Cost of Living in Tokyo: A Complete Guide for International Students
Tokyo consistently ranks among the world's most expensive cities, but that shouldn't deter you from pursuing your education there. With proper planning and budgeting, living in Tokyo as a student is entirely manageable.
Accommodation (¥50,000 - ¥100,000/month)
Your biggest expense will be housing. International students have several options:
University Dormitories (¥30,000 - ¥60,000/month)
- Most affordable option
- Usually include utilities
- Great for meeting other students
- Limited availability
Private Apartments (¥70,000 - ¥120,000/month)
- More privacy and space
- Higher initial costs (key money, deposit)
- Requires Japanese guarantor
Share Houses (¥50,000 - ¥80,000/month)
- Good balance of cost and privacy
- Furnished rooms
- Shared common areas
Food (¥30,000 - ¥50,000/month)
Cooking at Home
- Grocery shopping: ¥2,000 - ¥3,000/week
- Convenience store meals: ¥500 - ¥800 per meal
Eating Out
- University cafeteria: ¥400 - ¥600
- Casual restaurants: ¥800 - ¥1,500
- Convenience store bento: ¥400 - ¥600
Transportation (¥5,000 - ¥15,000/month)
Student Commuter Pass (定期券)
- Discounted monthly pass between home and school
- Typically saves 30-40% on regular fares
- Must show student ID
Regular Fares
- Short trips (1-3 stations): ¥150 - ¥200
- Medium trips: ¥200 - ¥300
- Across Tokyo: ¥400 - ¥600
Utilities (¥10,000 - ¥20,000/month)
- Electricity: ¥3,000 - ¥7,000
- Gas: ¥2,000 - ¥5,000
- Water: ¥2,000 - ¥3,000
- Internet: ¥3,000 - ¥5,000
Note: Often included in dormitories and share houses.
Other Essential Expenses
National Health Insurance (国民健康保険)
- ¥1,500 - ¥3,000/month
- Covers 70% of medical costs
- Mandatory for residents
Mobile Phone
- Budget SIM: ¥2,000 - ¥3,000/month
- Major carriers: ¥4,000 - ¥8,000/month
Study Materials
- ¥5,000 - ¥15,000/semester
Monthly Budget Summary
Money-Saving Tips
- 1Get a Student Commuter Pass - Essential for daily savings
- 2Shop at Discount Grocers - OK Super, Gyomu Super offer better prices
- 3Use University Facilities - Cafeterias, gyms, study spaces
- 4100 Yen Shops - Daiso for household items
- 5Second-Hand Shopping - Hard-Off, Book-Off for electronics and books
Part-Time Work
International students can work up to 28 hours per week:
- Convenience stores: ¥1,000 - ¥1,200/hour
- Restaurants: ¥1,000 - ¥1,300/hour
- Tutoring: ¥2,000 - ¥4,000/hour
- Translation: ¥2,500+/hour
Apply for "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted" at the immigration office.
Emergency Fund
Keep at least 3 months of living expenses saved:
- Minimum: ¥330,000
- Comfortable: ¥550,000
Final Thoughts
Tokyo's cost of living is high, but the experience is invaluable. With careful budgeting and possibly part-time work, you can make it work. The key is planning ahead and tracking your expenses.
If you need personalized guidance on budgeting for your Tokyo studies, feel free to reach out for a consultation.