Living Costs in Tokyo, Osaka, and the Rest of Japan - a guide for international students and professionals
- romagorman0511max
- Apr 20
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 27
Are you looking to move to Japan to chase your dreams? Whether it’s the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, the vibrant culture of Osaka, or the more relaxed pace of smaller cities, understanding the living costs is essential for planning your new life. Japan offers a high standard of living, robust public infrastructure, and unique cultural experiences—but the price of daily life may vary depending on where you decide to settle. Below, we’ll break down monthly expenses such as rent, transportation, food, and miscellaneous costs, giving you a broad idea of how much you should expect to pay in Tokyo, Osaka, and other parts of Japan.
1. Living Cost in Tokyo
Overview
Tokyo is Japan’s capital and largest city, boasting a population of over 14 million in the metropolitan area. It’s a global center for business, technology, and culture—home to numerous world-class universities, corporate headquarters, and job opportunities for both local and international talent.
Despite the higher costs, Tokyo’s appeal lies in its convenience - extensive public transportation network, and constant buzz of activity. Whether you’re studying in Shinjuku, interning in Shibuya, or exploring the quieter residential districts in the west of Tokyo, you’ll find that every corner has something unique to offer.
Housing
Share House or Dormitory: Expect to pay around ¥60,000–¥100,000 per month for a room in a shared house or a university dormitory. Share houses can be a great way to meet people quickly, and they often come furnished with communal areas, which reduces your initial setup costs.
Small Apartment (1R or 1K): Rents typically range from ¥80,000–¥120,000 per month, depending on the neighborhood, the building’s age and build (wooden apartments tend to be cheaper while reinforced concrete tends to be more expensive) , and proximity to a train station. Apartments closer to central districts (e.g., Shibuya, Shinjuku, Minato) tend to be more expensive.
Key Money and Deposits: Japan’s rental system can include shikikin (deposit) and reikin (key money, a non-refundable “gift” to the landlord). These fees can add up to 2–4 months’ rent upfront, so it’s essential to budget for them or look for properties that waive or discount these traditional fees.
Transportation
Train and Subway Pass: Budget around ¥10,000–¥15,000 per month for a standard commuter pass, which is typically tied to a specific route (e.g., from your nearest station to your workplace or university). Tokyo’s transportation system is incredibly efficient, with trains and subways running regularly, even late into the evening.
Tip: If you can live within walking or biking distance of your main destination, you’ll save a significant amount on monthly transit. Bicycles are relatively inexpensive, and the city has been gradually improving bike lanes and parking availability. Parking for bikes tend to be pretty affordable - from 100 yen every few hours.
Food
Groceries: Cooking at home is a big money-saver in Tokyo. You can manage on ~¥30,000 per month if you shop at discount supermarkets and plan your meals. Larger supermarket chains often run end-of-day sales, where bentos and fresh produce are discounted.
Eating Out: Quick, budget-friendly meals can start from ¥500–¥800 at chain restaurants where they serve quick foods (Gyudon, Soba, etc). However, dining in central commercial areas or visiting more upscale restaurants can exceed ¥1,000～¥2,000 per meal. If you enjoy sampling various cuisines, keep an eye on lunch specials, which are often cheaper than dinner.
Utilities and Miscellaneous
Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): Plan on about ¥10,000 per month, though it may rise during winter (for heating) or summer (for air conditioning). Utility rates can vary between providers, and some apartments bundle utilities at a fixed monthly rate.
Phone & Internet: Mobile phone and internet plans typically run ¥3,000–¥7,000 per month. Consider smaller carriers (MVNOs like IIJmio, Rakuten Mobile, or Y!mobile) for more affordable plans.
Leisure & Entertainment: Tokyo offers endless leisure activities, from karaoke to theme cafes to live concerts. Plan on ¥15,000–¥20,000 per month if you intend to go out regularly.
Estimated Monthly Total
On a Student Budget: ¥120,000 – ¥150,000
Comfortable Single Lifestyle: ¥150,000 – ¥200,000+
Given the high cost of housing and transportation, Tokyo can quickly become expensive, but many students find ways to save by sharing rooms, living further from central districts, or relying on part-time work to offset monthly expenses.
2. Living Cost in Osaka
Overview
Osaka, Japan’s second largest city and the largest city in the Kansai region (Western half of Japan), is famous for its vibrant food scene (think takoyaki and okonomiyaki), friendly locals, and a slightly lower cost of living compared to Tokyo. Known as “the nation’s kitchen,” Osaka has a rich history of merchant culture and a reputation for outgoing, warm-hearted people who appreciate a good sense of humor.
For international students and professionals, Osaka offers big-city excitement without quite the same price tag as Tokyo. The city is also close to cultural landmarks like Kyoto and Nara, making it an ideal hub for exploring the Kansai region.
Housing
Share House or Dormitory: Ranging from around ¥50,000–¥70,000 per month, these options are popular among students who want a social living environment. Many shared houses in Osaka come with communal kitchens and lounges, helping you connect with fellow residents.
Small Apartment (1R or 1K): Prices typically fall between ¥60,000–¥100,000 per month. Central districts, such as Umeda and Namba, can push you toward the higher end of this range, while suburban areas can be more affordable.
Key Money and Deposits: Similar to Tokyo, 2–3 months’ rent upfront is common. Some apartments are dropping this tradition, but it’s still more common than not. Always check contract details carefully.
