Cost of Living in Japan: Clothing, food, Housing & More

How much does it cost to travel to or live in Japan?

In this helpful guide, we’ll look at prices broken down by area and type—food, clothing, accommodation, and transportation—to help you plan your trip or take root.

Additionally, if you're visiting Japan for a short term, using an iRoamly Japan travel eSIM can make staying connected more cost-effective.

Now, let’s explore the costs associated with living in Japan.

Cost of Living: Japan vs. Other Nations

Japan offers a surprisingly affordable cost of living when compared to many other developed countries. With an average monthly cost of $1,160, it is more budget-friendly than nations including Switzerland, Ireland, and the United States. This affordability makes Japan an enticing choice for tourists and expatriates alike, providing the opportunity for a rich cultural experience without the hefty price tag often associated with the larger economies.

Here is a comparison table of living costs in ten countries, to give you an idea of how Japan ranks on the global finance scale:

Compare the average monthly expenses:

Table source: https://livingcost.org/cost，October 10, 2024

Understanding the cost of living in Japan

Japan is a fascinating place of extremes, which means living there can be a very different experience depending on where you are in the country. The economic experience of the streets of Tokyo is nothing like that of the tranquility of Hokkaido or cultural immersion of Kyoto.

Whether you are just traveling through or planning to put down roots, it's essential to know those differences.

Food

Food prices in Japan are highly variable, from cheap and cheerful street food to budget-breaking haute cuisine. A bowl of ramen in Tokyo could set you back ¥800 or more, while a high-end sushi meal could easily top ¥10,000 a head. If you're cooking food at home, expect to pay ¥3,000-5,000 per week for groceries for one person, depending on your diet and shopping preferences.

Clothing

Fashion-conscious Japan also has a wide variety of clothing price points. Simple basics from domestic brands like Uniqlo and Muji can be affordable and stylish, with prices around ¥2,000-5,000 per item.

However, if you're into high-fashion designer labels, prepare to pay just as much as you would anywhere else in the world per item – that is, tens of thousands of yen each.

If you’re wondering what to wear in Japan, considering both the season and local fashion trends will help you dress comfortably and appropriately.

Housing

There's still more disparity in what you can expect to pay for housing in Japan, depending on where you're looking to set up your home. Here's what you need to know for a few different areas:

Tokyo:

Rent: In central areas, a small studio apartment will start at around ¥100,000 – and that's small. Larger places can easily be upwards of ¥200,000 per month.

Utilities: Expect to spend roughly the following per month:

Electricity: ¥4,000-9,000 based on use.

Water: ¥2,000-3,500.

Osaka:

Rent: A little more affordable than Tokyo. Expect central rents on a studio apartment to start at ¥70,000.

Utilities: Slightly less than in Tokyo:

Electricity: ¥3,500-8,000.

Water: ¥1,800-3,000.

Rural areas:

Rent: Often the cheapest of all, with spacious properties for as little as ¥30,000 in some areas.

Utilities: Also the lowest, but prices can vary wildly. Expect in the general range:

Electricity: ¥3,000-7,000.

Water: ¥1,500-2,500.

Internet:

High-speed internet is usually around ¥4,000-5,000 per month. 

For a more flexible option, consider an eSIM from iRoamly – an operator offering a variety of local or travel SIM cards as eSIMs – for tech-savvy travelers or short-term visitors, you can access the internet without the need for a physical SIM card.

Transport and entertainment

Japan benefits from a very efficient public transport system, but it comes at a price. On a daily basis, you might expect to spend anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 yen on travel, such as a monthly train pass. Tourists will be able to find savings in the form of passes such as the JR Rail Pass, though.

As for leisure, expect to spend around 2,000 to 5,000 yen on activities, whether you're visiting the cinema, seeing a concert, or exploring a historic site.

What's the average salary to live comfortably in Japan?

Of course, what is considered comfortable is subjective, and as in so many places, it very much depends on where you live.

In urban centers such as Tokyo or Osaka, you can expect to get by comfortably on a monthly income of around 300,000 yen (about $2,200 USD), which aligns closely with the average salary in Japan and should cover rent, utilities, dining, transport, and ample spending on entertainment and recreation without causing financial stress.

In smaller cities and more rural areas, costs can drop substantially, with around 200,000 yen (about $1,500 USD) a month being more than sufficient. 

Again, these figures should allow for essential costs of living with some recreational spending, which is as much a necessity in Japan as anywhere else.

FAQ:

Is Japan expensive to live in?

This varies widely by your location in Japan and your lifestyle. Tokyo, in particular, can be extremely expensive, whereas smaller cities and rural areas are generally much cheaper to live in.

Is it difficult to live in Japan as a foreigner?

Cultural barriers can make life in Japan tricky sometimes, but the country is extremely safe and well looked after. Many foreigners find it easy and enjoyable.

How much is rent in Japan in dollars?

Rent can vary equally wildly, but generally an apartment in Tokyo will cost you around $750-$1,000 a month for something on the smaller side, while in other regions, prices plummet beyond that.

Summary

Japan's cost of living is as diverse as the landscape, from the hustle and bustle of the capital, Tokyo, to rural idylls.

By knowing your own budget, and understanding the regional economic and cultural differences, you're likely to make the most of any time spent visiting or living in Japan.

Explore wisely, and Japan should unfold a rich cultural tapestry before you.