Tokyo is a city that captivates many visitors, often sparking a desire to call the Japanese capital “home.” While it offers a high quality of life and unparalleled safety, it consistently ranks among the most expensive cities globally.
If you are planning a move in 2026, here is a breakdown of the estimated monthly cost of living in Tokyo to help you budget for your new adventure.
Rent
The cost of renting a house in Tokyo is probably the biggest expense involved in living here. The cost of renting a house in Japan changes according to the location of the house (city center or suburb), the distance from the house to the station, and the age of the building. The more strategic the location of the house, and the newer the building, the more expensive the cost of renting the house. The following is a breakdown of the cost of renting a house in Tokyo:
- Rent per month for 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre: ~181,219 yen
- Rent per month for 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre: ~103,625 yen
- Rent per month for 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre: ~345,565 yen
- Rent per month for 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre: ~199,959 yen
Meals
While Tokyo has a “pricey” reputation, everyday food costs can be managed by eating like a local. In 2026, inflation has slightly increased prices, but many retailers are competing to keep basics affordable. A breakdown of the cost of meals in Tokyo (approximate):
- Eating Out:
- Lunch Set (Teishoku): 900 – 1,500 yen
- Ramen/Beef Bowl (Gyudon): 600 – 1,200 yen
- Mid-range Dinner (with drink): 3,000 – 5,000 yen
- Grocery Staples:
- Milk (1L): 210 – 250 yen
- Eggs (10–12 Large): 280 – 350 yen
- Chicken Breast (500g): 550 – 650 yen
- Apples (1kg): 800 – 1,000 yen
- Beer (500ml can): 280 – 320 yen
Utilities
Monthly bills vary by season (summer and winter see higher electricity bills due to AC and heating).
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage): ~24,795 yen
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data): ~3,709 yen
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher): ~4,706 yen
Healthcare
Health and medical expenses in Japan are known to be quite expensive. The proof is that the government requires every citizen to take part in a national insurance program. The following is a breakdown of health and medical expenses in Japan without insurance:
- Drugs for fever/cold for 6 days (Tylenol, Frenadol or similar): 1,500 yen
- One box antibiotic drugs (12 doses): ~1500 yen
- Short visit to the doctor (15 minutes): 4,000 – 10,000+ yen
Transportation
Tokyo’s public transport is world-class, making car ownership unnecessary for most residents. The following is a breakdown of transportation costs in Tokyo:
- Monthly Commuter Pass: 10,000 – 15,000 yen (often reimbursed by Japanese employers)
- Tokyo Subway 24-hour Ticket: 800 yen
- Taxi (Short 2km ride): 800 – 1,200 yen
- Petrol (1 Liter): 165 – 175 yen
Still want to move in?
Living in Tokyo is a rewarding experience, but the initial “moving-in” costs—often involving “key money” (reikin) and deposits—can equal 3 to 5 months of rent up-front. However, once settled, the city offers a range of options from high-end luxury to frugal local living that makes it accessible for various budgets.
