How much does it cost to live alone in Tokyo? Detailed explanation of rent, utilities, etc.

update date 2024/05/24

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Living alone in Tokyo, many people may feel anxious about the cost of living as well as anticipating a new life. In particular, if you are coming to Tokyo from the countryside, you may be perplexed by the high cost of living in Tokyo.

In this issue, we will explain in detail the living expenses required for living alone in Tokyo, including rent, utilities, and other items. Using actual figures as a reference, you should have a clear understanding of the living expenses necessary for living alone in Tokyo.

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What is the market rate for a month's living expenses for living alone in Tokyo?

According to 2023 data from the national "Family Income and Expenditure Survey, Household Income and Expenditure Section, Single Person Household," the average cost of living for a single person living alone in Japan is 167,620 yen. However, in metropolitan areas, including Tokyo, the average cost of living is higher than the national average at 173,660 yen. Since rents are higher in Tokyo than in other areas, it is estimated that the average cost of living for a single person in Tokyo is about 180,000 yen.

The table below provides a breakdown of the main living expenses and market rates for living alone in Tokyo.

(data) item	market price
rent	70,000-80,000 yen
electric utility expense	6,000 yen
gas money	2,000-5,000 yen
water rates (charges)	1,500 yen
postage	8,000 yen (phone bill) 5,000 yen (Internet fee) 2,500 yen (for landline phone)
food expense	45,000 yen

The average starting salary in Tokyo is approximately 180,000 yen for high school graduates and 220,000 yen for college graduates. If you live on the above average cost of living, you may be able to save a little money.

However, since 170,000 yen is an average, it is possible to further reduce living expenses by saving money. For example, the average amount of money sent home by Tokyo university students is approximately 85,000 yen, and many students may be living in Tokyo on this amount.

Reference:e-Stat Household Budget Survey, Household Income and Expenditure Section, Single Household

What is the rent rate for living alone in Tokyo?

Rent accounts for the largest proportion of the cost of living for a single person. Tokyo is known as one of the most expensive areas in Japan in terms of rent. However, rent prices vary considerably by area within Tokyo. Here we will take a closer look at rent prices in the 23 wards of Tokyo and outside of the 23 wards.

Average rent in 23 wards

Even within the 23 wards of Tokyo, average rents vary widely by ward. According to data from the rental information website Homes, the wards with the highest rents are Minato, Chiyoda, and Shibuya, with average rents ranging from approximately 120,000 yen to 140,000 yen. On the other hand, relatively inexpensive wards are Katsushika, Adachi, and Edogawa, where the average rent is in the 70,000 yen range, and the average rent for all 23 wards is around 90,000 to 100,000 yen.

The average rent for the entire Kanto region is approximately 57,000 yen, so rent in the 23 wards tends to be about 20,000 yen higher than that.

The top 3 wards with the highest rent (studio, 1K, 1DK)

Chiyoda-ku: 138,300 yen
Minato-ku: 132,200 yen
Shibuya Ward: 124,100 yen

The best 3 wards with the cheapest rent (studio, 1K, 1DK)

Katsushika-ku: 70,700 yen
Adachi-ku: 72,300 yen
Edogawa Ward: 72,600 yen

Reference:【 Homes 】 Rent in Tokyo's 23 Wards - Find Rent in Tokyo's 23 Wards

Areas with relatively inexpensive rents include the Akabane area in northern Tokyo, the Machiya and Kitasenju areas in the east, and the Kamata area in the south. In addition, rent tends to be relatively inexpensive along the Keihin Tohoku Line, Sobu Line, Tobu Skytree Line, and Tokyu Ikegami Line.

Average rent outside 23 wards

Outside the 23 wards of Tokyo, rents drop significantly.

Average rent (studio) in major areas outside 23 wards

Hachioji City	58,400 yen
Tama City	65,200 yen
Machida City	62,600 yen
Tachikawa City	62,400 yen

Source:【 Homes 】 Rent in Tokyo, Japan

Living in these suburban areas is one option if you want to keep rent low. However, remember that commuting to the city center will cost you between 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen per month in transportation costs, so you need to consider your total expenses.

To learn more about areas of Tokyo where rent is inexpensive, rent rates by region of Japan, and how foreigners can rent an apartment in Tokyo, please also refer to the following articles.

[List of areas in Tokyo with inexpensive rent and rent prices]

[Which prefectures have the cheapest rent in Japan? Compare rent prices by region]

[How to rent an apartment in Tokyo for foreigners - including rent rates]

What are the utility costs of living alone in Tokyo?

After rent, utilities are the second most important cost of living for a single person. Utility expenses are roughly divided into three categories: electricity, gas, and water. Let's take a closer look at how much each of these utilities costs when living alone in Tokyo.

