Japan
Cost of Living in Tokyo
Cost-saving tips: • 100-yen shops (Daiso, Seria, Can Do) for household basics • Discount supermarkets: Gyomu Super, OK Store (20-50% cheaper) • Evening discounts: 50% off prepared foods after 7-8pm • Recycle shops (Hard Off, 2nd Street) for furniture • UR Housing: No key money, no guarantor, no agency fees • Search "初期費用ゼロ" (zero initial costs) on GaijinPot
Monthly Total
$3,381
$59,168
Housing (1BR Mid-range)
$1,610
Daily Spend (ex. rent)
$59
Based on a typical expat lifestyle: 1BR furnished apartment, mix of cooking/eating out, rideshare transportation, moderate entertainment. Last updated: 1/12/2026.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Housing (Rent)
1BR furnished apartment in mid-range neighborhood
$1,610
$28,175
Utilities
Electric, water, gas, and internet
$220
$3,850
Groceries
Groceries from supermarkets
$350
$6,125
Dining Out
Mix of casual restaurants, ~12 meals/month
$144
$2,520
Transportation
Rideshare (Uber/Didi), ~30 rides/month
$450
$7,875
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Entertainment, occasional cleaning service
$367
$6,423
Healthcare
Basic private health insurance
$150
$2,625
Phone & Subscriptions
Phone plan and streaming subscriptions
$90
$1,575
Monthly Total
$3,381
$59,168
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
Cost estimates are great for budgeting, but real coverage protects you when something goes wrong.
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Living in Tokyo
Tokyo is the most expensive city in Japan but offers the best expat amenities and job opportunities. The weak yen has made it more affordable for those earning in USD.
Frequently Asked Questions
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