Cost of Living in Japan 2025

Latest update: 

• Major firms and unions have agreed to average wage hikes of around 5.3% to 5.5%, marking the third straight year of strong salary growth.
• Small and medium-sized companies are also raising wages, often alongside extra benefits like lunch subsidies and bonuses

Japan remains a popular choice for students, professionals, and families due to its excellent infrastructure, global work culture, and safe living environment. However, the Cost of Living in Japan can be considerably higher than in India. As of 2025, the average monthly cost for a single person is ¥133,600 (79,543 INR), while a family of four may spend about ¥472,278 (281,182 INR), excluding rent.

Rent is a major contributor to expenses, 229% higher than in India. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from ¥87,000 to ¥190,000 (51,800 to 113,200 INR), while a three-bedroom can cost up to ¥400,000 (238,000 INR). Daily essentials like meals (¥1,000 or 595 INR), monthly transport passes (¥8,300 or 4,942 INR), and utilities (¥25,000 or 14,875 INR) quickly add up.

Despite being 157.9% more expensive than India, Japan offers high-quality living, efficient public services, and global exposure that make it a worthwhile investment.

Thinking of studying in Japan? Explore top programs and guidance on MBA in Japan to plan your journey with upGrad!

H2: Average Cost of Living in Japan (2025)

Understanding the monthly cost of living in Japan is essential for students, working professionals, and families planning to move for education, career opportunities, or long-term stays. On average:

• A single person may spend around ¥93,000 (54,723 INR) per month
• A family of 3 typically spends ¥150,000 to ¥250,000 (88,318 – 147,197 INR) per month.
   

H3: Monthly Cost Breakdown for Single Person

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (JPY)	Approx. in INR
Accommodation (shared/private)	¥30,000 – ¥60,000	17,660 – 35,320
Food & Groceries	¥25,000 – ¥30,000	14,716 – 17,660
Transportation	¥8,000 – ¥10,000	4,714 – 5,893
Utilities & Internet	¥6,000 – ¥8,000	3,536 – 4,714
Mobile Phone	¥1,000 – ¥3,000	589 – 1,768
Misc. & Entertainment	¥10,000 – ¥15,000	5,893 – 8,839
Estimated Total	¥90,000 – ¥120,000	52,991 – 70,655

Source: numbeo

Note: The amounts mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.

H3: Monthly Cost Breakdown for Families (2–3 Members)

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (JPY)	Approx. in INR
Accommodation (1–2 BHK)	¥70,000 – ¥120,000	41,207 – 70,655
Food & Groceries	¥50,000 – ¥70,000	29,433 – 41,207
Transportation	¥12,000 – ¥18,000	7,072 – 10,608
Utilities & Internet	¥10,000 – ¥15,000	5,893 – 8,839
Mobile Phone & Internet	¥5,000 – ¥8,000	2,946 – 4,714
Childcare/School (optional)	¥25,000 – ¥100,000	14,716 – 58,864
Misc. & Entertainment	¥15,000 – ¥30,000	8,839 – 17,660
Estimated Total	¥150,000 – ¥250,000	88,318 – 147,197

Source: numbeo

Note: The amounts mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.

H2: Accommodation Costs in Japan

Accommodation is one of the biggest monthly expenses in Japan. Costs can vary widely depending on the type of housing and the city. Here's a breakdown of typical monthly rent prices:

Accommodation Type	Monthly Rent (in JPY)	Approx. Cost (in INR)
1BHK (City Centre)	¥86,992	INR 51,110
1BHK (Outside Centre)	¥60,337	INR 35,450
3BHK (City Centre)	¥190,038	INR 111,635
3BHK (Outside Centre)	¥119,600	INR 70,240

Note: Rent in Tokyo and Osaka is generally on the higher end, while cities like Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Sapporo offer more budget-friendly options.

Source: numbeo

Note: The amounts mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.