The average utility costs for a single person living alone in Tokyo presented here are based on data from the 2023 Household Income and Expenditure Survey, Household Income and Expenditure Section, Single Household. Let's take a closer look at how much each of these utility costs will be.

1. electricity rates

The average electricity bill for a single person living alone is about 6,000 yen; electricity bills tend to be higher in summer and winter, when エアコン is used more.

2. gas price

There are two types of gas in Japan: "city gas" and "propane gas," with city gas being less expensive. The average monthly gas bill for a single person living alone is approximately 2,600 yen.

3. water bill

The average water bill for a single person living alone is approximately 1,600 yen. In Japan, water bills are paid in one lump sum every two months. For example, if you use 1,600 yen per month, you will pay 3,200 yen in two months.

4. communication cost rates

Communication expenses include the cost of a smartphone, Internet, and landline telephone. The average smartphone bill in Japan is 8,000 to 9,000 yen, and the Internet bill is about 5,000 yen. The average monthly cost of a landline phone is about 2,500 yen, but recently more and more people are not using landline phones.

Smartphone bills in Japan are expensive, but if you want to save money, we recommend using a "budget smartphone. With a budget phone, you can use a smartphone for about 3,000 yen to 5,000 yen per month.

To learn more about how to pay utility bills in Japan, please also refer to the following articles.
▶︎ How to pay utility bills in Japan and what payment methods are available? Explanation for each of water, electricity, and gas bills

Reference:What is the cost of living alone in Tokyo? Find out the average amount and market price! | Enexchange

How much does it cost for food to live alone in Tokyo?

The average cost of food for a person living alone in Japan is about 4,500 yen per day. Of this amount, approximately 10,000 yen is for eating out. If eating out is moderated, it would be possible to keep food expenses down to about 30,000 yen.

However, this is only an average. In reality, many people cover their food expenses with 15,000 yen to 20,000 yen per month.

Japanese supermarkets offer a wide range of services, such as point cards that allow customers to earn points and save money, and discounts on products at closing time. By making good use of these services, you can save money on food costs.

What is the cost of health care for a single person living alone in Tokyo?

Japan has a public medical insurance system. Company employees are covered by "Kenko Hoken" (health insurance), while the self-employed and unemployed are covered by "Kokumin Kenko Hoken" (national health insurance). If you are covered by these medical insurances, your co-payment for medical treatment at a medical institution will only be about 30% of the medical cost.

The average cost of health care for a single person is approximately 2,000 yen to 3,000 yen per month. However, this does not apply if you have a pre-existing medical condition or suffer an unexpected injury or illness.

The key to saving on medical costs is to try to prevent them. Try to maintain a regular lifestyle and undergo regular health checkups. It is also recommended that you make active use of the various health checkups offered by municipalities.

To learn more about Japan's social insurance system, please also refer to the following articles.
▶︎ What foreigners should know about Japan's social insurance: Health Insurance, Pension Insurance, and Long-Term Care Insurance explained.

How much is the cost of daily necessities for a single person living in Tokyo?

When starting to live alone, there are initial costs for furniture, appliances, and daily necessities. If you are looking for a certain level of quality, this initial cost alone can amount to 200,000 yen or more.

However, it is possible to reduce the initial cost by utilizing used goods and starting with the minimum necessary items. Also, judicious use of 100 yen stores and recycle stores will also help you save on the cost of daily necessities.

The average monthly cost of daily necessities is approximately 5,000 yen to 10,000 yen. However, this amount varies greatly depending on one's lifestyle.

How much does it cost to live alone in Tokyo for entertainment?

The average monthly entertainment expenses for a single person living alone are said to be approximately 20,000 yen. This amount includes expenses for travel, drinking, hobbies, etc.

Tokyo is a city with an abundance of entertainment options. There are many movie theaters, museums, museums, parks, and other places where you can enjoy free or low-cost entertainment. By making good use of these options, you can lead a fulfilling life while saving money on entertainment.

Also, borrowing books from the library or watching DVDs at home for daily entertainment can save money on entertainment expenses.

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summary

The average cost of living alone in Tokyo is about 170,000-180,000 yen, but it is possible to live on around 100,000 yen if you try to save money. In particular, rent is expensive in Tokyo, so the key is how to keep rent low.

There are also tips for saving money on utilities, food, healthcare, daily necessities, and entertainment expenses. By practicing these tips, you can make your life living alone in Tokyo more fulfilling.

If you are feeling anxious about your new life in Tokyo, please refer to this article to make sure you are well prepared. We sincerely hope that your life in your new environment will be a fruitful one.