Cost of Living in Japan 2025

Planning to move to Japan in 2025? Whether you're going for higher studies, work, or long-term relocation, understanding the cost of living in Japan is crucial. On average, a single person spends between ¥90,000 to ¥150,000 (INR 53,000–88,000) per month, depending on lifestyle and location. Tokyo is Japan’s most expensive city, while places like Kyoto, Fukuoka, and Sapporo offer relatively lower living costs.

Key expenses include rent, transportation, food, utilities, and healthcare. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in central Tokyo can cost ¥80,000 to ¥130,000 (INR 47,000–76,000), while meals and groceries are typically ¥30,000 to ¥40,000 (INR 17,500–23,500) monthly.

This guide gives a detailed breakdown of typical expenses, budgeting tips, and cost-saving ideas to help you make informed financial decisions before moving to Japan.

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Average Cost of Living in Japan (2025)

Understanding the monthly cost of living in Japan is essential for anyone planning to move for education, work, or long-term stay. According to official data, individuals typically spend around ¥93,000 (INR 54,723) per month. This estimate includes essential expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and mobile services, offering a realistic picture of daily life costs in Japan.

Here’s a detailed monthly cost breakdown:

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

Note: Exchange rates fluctuate; the above conversions are approximate. As of April 2025, ¥1 ≈ INR 0.55.

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:

Type of Accommodation	Monthly Cost (¥)	INR Equivalent
Shared Apartment	¥30,000 – ¥60,000	INR 17,600 – 35,200
Studio Apartment (1R/1K)	¥50,000 – ¥90,000	INR 29,400 – 52,900
Company/University Dorms	¥20,000 – ¥50,000	INR 11,800 – 29,400
Family Apartment (2LDK)	¥100,000 – ¥150,000	INR 58,800 – 88,300

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

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.

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

Note: Utilities are often included in the rent for company dormitories or shared accommodation, which can help lower your monthly costs.

Transportation Costs in Japan

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The cost of living in Japan can be an enriching experience, but understanding the cost of living is essential for smooth financial planning. With a monthly budget typically ranging from ¥90,000 to ¥120,000 (INR 52,991 – INR 70,655), various factors such as city choice, accommodation, food, and lifestyle choices significantly impact your expenses. Japan offers affordable options in rural areas and cities with a more relaxed pace, while major cities like Tokyo and Osaka can be expensive. By planning carefully, budgeting effectively, and taking advantage of discounts, scholarships, and part-time work opportunities, managing these expenses becomes achievable.