Cost of Living & Budget Planner for Japan
Plan your monthly budget in Japan — rent, utilities, food, transport and insurance, with realistic numbers.
First Months Budget
How much it really costs to set up life in Japan
Total Estimate
This is the estimated total for your first 2-3 months in Japan, depending on city, lifestyle, and housing choices. Tokyo will be at the higher end; regional cities can be significantly cheaper.
Housing Costs
Renting an apartment in Japan involves several upfront costs beyond the first month's rent. These are typically the largest expense when settling in.
Shikikin (Deposit)
1-2 months rent
Refundable deposit returned when you move out, minus cleaning and repair costs. Some apartments offer 0 shikikin but may charge higher rent.
Reikin (Key Money)
0-1 month rent
Non-refundable gift to the landlord. Increasingly, apartments in competitive areas offer 0 reikin to attract tenants.
First month rent
Typical range for a 1K/1R apartment in Tokyo's 23 wards. Outside Tokyo, expect ¥30,000-¥60,000. You may also pay partial rent for the move-in month.
Agency fee (chukai tesuryo)
1 month rent
Commission paid to the real estate agency. Legally capped at 1 month rent + tax. Some agencies offer half-month or zero-fee deals.
Guarantor company (hosho gaisha)
0.5 – 1 month rent
Required instead of a personal guarantor (rentai hoshonin). Most foreigners will need this. Some charge annual renewal fees of ¥10,000-¥20,000.
Lock change (kagi kokan)
Standard security measure when a new tenant moves in. The fee is usually non-negotiable and paid upfront.
Fire insurance (kasai hoken)
¥15,000 – ¥20,000/year
Mandatory renter's insurance covering fire and water damage. Typically a 2-year contract paid upfront. Some landlords require a specific provider.
Furniture & Appliances
Most Japanese apartments come unfurnished — no fridge, no washer, no light fixtures. Budget for essential appliances and furniture.
Washing machine
A basic single-tub washer is sufficient for one person. Look for secondhand options on Jimoty, Mercari, or at recycle shops.
Refrigerator
A compact 2-door fridge (140-170L) fits most 1K apartments. New ones start around ¥30,000; secondhand from ¥10,000.
Futon or bed
A futon set (mattress + comforter) from Nitori starts at ¥10,000. A basic bed frame + mattress runs ¥20,000-¥30,000.
Microwave
Essential for daily life. Basic models start at ¥5,000. Microwave-oven combos that can grill and bake run ¥15,000+.
Rice cooker
Not strictly necessary but very common. A 3-cup model is perfect for one person. Basic models are ¥3,000 at any electronics store.
SIM & Phone
You will need a Japanese phone number for bank accounts, services, and daily life. Budget-friendly options are available from day one.
Monthly SIM plan
¥1,000 – ¥5,000/month
MVNOs like IIJmio, Povo, and LINEMO offer data-only plans from ¥1,000/month. Plans with voice calls start around ¥1,500-¥3,000.
Phone (if needed)
Bring your unlocked phone from home to save money. If you need a new one, budget smartphones start at ¥15,000. Refurbished iPhones from ¥25,000.
We recommend Sakura Mobile — from ~¥2,980/mo, no bank account needed
Transport
Public transport is the main way to get around in Japanese cities. A commuter pass can save significant money if you commute daily.
Commuter pass (tsukin teiki)
Varies by route
A monthly pass for your commute route can save 30-50% vs. individual tickets. 3-month and 6-month passes offer additional discounts. Your employer may reimburse this.
IC card (Suica/PASMO) deposit
A refundable deposit for your transit IC card. You can also use a digital Suica/PASMO on your smartphone for free.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in Japan. As a new resident, you will be enrolled in National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) until your employer's plan kicks in.
National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken)
¥15,000 – ¥30,000/month
Monthly premiums are based on your previous year's income. New arrivals with no Japanese income history typically pay the minimum rate. Covers 70% of medical costs.
Living Expenses
Monthly recurring costs for food, utilities, and daily necessities. These will be your ongoing expenses after the initial setup.
Food & groceries
¥30,000 – ¥50,000/month
Cooking at home is cheapest — supermarkets mark down bento and fresh items in the evening. Eating out daily can easily double this budget.
Utilities (gas, electric, water)
¥10,000 – ¥15,000/month
Average for a 1K apartment. Electricity is the biggest cost, especially in summer (AC) and winter (heating). Water is billed every 2 months.
Money-Saving Tips
Sayonara sales
Expats leaving Japan often sell furniture and appliances at a fraction of the price. Check local Facebook groups, Craigslist Tokyo, and Jimoty for deals.
Recycle shops (risaikuru shoppu)
Chains like Hard Off, 2nd Street, and Treasure Factory sell secondhand appliances, furniture, and electronics in excellent condition at 30-70% off retail.
100-yen shops (Daiso, Seria, Can Do)
Stock up on kitchen utensils, cleaning supplies, storage containers, and basic home goods for ¥100 each. Quality has improved dramatically in recent years.
Share houses save on upfront costs
Share houses typically require no shikikin, no reikin, and no guarantor — saving ¥200,000+ in upfront costs. They come furnished and include utilities. Great for your first 3-6 months.
Move-in costs
Monthly expenses
Last verified:
Source: e-Stat / Government of Japan
Select cities to compare (up to 3)
Estimated Monthly Total
Rent (Studio / 1K)
Average monthly rent for a studio or 1K apartment
Food & Groceries
Groceries, lunch sets, and occasional dining out
Monthly commuter pass and occasional trips
Utilities
Electricity, gas, water, internet, and mobile phone
National Health Insurance (NHI) monthly contribution
Leisure & Entertainment
Outings, subscriptions, gym, and entertainment
Tokyo
Osaka
Yokohama
Nagoya
Fukuoka
Sapporo
Kyoto
Kobe
Sendai
Hiroshima
Negotiable
With kids? Budget for these too
…but the benefits below offset a lot of it: