Cost Of Living in Tokyo 2025
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Tokyo
Whether you're living in Tokyo or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: JPY
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: JPY
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: JPY
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: JPY
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: JPY
How much money can you save in Tokyo every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Tokyo manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 75% of the surveyed people in Tokyo said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 25% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Tokyo
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 80% | 20% |
| Couples | 79% | 21% |
| Families | 69% | 31% |
Savings-to-Income Ratio
The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
22,000 JPY
$150 | 220,000 JPY
$1,500 | 3.4M JPY
$22,000 |
For most people, 11% to 35% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 20% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 220,000 JPY on average with savings ranging from 22,000 JPY to 3.4M JPY.
80% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 79% of couples said the same. 69% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Tokyo?
The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
21,000 JPY
$140 | 190,000 JPY
$1,300 | 2.1M JPY
$14,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 29% |
| 10% - 20% | 23% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 16% |
| 40% - 50% | 12% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 37% of their monthly income to savings, with 25% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 190,000 JPY with 21,000 JPY and 2.1M JPY being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
44,000 JPY
$290 | 280,000 JPY
$1,900 | 2.6M JPY
$17,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 33% |
| 10% - 20% | 25% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 11% |
| 40% - 50% | 9% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 37% of their monthly income, with 23% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 280,000 JPY with 44,000 JPY and 2.6M JPY being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
67,000 JPY
$450 | 340,000 JPY
$2,200 | 3.4M JPY
$22,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 36% |
| 10% - 20% | 28% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 8% |
| 40% - 50% | 6% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Tokyo can save anywhere between 10% to 32% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 340,000 JPY with 67,000 JPY and 3.4M JPY being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Tokyo
One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.
Spending to Income Ratio
98%
87% to 110%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 6% |
| 50% - 60% | 11% |
| 60% - 70% | 18% |
| 70% - 80% | 26% |
| 80% - 90% | 16% |
| 90% - 100% | 9% |
| 100% - 110% | 5% |
| 110% - 120% | 3% |
| 120% - 130% | 2% |
| 130% - 140% | 2% |
| > 140% | 1% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Tokyo is 98%
This means that on average, people spend around 98% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 18% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
90%
Spending-Income-Ratio
80%
100%
Couple
98%
Spending-Income-Ratio
87%
110%
Family
100%
Spending-Income-Ratio
89%
110%
Financial goals of people in Tokyo
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Tokyo, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.
| Financial Goal | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Fund | 7% |
| Debt Reduction | 34% |
| Retirement Savings | 8% |
| Education Funding | 8% |
| Homeownership | 17% |
| Investing | 8% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 10% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 9% |
| Financial Independence | 8% |
Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 34% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 10% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 9% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Tokyo
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Tokyo
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 61,000 JPY | 91,000 JPY | 240,000 JPY |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 94,000 JPY | 150,000 JPY | 380,000 JPY |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 130,000 JPY | 190,000 JPY | 510,000 JPY |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 160,000 JPY | 260,000 JPY | 720,000 JPY |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 300,000 JPY | 750,000 JPY | 1.5M JPY |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 240,000 JPY | 370,000 JPY | 1M JPY |
House monthly rent cost
| 300,000 JPY | 750,000 JPY | 1.5M JPY |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 370,000 JPY | 910,000 JPY | 1.5M JPY |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Tokyo ranges between 61,000 JPY and 240,000 JPY, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 94,000 JPY to 380,000 JPY. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 130,000 JPY and 510,000 JPY per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 160,000 JPY to 720,000 JPY. The average rent of a townhouse in Tokyo is around 370,000 JPY while house rental costs can be as high as 750,000 JPY per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 370,000 JPY to 1.5M JPY per month.
Apartment and house prices in Tokyo
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| $85,000 | $130,000 | $260,000 |
1-bedroom apartment price
| $110,000 | $180,000 | $660,000 |
2-bedroom apartment price
| $160,000 | $490,000 | $970,000 |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 83M JPY | 130M JPY | 380M JPY |
Townhouse price
| 110M JPY | 260M JPY | 970M JPY |
House price
| 130M JPY | 790M JPY | 1,100M JPY |
Villa price
| 160M JPY | 880M JPY | 1,300M JPY |
The average price of a studio apartment in Tokyo can range from 13M JPY to 38M JPY depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 16M JPY to 99M JPY. A villa can cost you 880M JPY on average with prices ranging from 160M JPY to 1,300M JPY.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Tokyo will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.