H2: Tuition Fees in Japan

The cost of tuition in Japan varies based on the type of institution you choose. Below is an overview of average tuition fees:

Type of Institution	Annual Tuition Fee (¥)	INR Equivalent
National Universities	¥500,000 – ¥800,000	INR 294,000 – 470,000
Private Universities	¥800,000 – ¥1,500,000	INR 470,000 – 880,000
VocationalColleges/Technical Institutes	¥600,000 – ¥1,000,000	INR 352,000 – 588,000

Additional Costs:

• Admission Fees: ¥20,000 – ¥30,000 (INR 11,800 – 17,600)
• Textbooks and Study Materials: ¥20,000 – ¥50,000 annually (INR 11,800 – 29,400)

For those considering studying in Japan, upGrad provides comprehensive guides on living and studying in Japan.

H2: Utility Bills in Japan

Utility bills are an essential part of living expenses in Japan, and the costs can vary depending on your usage, accommodation type, and location. On average, monthly utility bills for a standard one-bedroom apartment in Japan range from ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 (INR 5,900 – 11,800).

Here’s a breakdown of common utilities and their average costs:

Utility	Average Monthly Cost (¥)	INR Equivalent
Electricity	¥3,000 – ¥7,000	INR 1,800 – 4,100
Water	¥1,500 – ¥3,000	INR 900 – 1,800
Gas	¥2,000 – ¥5,000	INR 1,200 – 2,900
Internet/Phone	¥3,000 – ¥5,000	INR 1,800 – 2,900

Source: numbeo

Note: The fees mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.

H2: Transportation Costs in Japan

Mode of Transport	Average Cost (¥)	INR Equivalent
Train (Per Ride)	¥200 – ¥500	INR 118 – 295
Monthly Train Pass	¥10,000 – ¥20,000	INR 5,900 – 11,800
Bus (Per Ride)	¥200 – ¥500	INR 118 – 295
Taxi (Base Fare)	¥410 – ¥730	INR 240 – 430
Bicycle Rental	¥500 – ¥1,000	INR 295 – 590

Source: numbeo

Note: The amounts mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.

Japan’s public transportation system is highly efficient but can also be costly, especially in major cities. Here’s an overview of typical transportation costs:Tips to Save on Transportation:

• Commuter Passes: Monthly commuter passes for trains and buses can help save significantly if you're traveling frequently 
• Japan Rail Pass: For long-distance travel, the JR Pass can be a cost-effective option for foreigners visiting multiple cities.

 

 

Food & Grocery Expenses in Japan

Food costs in Japan can vary widely based on your lifestyle, dining preferences, and location. On average, monthly food expenses for an individual range from ¥30,000 to ¥50,000 (INR 17,600 – 29,400). Here’s a breakdown of typical food and grocery costs:

Item	Average Cost (¥)	INR Equivalent
Groceries (Monthly)	¥15,000 – ¥25,000	INR 8,800 – 14,700
Eating Out (Per Meal)	¥700 – ¥1,500	INR 410 – 880
Takeout/Delivery (Per Meal)	¥800 – ¥1,500	INR 470 – 880
Coffee (Cafe)	¥300 – ¥500	INR 170 – 295

Source: numbeo

Note: The amounts mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.

Tips to Save on Food:

• Cook at Home: Preparing meals at home is a cost-effective option, with groceries being cheaper than eating out.
• Shop at Discount Stores: Japanese supermarkets, including 100-yen stores, offer affordable groceries and snacks.
• Bento Boxes: Pre-packed meals from convenience stores (konbini) like 7-Eleven or Lawson are affordable and convenient.

Healthcare Costs in Japan

Healthcare in Japan is of high quality, but it can be expensive without insurance. The Japanese government provides a robust National Health Insurance (NHI) system, which helps to reduce medical expenses significantly for residents. Here’s an overview of healthcare costs:

National Health Insurance (NHI):

• Monthly Premium: ¥1,000 – ¥3,000 (INR 590 – 1,800) depending on income and city.
• Covered Costs: The NHI covers 70% of medical bills, with the remaining 30% to be paid by the insured person.

Typical Healthcare Costs:

Service	Cost (¥)	INR Equivalent
Doctor's Consultation (Per Visit)	¥2,000 – ¥5,000	INR 1,200 – 2,900
Dental Checkup	¥3,000 – ¥5,000	INR 1,800 – 2,900
Basic Prescription Medication	¥500 – ¥2,000	INR 295 – 1,200
Emergency Room Visit	¥5,000 – ¥10,000	INR 2,900 – 5,900

Source: numbeo

Note: The amounts mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.

