Monthly Cost of Living in Japan for Students (Real Numbers & Tips)

2025/07/21

Moving to Japan was a dream come true—but like many students, I quickly realized that understanding the real cost of living is essential. When I first arrived, I had no idea how much I’d spend on rent, transportation, food, or entertainment. In this blog, I’ll give you a detailed breakdown of my real monthly expenses living as a student in Tokyo, one of the most exciting (and expensive) cities in Japan.

Whether you’re planning your move or just curious, this guide will help you estimate your own monthly budget. These are actual numbers from my daily life, and they might surprise you!

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🏠 Rent and Utilities in Tokyo

Rent is one of the biggest factors in your budget when living in Japan, especially in large cities like Tokyo. Here’s how much I spend on housing and essential bills each month.

How Much I Pay for Rent Each Month

I live alone in a 1K apartment in Setagaya, Tokyo. It’s a small but cozy place, typical for students and young workers in Japan. My monthly rent is ¥65,000 (around $400–450 USD). This includes a management fee, but not utilities.

Living in a share house would be cheaper, starting around ¥35,000 to ¥50,000, but I value privacy and quiet—especially for studying and online meetings.

Utility Bills: Electricity, Water, Gas

Utilities vary with the seasons. In summer and winter, electricity and gas bills go up due to air conditioning and heating. On average, I pay:

• Electricity: ¥4,500
• Gas: ¥2,800
• Water: ¥2,000
• Wi-Fi: ¥4,000

Total utilities: about ¥13,300/month

Not bad, but these numbers can climb during colder months.

Initial Move-In Costs

It’s worth noting that when I first moved in, I paid “key money,” deposit, and agency fees. These can be equivalent to 3–4 months’ rent upfront. It was a big investment, but worth it for peace of mind.

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🍙 Food Expenses in Japan

Food in Japan can be very affordable—or surprisingly expensive—depending on how you shop and eat. Here’s a look at how I balance my meals and budget.

Grocery Shopping at Supermarkets and Convenience Stores

I shop once or twice a week at local supermarkets like Life and OK Store. My average grocery bill is about ¥15,000/month. I focus on:

• Rice, eggs, tofu, and veggies
• Frozen meat or fish
• Packaged curry or pasta
• Milk, granola, and yogurt for breakfast

I also buy snacks and drinks from convenience stores (コンビニ) like 7-Eleven or Lawson, spending around ¥5,000/month.

Eating Out in Tokyo: Affordable or Not?

Eating out in Japan is very tempting—and easy. I usually go out to eat about 6–8 times per month, spending:

• Ramen: ¥900
• Curry: ¥700
• Conveyor belt sushi: ¥1,200
• McDonald’s set: ¥700

Altogether, I spend around ¥8,000/month on eating out.

Cooking at Home to Save Money

Whenever I cook at home, I save money and eat healthier. I prepare bento boxes for school, simple stir-fries, or Japanese-style meals. Cooking also helps me learn Japanese recipes and culture.

Total food expenses: around ¥27,000/month

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🚃 Transportation Costs in Japan

Public transportation is one of Japan’s best features. It’s clean, safe, and punctual—but it adds up over time.

Daily Commute to School

I commute to my language school five times a week. My route includes a 15-minute train ride that costs about ¥280 one way, or ¥560 round trip. That’s about ¥11,000/month with the commuter pass (定期券).

Using IC Cards: Suica and Pasmo

For non-school travel, I use my Suica card for quick access to trains and buses. I usually charge around ¥4,000–¥5,000/month, especially if I go out on weekends.

Tips to Save on Transportation

• Buy a commuter pass for regular routes
• Use a bike for short trips
• Walk when possible—it’s healthy and free!

Total transport cost: about ¥15,000/month

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🎮 Entertainment and Other Essentials

Living in Japan is not just about studying. To enjoy life here, I budget for entertainment, hobbies, and daily essentials.

Streaming, Games, and Leisure

I pay monthly for:

• Netflix: ¥990
• Spotify: ¥980
• Nintendo Switch Online: ¥300
• Chat GPT Premium: ¥3,000

I also buy a new video game every 2–3 months (~¥7,000). If I divide that monthly, I spend about ¥2,300/month on games and media.

Going Out with Friends

Social life is important! I hang out with friends at:

• Karaoke: ¥1,000–¥2,000
• Izakaya (Japanese pub): ¥2,000–¥4,000
• Day trips or events: ¥2,000–¥5,000

Monthly total: around ¥6,000–¥7,000 for fun outings

Toiletries, Laundry, and Miscellaneous

Other monthly essentials:

• Laundry: ¥800 (I use a coin laundry)
• Toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, etc.): ¥1,500
• Phone bill (data SIM card): ¥2,000

Total miscellaneous: about ¥4,300/month

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🧾 Final Monthly Budget Summary

Here’s the total breakdown of my monthly living expenses in Japan:

Category	Monthly Cost (JPY)
Rent	¥65,000
Utilities	¥13,300
Food	¥28,000
Transportation	¥15,000
Entertainment	¥10,000
Miscellaneous	¥4,300
Total	¥135,600 (~$870–910 USD)

This budget works well for me as a student living alone in Tokyo. If you share a room or live in a less central city, your costs could be lower. But Tokyo also offers free events, cheap food, and student discounts—so it’s all about how you spend.

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🌏 Final Thoughts: Living in Japan on a Budget Is Possible

Living in Japan can feel expensive at first, but with smart planning, it’s totally manageable. I’ve learned how to cook, budget, and balance my lifestyle so I can enjoy the best parts of Japan without overspending.

If you’re a future student or digital nomad planning your move, I hope this guide gives you a realistic view of life in Japan—with real numbers, not just estimates.

And remember: even small savings can make a big difference in the long run.