Cost of Living in Japan

Written by Dr. Yogendra Puranik ‘Yogi’ on April 20, 2026

As more foreigners arrive in Japan, there is increasing curiosity about the cost of living. Japan offers a high quality of life, which also comes with relatively higher expenses. Below is a practical breakdown of key cost considerations.

Housing

If you plan to work in the central part of Tokyo, you may consider living in high-quality apartments offered by Urban Renaissance (UR), a semi-government organization, in areas such as Nishi-Kasai, Seishincho, Funabori, and Komatsugawa (in Edogawa City), or Higashi-Ojima and Nishi-Ojima (in Koto City).

A 1DK apartment in these large-scale residential complexes typically costs around JPY 80,000 per month, while a 2LDK may cost around JPY 120,000. A 4LDK could cost around JPY 160,000, depending on the area and building condition. A security deposit equivalent to one month’s rent is usually required. If you plan to work in the southern part of Tokyo, you may consider areas such as Tsurumi, Kawasaki, or Shinagawa.

If you opt for private housing, rents may appear lower initially. However, additional costs such as key money (typically one month’s rent), agent fees (one month’s rent), and guarantor fees (one month’s rent) must be considered.

Childcare and Education

Indian international schools cost approximately JPY 75,000 to JPY 150,000 per child per month. Other international schools, such as Canadian or American schools, may cost between JPY 200,000 and JPY 400,000 per child per month. Additional expenses may include transportation and extracurricular activities. Some Indian schools also offer nursery and kindergarten services.

A private nursery might cost more than JPY 70,000 per child per month. Public nursery services are available only if both parents are working. Children aged three and above can attend public kindergartens near their residence. Children aged six and above can enroll in public primary schools. 

Public childcare and schooling are largely free. You may consider sending your child to a Japanese public school until grade 3 or 4, as this helps in learning the local language and social etiquette. This is highly recommended for families planning a long-term stay in Japan.

Food and Daily Necessities

The cost of food in central Tokyo is roughly JPY 50,000 per month for one person if meals are prepared at home. A lunch outside typically costs between JPY 600 and JPY 1,500. Vegetarian food options may be slightly more expensive. For a family of three to four, a monthly food budget of JPY 70,000 to 80,000 is reasonable. A simple family dinner at a restaurant may cost around JPY 10,000.

Utilities

Utility charges for electricity, water, and gas for one person are around JPY 12,000 per month. These costs may increase during summer and winter due to air conditioning and heating usage. For a family of three to four, utility expenses may rise to approximately JPY 20,000 per month.

Mobile and internet

Japan has two types of mobile carriers. Major carriers such as Docomo, SoftBank, and AU are relatively expensive, costing more than JPY 10,000 per device per month. Budget carriers such as Y!Mobile and Rakuten Mobile cost around JPY 5,000 per month. Home internet services typically cost around JPY 5,000 per month and offer stable and high-speed connectivity. Individuals may also consider using pocket Wi-Fi devices.

Car and bike

You can either convert your overseas driving license to a Japanese license or obtain a new one by attending a driving school. The latter requires formal training and testing. Owning a car in Japan is expensive. Costs include periodic inspections (shaken), insurance, maintenance, and parking. The total monthly cost for a large car may be around JPY 25,000, excluding parking. Parking alone may cost around JPY 20,000 per month. For a small car or a bike, the costs are lower, but still significant.

Local travel and outing

Most residents will naturally wish to explore Japan. A monthly budget of at least JPY 20,000 is recommended for an individual. For families, this may increase to around JPY 40,000 per month, depending on travel frequency and lifestyle.

Home visits

Many residents travel back to India once a year. Budgeting for airfare, gifts, and related expenses is important. Costs will vary depending on the travel season. I advise planning and booking tickets at least three to four months in advance.

Medical expenses

Residents are covered either by employer-provided social insurance or by the national health insurance system. Generally, about 70% of medical costs are covered, and individuals pay the remaining 30%. For high-cost treatments or hospitalization, caps and support systems are available based on your income group, which reduces the financial burden. Low-income individuals may receive additional assistance.

Building a network

As the founder of the All-Japan Association of Indians (AJAI), I strongly recommend building a network. Networking plays a crucial role in finding cost-effective solutions for legal, medical, housing, and daily life needs in Japan. 

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