Private Healthcare:

Private healthcare in Japan can be more expensive and is typically used by those with more significant medical needs or those who prefer private care. It is not as widely used as the national system due to higher costs.

Entertainment & Leisure Costs in Japan

Japan offers a wide range of entertainment and leisure activities, from cultural experiences to modern attractions. The cost of entertainment can vary depending on your preferences, but here’s a general overview:

Activity	Average Cost (¥)	INR Equivalent
Movie Ticket	¥1,800 – ¥2,000	INR 1,060 – 1,180
Gym Membership (Per Month)	¥6,000 – ¥12,000	INR 3,500 – 7,100
Concert/Live Show Ticket	¥3,000 – ¥8,000	INR 1,800 – 4,700
Theme Park Admission	¥6,000 – ¥8,000	INR 3,500 – 4,700
Karaoke (Per Hour)	¥500 – ¥1,000	INR 295 – 590
Museum or Art Gallery Entry	¥500 – ¥1,000	INR 295 – 590

Source: numbeo

Note: The amounts mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.

Tips to Save on Entertainment Costs:

• Discount Days: Many museums, galleries, and theme parks offer discounts on certain days of the month.
• Free Attractions: Japan offers free activities such as visiting parks, temples, and public events.

City-Wise Cost of Living in Japan 

The cost of living in Japan varies greatly depending on the city you choose. Major urban centres like Tokyo and Osaka tend to be more expensive, especially in terms of rent and transportation. In contrast, cities like Fukuoka, Kyoto, and Sapporo offer a more affordable lifestyle while still maintaining excellent infrastructure and amenities. 

City	Avg. Monthly Cost (JPY)	Approx. INR Equivalent
Tokyo	¥120,000 – ¥160,000	INR 66,000 – INR 88,000
Osaka	¥100,000 – ¥130,000	INR 55,000 – INR 71,500
Kyoto	¥90,000 – ¥120,000	INR 49,500 – INR 66,000
Fukuoka	¥80,000 – ¥100,000	INR 44,000 – INR 55,000
Sapporo	¥75,000 – ¥95,000	INR 41,250 – INR 52,250
Nagoya	¥85,000 – ¥105,000	INR 46,750 – INR 57,750

Source: numbeo

Note: The amounts mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.

Pro Tip: Smaller cities like Sapporo and Fukuoka offer a lower cost of living. 

Budget-Friendly Tips for Living in Japan

The cost of living in Japan can be affordable with the right budgeting strategies. Here are some practical tips to help you save money without compromising your experience:

• Choose Shared or Company Housing: Shared apartments or company-sponsored housing can significantly lower monthly rent, especially in major cities like Tokyo or Osaka.
• Cook at Home: Eating out frequently can add up. Cooking at home can reduce your food expenses by 30–40%, with meals costing far less than the usual ¥700 (INR 385) per serving in restaurants.
• Use Monthly Commuter Passes: Public transport is efficient but can be costly. Monthly commuter passes can offer substantial savings if you travel frequently.
• Shop at 100-Yen Stores: These discount shops offer everything from daily essentials to groceries at affordable rates.
• Look for Discount Programs: Many stores, transportation services, and entertainment venues offer seasonal or age-based discounts; keep an eye out.
• Split Rent by Sharing Accommodation: Sharing a living space with flatmates can cut down rent and utility bills, especially in high-rent cities.
• Enroll in Public Healthcare: Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) covers up to 70% of medical expenses, making healthcare more accessible and affordable. 

Conclusion

Understanding the cost of living in Japan is essential for anyone planning to move for studies, work, or with family. With monthly expenses averaging around ¥133,601 (79,543 INR) for individuals and ¥472,277 (281,182 INR) for a family of four, your lifestyle, city of residence, and housing choices play a big role in shaping your budget. While major cities like Tokyo and Osaka offer dynamic opportunities, they also come with higher living costs. 

On the other hand, rural areas and smaller cities provide more affordable options. With smart financial planning through budgeting, choosing shared accommodations, leveraging public transport, applying for scholarships, and seeking part-time work, living comfortably in Japan is entirely achievable. Whether you're a student, a working professional, or moving with your family, Japan offers a rewarding experience for those who prepare wisely.