Cost of Living in Tokyo

Is Tokyo expensive?

Tokyo is the 95th most expensive city in the world and the priciest in Japan. For a family of four, monthly costs are around ¥951,720, including ¥519,430 for living expenses and ¥432,290 for rent. A single person's cost of living in Tokyo is about ¥318,407 — with ¥145,735 for living expenses and ¥172,672 for rent.

Compared to other big cities, Tokyo is more affordable. In London, a family of four spends around ¥1,509,359 a month, while a single person pays ¥594,377. Sydney is also more expensive, with monthly costs for a family of four at ¥1,187,513 and ¥476,628 for a single person (Source: Numbeo).

Rent per month

Here's an idea of the average monthly rent in Tokyo, depending on the size and location of the apartment (Source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city center: ¥172,672 (approx. $1,110)
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: ¥90,063 ($580)
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the city center: ¥432,290 ($2,790)
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: ¥188,557 ($1,220)

For expats renting in Tokyo, the market is currently on the rise with rents increasing across the city's 23 wards. In the first quarter of 2024, rents went up by over 4% compared to the previous quarter and more than 5% compared to last year. The central areas like Chuo and Shinjuku saw the biggest jumps in rent. Occupancy rates are high, with more people choosing to rent due to the rising prices of buying property. This trend means expats can expect a rental market with higher costs, but also a greater variety of options, especially for smaller units where demand has grown the most (Source: Savills).

Best areas to live in Tokyo:

• Yokohama — A mix of busy commercial areas and quiet neighborhoods, ideal for families with great support systems.
• Kichijoji — Offers green spaces and a lively community feel, perfect for those seeking a relaxed vibe close to the city.
• Ebisu — Known for its upscale dining and shopping, it provides convenient access to central Tokyo.
• Meguro — A quieter option with trendy cafes and a more laid-back atmosphere.
• Shinagawa — Well-connected with a mix of business and leisure, plus plenty of green spaces.
• Jiyugaoka — Trendy and European-inspired, this area has stylish cafes, bakeries, and larger housing options.
• Musashi Koyama — Central residential area with a good balance of calm and lively, plus affordable rent.
• Futako Tamagawa — Family-friendly riverside living with luxury apartments, parks, and easy city access.
• Seijogakuen Mae — Laid-back with affordable housing, good supermarkets, and just a short train ride to Shibuya.

Up-and-coming areas:

• Kita Senju — Quickly becoming popular for its mix of old and new Tokyo, with ongoing redevelopment.
• Omiya — A growing transportation hub with new developments making it more convenient and livable.
• Tokorozawa — Offers a balance of city life and nature, with new projects attracting more residents.
• Nerima — Suburban feel with good access to green spaces, becoming more family-friendly.
• Wakoshi — Quiet with new developments, attracting people looking for easy city access without the chaos.

Worst neighborhoods to live in Tokyo:

• Shinjuku — Busy nightlife area with a higher crime rate, especially around Kabukicho.
• Roppongi — Known for its nightlife, drug issues, and ties to shady groups; exercise caution here.
• Ikebukuro — High crime rates, particularly around the "West Gate" area; often crowded and chaotic.
• Kamata — Historically associated with crime and delinquency, still considered less safe around the station.

How to find an apartment in Tokyo

Renting in Tokyo as an expat can be tricky due to high upfront costs, language barriers, and strict rental practices. You'll need to pay a lot initially — up to five or six times the monthly rent — which covers the deposit, key money (礼金), agency fees, and sometimes a cleaning fee. Most landlords also require a Japanese guarantor. If you don’t have one, you'll need to use a guarantor company, which adds extra fees. Using foreigner-friendly agencies like GaijinPot and Sakura House can make the process smoother since they offer English-speaking support. However, be aware that even with these agencies, you might face additional hurdles. Not all landlords accept foreigners due to a lack of anti-discrimination laws in Japan, so you might need to approach several listings before finding one that welcomes foreign tenants. Also, be prepared for ongoing costs like maintenance fees and utilities, which can add up to ¥30,000 monthly (roughly $190).

