Are you considering a move to Tokyo, Japan, and wondering about the cost of living? Tokyo is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Tokyo and help you understand whether $1951 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $2373.18.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
6.8 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
40.83 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
5.1 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.38 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.95 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.44 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.98 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.62 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.4 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.42 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
2.31 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.94 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
7.83 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
4.96 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
13.93 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
3.35 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.99 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
3.13 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
2.73 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.6 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.57 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.84 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.7 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
6.8 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.77 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.33 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
3.4 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.02 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
29.12 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.4 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
2.86 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
22.25 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.08 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
13609.08 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
10836.38 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
137.88 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
32.08 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
42.65 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
9.15 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
12.93 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
234.39 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
13658.0 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
29.14 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
22.48 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
42.5 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
56.13 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
708.69 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
437.04 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1657.07 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
700.32 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
5483.21 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
2781.55 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
2373.18 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
1.66 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Tokyo come to a total of approximately $1951. This includes an average monthly rent of around $708 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $153 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $705 per month.
Living in Tokyo appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $2373.18. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Tokyo, you would likely need an income exceeding $2373.18.
In Tokyo, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $2373.18, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Tokyo is approximately $708. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $437.04 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Tokyo can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $496 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Japan can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Japan.
Tokyo has the same reputation as many other Japanese cities that the overall risk is very low. It is one of the very few cities having that amount of population where it is safe to walk about at night and to travel on public transport. Nevertheless, you should remain vigilant as you would in any other major city.
The public transport in Tokyo is safe, but some pickpocket risk exists. However, there are no risks in taxies in Tokyo, but you should not expect that your taxi driver speaks English. Bus drivers are usually very helpful.
Due to the huge flow of tourists, Tokyo has a medium pickpocket’s risk. Small police stations are everywhere trying to make the city as safe as possible. Crowded areas and trains, as well as areas surrounding the sights frequently visited by tourists, are the places where pickpockets usually operate. Bars popular with travelers are very attractive to thieves.
Natural disasters are so frequent in Japan that authorities constantly inform the population about the possible risks. Tokyo is prone to volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis since the area is near an active volcano and the elevation is not too high. Due to all these hazards, Japan has the world's best quake and tsunami warning system.
There are some districts, like Roppongi and Kabuki-Cho, which should be avoided especially at night due to the high level for crime, and travelers are usually the victims of drink-spiking, credit card fraud and robbery. Personal attacks are rare but bear in mind that it might happen.
Terrorism is a possible danger all over the world and the Japanese government does its best to prevent terrorist activity. Keep in mind that some regional tensions with North Korea may affect Japan.
Even though there is low scam risk, you should be aware of touts and women offering a massage near the Roppongi area, since they may steal money from you. The drink spiking risk is very common and victims are often taken to an unknown location, with their credit card stolen and money withdrawn.
Tokyo’s nightlife districts such as Kabukicho and Roppongi can be very dangerous, not only for the female traveler but for everyone. However, if you do not go to these areas, you can feel completely safe while in Tokyo. It is a city where most women spend their journey trouble-free.
The 90-day stays do not require a visa, but the visitors from China, Russia, CIS countries, Georgia, and the Philippines need to have it. A visa cannot be obtained in Japan, so you will need to visit its embassy or consulate before coming. It is illegal to work in Japan without the correct visa.
Japan is quite expensive and a cash country, so it is advisable to exchange your money in banks, post offices or some large hotels in order not to be given false money or notes that are no longer in use. JP Post Bank ATMs usually accept foreign cards, but be ready to have some issues related to card rejection. The best thing is to check with your bank whether your card is going to be accepted in Tokyo or not before traveling and make sufficient money for the duration of your stay. However, purchase using MasterCard is accepted anywhere.
When it comes to the weather in Japan, the severe weather is frequent which means that you should be prepared for it when visiting Tokyo. Tokyo is in a humid subtropical climate zone and has hot summers and mild winters. Tokyo can be hit by a snowstorm during winter and the typhoon season runs from June to December, but most activity takes place between July and September.
Tokyo has two large airports: Narita for international flights, 70km away from the city, and Haneda for domestic flights, which is ) officially known as Tokyo International Airport. Other airports are Ibaraki Airport, 85km north of Tokyo and Chōfu Airfield which serves only some turboprop flights to the Izu Islands south of Tokyo.
Even though you are in a perfect condition regarding your health and fitness, travel insurance that covers medical problems, theft and loss of personal items is a must.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 49°F | 50°F | 55°F | 65°F | 72°F | 77°F | 84°F | 86°F | 80°F | 70°F | 61°F | 53°F |
| Temp | 42°F | 43°F | 49°F | 58°F | 66°F | 72°F | 78°F | 81°F | 75°F | 65°F | 55°F | 47°F |
| Low | 37°F | 38°F | 43°F | 52°F | 61°F | 68°F | 74°F | 76°F | 70°F | 59°F | 49°F | 41°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 9°C | 10°C | 12°C | 18°C | 22°C | 25°C | 28°C | 30°C | 26°C | 21°C | 16°C | 11°C |
| Temp | 5°C | 6°C | 9°C | 14°C | 18°C | 22°C | 25°C | 27°C | 23°C | 18°C | 12°C | 8°C |
| Low | 2°C | 3°C | 6°C | 11°C | 16°C | 20°C | 23°C | 24°C | 21°C | 15°C | 9°C | 5°C |