How much does it cost to move to Japan? Breakdown explained
How much does it cost to move to Japan?"
I want to know the cost of immigrating to Japan so that I can better prepare for my move there."
Many people may not know how much it costs to move to Japan. If you know how much money you need to spend, it will be easier to make a concrete plan for your immigration.
Japan is one of the most developed countries in the world and has many attractions such as high standard of living, safety, rich culture and nature. For this reason, the number of foreigners considering immigration to Japan is increasing every year. However, when choosing Japan as a destination, one must take into account various expenses such as local living and housing costs.
In this article, we will provide an overview of the approximate costs of moving to Japan. We will give specific examples for a single person and a family of four, and explain the breakdown of each in detail. We will also introduce some points to keep in mind in your life after moving to Japan.
The following articles are also recommended if you want to know the rent prices in Japan by region.
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What are the costs of moving to Japan? Specific examples of breakdown and total costs.
What are the specific costs of emigrating to Japan? The following is a breakdown of migration costs and the approximate total cost of migration. However, this is only an example. Please note that the actual amount may vary and the price may be higher than expected.
What are the specific costs?
Let's start by taking a step-by-step look at what things will cost you. Considering the cost of travel and housing contracts, you may feel that this is going to be a very expensive expense. However, by understanding the actual costs, you will be able to make a more realistic plan for emigration. Once you have resolved your financial concerns, you will find it easier to take the first step toward emigrating.
The following is a breakdown of the main costs involved in immigrating to Japan. (In addition to these, additional costs may be incurred depending on your personal circumstances.)
- travel expenses
- Housing contract costs (deposit and key money)
- postage
- food expense
- utilities charge
- Furniture and appliances
- Cost of daily necessities and supplies
- Entertainment expenses, etc.
Since the amount of travel expenses varies greatly depending on the country of origin, a detailed explanation is omitted here.
Regarding the contract cost of housing, let us assume the case of living alone in the 23 wards of Tokyo. The average rent for a 1K type property in Tokyo's 23 wards is said to be approximately 80,000 yen per month.
In Japan, when renting an apartment, you are required to pay an initial fee called shikikin and reikin. The market rate for a deposit and key money is equivalent to one to two months' rent, respectively. In addition, since various expenses such as agency fees are also required, it is best to estimate the initial cost to be equivalent to 4-5 months' rent. For example, if the rent is 80,000 yen per month, you will need to prepare about 320,000 to 400,000 yen.
For more information on housing in Japan, please also refer to the following articles.
▶︎ What is a typical apartment in Japan like? Size, Facilities, and Rent Rates Explained
Food expenses can be kept to about 500 yen per meal if you mainly cook for yourself; if you eat three meals a day, your monthly food expenses will be about 45,000 yen. Depending on eating out and food preferences, it is recommended that monthly food expenses be between 30,000 yen and 50,000 yen.
Water and utility expenses are said to cost around 13,000 yen per month on average for a single person living alone.
In addition, cell phones are essential for daily life in Japan, and a major carrier's smartphone plan generally costs around 10,000 yen per month, including the cost of the handset. If you choose a low-cost SIM, you can reduce the monthly cost to less than 5,000 yen.
For more information on how to choose a plan, please also refer to the following article.
▶︎The Complete Guide to Mobile Plans in Japan! Mobile Phone Companies and Rate Plans for Foreigners
Example (1): Total minimum migration costs for living alone
Based on the aforementioned explanations, the total minimum expenses required for the first month after immigration to Japan are approximately as follows
| (data) item | cost |
|---|---|
| Housing contract costs (including deposit and key money) | 320,000-400,000 yen |
| food expense | 30,000-50,000 yen |
| utilities charge | Approx. 10,000 yen |
| postage | Approx. 10,000 yen (even cheaper with a low-cost SIM) |
| total amount | Approx. 370,000-470,000 yen |
In total, you can expect to need around ¥400,000 to ¥500,000. Do not forget that travel expenses will be added to this total.
You will also need additional funds for furniture and appliances in the residence, daily necessities, entertainment, and other expenses. We recommend that you prepare as much money as possible to cover unexpected expenses.
The following article on the cost of living alone in Tokyo is also helpful.
▶︎ How much does it cost to live alone in Tokyo? Detailed explanation of rent, utilities, etc.
Example (2): Total minimum migration costs for a family of four
For a family of four, the residence would be a 2LDK or 3LDK property for a family, rather than a 1K type. The average rent for a 2LDK apartment in Tokyo's 23 wards is approximately 200,000 yen, and 250,000 yen for a 3LDK apartment.
| (data) item | cost |
|---|---|
| Housing contract costs (including deposit and key money) | 800,000-1,250,000 yen |
| food expense | 120,000-200,000 yen |
| utilities charge | Approx. 20,000-30,000 yen |
| postage | Approx. 40,000 yen (even cheaper with a low-cost SIM) |
| total amount | Approximately 980,000 yen to 1,520,000 yen |
The total is expected to range from 1,000,000 yen to 1,500,000 yen. Compared to the case of a single person living alone, housing and food costs will vary greatly depending on the family structure.
Things to keep in mind when immigrating in Japan
Many people move to Japan but are confused by the unique culture and rules. Here are some points to keep in mind after moving to Japan. By understanding Japanese customs, you will be able to plan your life after moving to Japan more smoothly.
Payday varies from company to company.
In Japanese companies, it is common for last month's salary to be paid on the last day or 25th of the following month. It is important to understand that you will not receive your money immediately after working. You need to be careful to make living expenses until you receive your salary, especially during periods of high expenses for travel and initial costs.
When using a credit card, pay attention to the timing of your debit and payday. It is important to check the setting of your debit date to avoid a balance shortfall due to an untimely payment. If you are unsure, consider using a debit card.
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Travel expenses are transferred with your salary.
In Japan, many companies provide transportation expenses. However, transportation expenses are generally included in the paycheck, and are rarely paid separately. Make it a habit to check your pay stubs to make sure that the transportation expenses you are being paid are correct.
Food costs are not high.
Eating out in Japan is relatively reasonably priced. You can enjoy a lunchtime meal for 500 to 1,000 yen, and dinner for 1,500 to 2,000 yen. If you want to save even more money, we recommend cooking for yourself.
However, these estimates are for one person. Keep in mind that if you are dining out with your family or enjoying a sumptuous meal, the cost will be even higher. Also, as of January 2024, prices are on the rise in Japan due to inflation. You should be aware of future price fluctuations.
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summary
The key points of this article are summarized below.
- The average rent for a 1K type property in Tokyo's 23 wards is approximately 80,000 yen.
- An initial fee equivalent to 4-5 months' rent is required when signing a housing contract.
- Japanese companies pay salaries on various dates, such as the last day of the month or the 25th of the month.
- Transportation costs are usually paid as part of the salary.
When moving to Japan for the first time, it is natural to feel uneasy because you do not know where you are going. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask your real estate agent or the company where you work, and try to solve them one by one.
Your new life in Japan may be confusing at times due to the language barrier and cultural differences. However, when you are in trouble, have the courage to ask for help from those around you. Japanese people are kind and will not overlook a foreigner in need.
There may also be a community from your home country in Japan. Socializing with fellow countrymen may help ease homesickness and stress caused by cultural differences.
We hope this article will be helpful to you so that you can lead a fulfilling life in Japan, where you are moving to. We wish you a wonderful new life in Japan and are cheering you on!
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