When apartment hunting, you’ll find two main types: "apato" (older, cheaper) and "mansion" (modern with more amenities). Check listings on platforms like Suumo, Chintai, and Real Estate Japan to get an idea of what's available. Keep in mind that not all listings will accept foreign tenants, so it's helpful to filter options that are more foreigner-friendly. Timing is crucial — avoid moving during peak seasons like April and October when demand is high, and landlords are less likely to negotiate fees. To save on rent, look for apartments further from central stations or older buildings (10-20 years old), which are often more affordable, and make sure to understand the lease terms, including renewal fees and the conditions for getting your deposit back.

If you need help finding a place to rent in Tokyo, we're here for you. We can offer a personalized quote or connect you with trusted local partners who have helped others find rentals across the city. Let us make your search easier and stress-free.

Property prices

The average price per square meter to buy an apartment in Tokyo is around (Source: Numbeo):

• City center: ¥1,483,122/sqm
• Outside of the city center: ¥764,985/sqm

Buying property in Tokyo as a foreigner is pretty straightforward since you don't need Japanese citizenship, a visa, or permanent residency. However, there are some things to keep in mind. First, you'll need a registered seal (jitsuin) for signing official documents, which you can get at the local municipal office. While you don’t have to open a Japanese bank account, it’s helpful for things like transferring funds and paying taxes. Having a valid residence card makes the whole process smoother, especially when registering the property. Be aware that some types of land, like "forest" or "agricultural" areas, are off-limits to foreigners, and some condominiums have "foreigner bans."

If you’re thinking about financing, getting a loan from a Japanese bank can be tricky. Most banks prefer you to have a valid visa or permanent residency and a solid credit history in both Japan and your home country. Down payments usually range from 10-30%, but as a foreigner, you might be asked for more. Don't forget about the taxes — besides the property price, you'll pay fixed asset and city planning taxes every year. If you’re renting out your property, you’ll also need to handle income tax. As a non-resident, appointing a tax agent to manage these payments is essential. It’s also smart to work with a real estate agent experienced with foreign buyers and can help guide you through the process.

Utilities

Here’s what utilities are likely to cost you living in Tokyo (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m² apartment: ¥26,967
• Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ Data: ¥3,864
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): ¥4,874

Cut some costs on the utilities to help you with the cost of living in Tokyo:

• Compare utility providers: Use Enechange and Ouchi Direct to find cheaper electricity and gas plans based on your usage.
• Track and manage usage: Download MyTEPCO for electricity or the Tokyo Gas App for gas to keep an eye on your consumption. These apps can help you spot where you might be using too much and make adjustments.
• Automate payments: Some providers offer discounts if you set up automatic payments through credit cards or bank accounts. Use Money Forward ME to track utility bills and manage payments easily, so you don't miss any due dates.
• Get a smart meter: Contact your utility provider to see if you can get a smart meter installed to get real-time info on your energy use, and help you find ways to cut back.
• Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances: If you can, swap out old appliances for energy-efficient ones. This might cost upfront, but it can reduce your electricity use and bills over time. Stores like Yodobashi Camera or Bic Camera offer a range of efficient options.

Public transport

Tokyo's public transport is easy to use once you know the basics. Most people use the extensive subway network which can get you all around the city. Grab a Suica or PASMO card at stations for a 500-yen deposit, or go digital with the Mobile Suica app on your phone. Use HyperDia or Jorudan to plan routes. When using public transport, line up at designated spots, keep your phone on silent, and avoid eating on trains. Women-only cars are available during peak hours. Remember, most trains stop around midnight, so plan late-night travel carefully. For more tips and travel etiquette recommendations, check Go Tokyo.