Transportation
Train and Subway Pass: Expect ¥8,000–¥12,000 per month. Osaka’s public transportation system is extensive, and monthly commuter passes are available just like in Tokyo.
Tip: Central Osaka is relatively compact, making it feasible to walk or bike to many places instead of taking public transport. Depending on where you live, you might save significantly on transportation costs by using a bicycle for short commutes.
Food
Groceries: Typically ¥25,000–¥30,000 per month if you cook at home. Explore local produce markets or discount supermarkets to save money.
Eating Out: Osaka’s street food culture is legendary. Delicious and filling snacks like takoyaki (octopus balls) or okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) can cost as little as ¥500–¥700. For a seated meal in a casual restaurant, you can expect to pay around ¥800–¥1,500.
Utilities and Miscellaneous
Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): Around ¥8,000–¥10,000 per month, influenced by seasonal changes in heating and cooling needs.
Phone & Internet: Typically ¥3,000–¥7,000 per month, with many carriers offering student discounts. Pretty much the same as what you would expect to pay in Tokyo.
Leisure & Entertainment: Budget ¥10,000–¥15,000 per month for nightlife, local events, and weekend trips. Osaka’s famous entertainment districts like Dotonbori can be very tempting as it makes you want to go out more often, so plan accordingly.
Estimated Monthly Total
On a Student Budget: ¥100,000–¥130,000
Comfortable Single Lifestyle: ¥130,000–¥180,000+
The combination of comparatively affordable housing and easy access to food and entertainment makes Osaka a favorite among international residents. Job opportunities may be slightly fewer than in Tokyo, but the city still offers a range of part-time and full-time roles for those proficient in Japanese or specialized in certain industries.
3. Living Costs in Other Regions (Rest of Japan)
Overview
While Tokyo and Osaka often dominate the spotlight, Japan’s other regions offer a myriad of benefits: lower living costs, closer-knit communities, and depending on where you’re located a more relaxed pace of life. Cities like Fukuoka, Nagoya, Sendai, and Sapporo provide modern amenities, strong local universities, and job opportunities in industries ranging from automotive manufacturing (Nagoya) to tech startups (Fukuoka).
For international students on a tight budget or individuals seeking a quieter environment, these areas can be very appealing. You may find more spacious apartments for lower rents, fewer crowds, and a deeper immersion into local culture. However, public transport might be limited in the countryside, so make sure to plan your day-to-day life accordingly.
Housing
Share House or Dormitory: You can find options as low as ¥30,000–¥60,000 per month, especially in regions with a surplus of housing. Smaller cities sometimes have local government-supported residences that are friendlier to international students.
Small Apartment (1R or 1K): Expect ¥50,000–¥80,000 per month. Some properties outside major metropolitan areas might offer newer, larger apartments at the same price point as older ones in Tokyo.
Key Money and Deposits: These remain common nationwide, but smaller municipalities may have more flexible policies or lower initial fees. Though this information should be listed, always ask if key money (reikin) is required before signing any contract.
Transportation
Train or Bus Pass: Plan for ¥7,000–¥10,000 per month. Many regional cities have strong local bus networks and limited but sufficient train routes.
Tip: In many smaller cities, biking or driving can be the primary mode of transportation. Look for apartments near universities or shopping centers to further reduce your transit costs.
Food
Groceries: ¥20,000–¥25,000 per month. Local produce and seasonal items can be cheaper and fresher than what you might find in bigger cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
Eating Out: Meals generally start around ¥500–¥700, and local specialties (like Hakata ramen in Fukuoka or seafood bowls in Hokkaido) can be found at reasonable prices. Compared to Tokyo, restaurants and cafés often have a slower-paced, more relaxed atmosphere, but they might be open for less hours.
Utilities and Miscellaneous
Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): ¥7,000–¥10,000 per month, with potential seasonal variations. In northern areas like Hokkaido, you may need extra heating during winter, while southern regions might require more air conditioning in summer.
Phone & Internet: ¥3,000–¥7,000 per month. Smaller internet providers sometimes offer promotions, especially for students.
Leisure & Entertainment: ¥10,000–¥12,000 per month. Life in regional cities often centers on local festivals, outdoor activities, and community events, which can be quite budget-friendly.
Estimated Monthly Total
On a Student Budget: ¥80,000–¥120,000
Comfortable Single Lifestyle: ¥120,000–¥160,000+
This lower range of living costs is a big draw for anyone looking to stretch their budget. Many students find they can live more comfortably while still experiencing the essence of Japanese culture and making meaningful local connections.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn to the fast pace of Tokyo, the lively charm of Osaka, or the more laid-back lifestyle of regional cities, Japan offers a wide range of living cost options. Careful budgeting and research into housing, transportation, and food are crucial for striking the right balance between cost and quality of life.
For international students, part-time jobs (up to 28 hours a week on a student visa*1) and scholarships can help offset expenses, while professionals with specialized skills may find competitive salaries in various industries. If possible, visit your preferred city in advance or consult with friends and online communities to get a feel for day-to-day life.
Ultimately, your experience will depend on your personal preferences, priorities, and adaptability. A big city like Tokyo may seem overwhelming and expensive at first, but the convenience and job opportunities can be unparalleled. Osaka offers an energetic but slightly more budget-friendly environment. Meanwhile, Japan’s regional hubs deliver a slower pace of life and stronger local community ties, often at lower costs.
(Editor：Jelper Club Editorial Team）
Sources
「「留学」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について」(Immigration Services Agency)
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