation
  • Monthly rent in the city center for a one-bedroom apartment: ¥45,000 – ¥120,000 ($285 – $1,110)
  • Monthly rent outside the city center: ¥20,000 – ¥80,000 ($126 – $740)
• Utilities (water, electricity, gas, internet)
  • Monthly average: ¥8,000 – ¥20,000 ($50 – $185)
• Food
  • Groceries (monthly): ¥30,000 – ¥50,000 ($275 – $460)
  • Eating out occasionally:
    • Fast food: ¥700 – ¥1,000 ($6.50 – $9.25) per meal
    • Cheap restaurant: ¥800 – ¥1,500 ($7.40 – $13.90) per meal
    • Mid-range restaurant: ¥3,000 – ¥6,000 ($28 – $55) per meal
• Transport
  • Monthly public transport pass: ¥10,000 – ¥15,000 ($92 – $140)
  • Taxi (base fare): ¥500 – ¥700 ($4.60 – $6.50)
• Entertainment and leisure
  • Gym: ¥8,000 – ¥12,000 ($74 – $110) per month
  • Cinema: ¥1,800 – ¥2,000 ($17 – $18.50) per ticket
  • Night out: ¥3,000 – ¥5,000 ($28 – $46) per outing
• Other expenses
  • Clothing: ¥5,000 – ¥15,000 ($46 – $140) per month
  • Health insurance: ¥20,000 – ¥30,000 ($185 – $275) per month, depending on the plan

The average monthly net salary for an employee in Tokyo is approximately ¥300,000 – ¥400,000 ($2,775 – $3,700). This should be enough to cover all the expenses described above.

Accommodation: This is the most significant expense, especially if you choose to live in the city center. While living in more remote areas can save on housing costs, it will increase travel expenses and commute times.

Utilities and transport: These are usually fixed expenses and can be managed effectively within your budget. Tokyo has a highly efficient public transport system, making it an excellent option for getting around the city.

Food: The best way to save is by cooking at home. Although eating out is quite affordable in most places, some restaurants can be expensive, so it’s best to check the menu before entering.

Leisure and entertainment: Tokyo offers a wide range of entertainment options, so you can quickly accumulate expenses. Workers tend to balance expensive outings with more affordable activities like visiting parks or temples.

A detailed breakdown of living expenses in Japan for a student:

• Accommodation
  • University dormitory: ¥30,000 – ¥60,000 ($275 – $550) per month
  • Shared apartment: ¥40,000 – ¥80,000 ($370 – $740) per month
• Utilities
  • Electricity, water, gas, internet: ¥10,000 – ¥15,000 ($90 – $140) per month
• Food
  • Monthly groceries (cooking at home): ¥20,000 – ¥30,000 ($180 – $275)
  • Eating out (occasionally): ¥15,000 – ¥25,000 ($140 – $230)
• Transport
  • Monthly transport pass (for students): ¥10,000 – ¥15,000 ($90 – $140)
• Materials and School Fees
  • Books and materials: ¥5,000 – ¥10,000 ($45 – $90) per month
  • University fees: Approximately ¥500,000 – ¥1,000,000 ($4,600 – $9,200) per year, depending on the institution and program
• Entertainment and Other Expenses
  • Recreational activities: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 ($90 – $180) per month
  • Personal shopping and other: ¥5,000 – ¥10,000 ($45 – $90) per month

The minimum wage for a part-time student job is approximately 130,000 yen.

Being a foreign student in Tokyo can be an exciting and wonderful experience, but it can also be expensive. Students often choose to live in university dormitories or shared apartments to reduce rent costs. They also save money by cooking at home daily but occasionally enjoy the wide range of culinary options Japan offers. In addition to these basic expenses, you must consider the cost of materials and school fees, which vary depending on the chosen program and institution.

Now you should have an idea of what it costs to live in Tokyo. This country offers many opportunities to immerse yourself in its culture, enjoy unique recreational activities, and build a network of professional contacts and friends, living a one-of-a-kind experience.

By creating a budget plan and managing your finances well, you can enjoy everything this city offers without compromising your quality of life.

The Japanese system is designed so that even a student can live independently. How you manage your money depends on your lifestyle. It’s easy to create a budget and set aside money for unexpected situations or to enjoy occasional outings.

Pro Tip: Keep in mind that the way you manage your money may differ from others, depending on your goals. Keep up with inflation trends, currency exchange rates, and opportunities that could benefit your budget. Take control of your finances, and live comfortably in Japan.