Tokyo travel ticket (Source: GoTokyo):

• Suica/PASMO: ¥500 deposit for the card, with discounted fares and automatic fare calculation.
• Single journey: from ¥140 (with Suica/PASMO) or higher if using cash.
• Contactless payment: No extra card needed for mobile Suica/PASMO; offers the same fares and daily cap as physical cards.
• Tokyo metro 24-hour ticket: ¥600

• Tokyo subway ticket:

  ◦ 24-hour: ¥800

  ◦ 48-hour: ¥1,200

  ◦ 72-hour: ¥1,500

• Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokunai Pass): ¥750
• One-day pass for buses and trams: Starting from around ¥500
• Narita Express (N’EX) Tokyo round trip ticket: ¥4,000 for a round-trip between Narita Airport and Tokyo.

Taxi (Source: Numbeo):

• Taxi start (normal tariff): ¥500
• Taxi 1 km: ¥440
• Taxi 1 hour waiting: ¥3,789
• From the airport to the city center: ¥5,600 (around $36)

Food

Grocery shopping in Japan offers plenty of options like Maruetsu, Seiyu, and ÆON, with fresh produce and ready-made meals. For discounts, shop in the evenings when bento boxes are marked down — small amounts can add up, and help you with the cost of living in Tokyo. Frequent trips are common due to smaller carts. Join rewards programs like AEON WAON to save money. For international foods, try Kaldi Coffee Farm, Seijo Ishii, or National Azabu. Budget-friendly options include Gyomu Super and OK Store. Remember to bring reusable bags and use translation apps for unfamiliar products. Don’t miss the impressive seafood sections for fresh fish varieties.

Depending on shopping and dietary habits, groceries in Tokyo in a month can cost around (Source: Reddit):

• For a single person: ¥15,000 - ¥40,000
• For a couple: ¥30,000 - ¥80,000
• For a family of four: ¥50,000 - ¥150,000+

Here are some typical grocery items to give you an idea of price (Source: Numbeo)::

• Milk (1 liter): ¥239
• Loaf of fresh white bread (500g): ¥245
• Rice (1kg): ¥571
• Eggs (12): ¥326
• Chicken fillets (1kg): ¥1,090
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): ¥500

Childcare

Licensed daycare (ninka hoikuen) in Tokyo is generally more affordable and provides subsidies based on household income, while unlicensed centers (ninkagai hoikuen) offer more flexibility but can be pricier. Applications for ninka hoikuen are processed through local city halls, and it’s advised to apply early due to high demand. Subsidies for childcare costs are available, with free care for children aged 3-5 — this can be very helpful with the Tokyo cost of living if you have a family. Use mapping tools like "ここでサーチ" (WAM NET) to locate nearby facilities.

Types of childcare in Tokyo with monthly prices (Source: Japan Living Guide):

• Licensed daycare (Ninka Hoikuen): ¥10,000 - ¥60,000 (based on income), age: 0-5 years, subsidized, application through city hall.
• Unlicensed daycare (Ninkagai Hoikuen): ¥40,000 - ¥80,000, age: 0-5 years, more flexible hours, fees vary by facility.
• Certified centers (Nintei Kodomo en): ¥10,000 - ¥60,000 (based on income), age: 0-5 years, combines daycare and kindergarten functions.
• Kindergartens (Yochien): ¥20,000 - ¥60,000, age: 3-5 years, focus on early education, government subsidies available.
• Small-scale childcare (Shokibo Hoiku): ¥20,000 - ¥60,000, age: 0-2 years, limited to 6-19 children, family-like environment.
• Home-style daycare (Hoiku Mama): ¥30,000 - ¥70,000, age: 0-2 years, home-based care, limited capacity.
• Temporary childcare (Ichiji Azukari): ¥500 - ¥2,000/hour, age: 0-5 years, short-term care for specific needs.
• International preschools: ¥100,000 - ¥250,000, age: 0-5 years, English-speaking environment, higher cost.

International yearly school fees (Source: International Schools Database):

• The Innovation Fellowship: ¥2,250,000
• Kohana International School: ¥784,000 - ¥1,034,000
• K. International School Tokyo: ¥2,702,000
• Axis International School: ¥1,795,000 - ¥2,731,000
• Tokyo YMCA International School: ¥2,118,000
• Yokohama International School: ¥2,775,000 - ¥3,500,000
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: ¥2,181,666 (roughly $14,100)