House / apartment prices to income ratio
Property price to income ratio
( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100
| 55 | x161 monthly income | 292 |
Property prices in Tokyo can be x161 to x292 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x161 multiples of the average monthly salary in Tokyo.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Tokyo is around 38%. This means that people pay 38% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 26% to 50% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.
The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.
Housing affordability index
The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.
Housing Affordability Index
29% Property Taxes
Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.
Home Maintenance Costs
Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.
| 1,100 JPY | 11,000 JPY | 160,000 JPY |
Urban vs. rural living costs
Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.
Affordable living in Tokyo
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Tokyo?
Around 74% of surveyed residents think that living in Tokyo is affordable with proper budgeting while 26% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Tokyo
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Tokyo and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Tokyo:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 1.2M JPY |
| 30 | 2.4M JPY |
| 35 | 4.4M JPY |
| 40 | 6.4M JPY |
| 45 | 8.9M JPY |
| 50 | 13M JPY |
| 55 | 16M JPY |
| 60 | 20M JPY |
| 65 | 22M JPY |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 13% |
| Savings | 22% |
| Investments | 13% |
| Social Security | 8% |
| Annuities | 8% |
| Part-time Job | 10% |
| Real Estate | 17% |
| Dividends and Interest | 8% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Tokyo 39,000 JPY
$260 | 350,000 JPY
$2,300 | 3.9M JPY
$26,000 |
Typical saving choices for people in Tokyo
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 11% |
| Gold | 10% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 11% |
| Cash Savings | 16% |
| Real Estate | 10% |
| Investment | 6% |
| Stocks | 6% |
| Bonds | 6% |
| Mutual Funds | 3% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
Low-cost alternatives in Tokyo
People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options61%
Few low-cost options39%
Based on the survey, 61% of the people living in Tokyo have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 39% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
A typical and healthy budgeting structure
The 50/30/20 rule
Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle,
location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule,
which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.
50% for needs and financial obligations
This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
30% for wants and discretionary spending
This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.
20% for savings and emergency fund
This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.
About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting
The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Emergency Funds
An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes72%
No28%
Based on the survey, 28% of the people living in Tokyo said that they don't have an emergency fund while 72% said that they do.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Tokyo
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
| 620 JPY | 1,200 JPY | 2,100 JPY |
Restaurant meal for one
| 2,200 JPY | 3,300 JPY | 6,500 JPY |
Fine dining meal for one
| 4,200 JPY | 6,200 JPY | 25,000 JPY |
Cappuccino or latte
| 540 JPY | 860 JPY | 1,300 JPY |
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
| 750 JPY | 970 JPY | 1,400 JPY |
Pack of beef
| 910 JPY | 1,400 JPY | 2,700 JPY |
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
| 550 JPY | 660 JPY | 1,300 JPY |
Average car full tank
| 3,100 JPY | 4,200 JPY | 8,400 JPY |
Average car 1-day rental
| 2,900 JPY | 3,900 JPY | 5,800 JPY |
Average car price
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
| 4,100 JPY | 6,100 JPY | 12,000 JPY |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
| 3,500 JPY | 25,000 JPY | 280,000 JPY |
Utility Bill - Couple
| 3,700 JPY | 27,000 JPY | 300,000 JPY |
Utility Bill - Family
| 6,900 JPY | 34,000 JPY | 340,000 JPY |
Internet and cable
| 3,300 JPY | 6,600 JPY | 8,800 JPY |
Mobile phone charges
| 2,100 JPY | 3,500 JPY | 11,000 JPY |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
| 1,400 JPY | 1,800 JPY | 2,800 JPY |
One month gym membership
| 5,100 JPY | 6,400 JPY | 13,000 JPY |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
| 3,900 JPY | 5,500 JPY | 8,200 JPY |
Woman dress
| 3,800 JPY | 5,200 JPY | 17,000 JPY |
Woman shoes
| 3,300 JPY | 4,500 JPY | 10,000 JPY |
Men's shoes
| 2,900 JPY | 3,600 JPY | 7,100 JPY |
Men suit
| 3,300 JPY | 4,100 JPY | 22,000 JPY |
Regular t-shirt
| 1,700 JPY | 2,300 JPY | 6,800 JPY |
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 61,000 JPY | 91,000 JPY | 240,000 JPY |
1-bedroom apartment
| 94,000 JPY | 150,000 JPY | 380,000 JPY |
2-bedroom apartment
| 130,000 JPY | 190,000 JPY | 510,000 JPY |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| $85,000 | $130,000 | $260,000 |
1-bedroom apartment
| $110,000 | $180,000 | $660,000 |
2-bedroom apartment
| $160,000 | $490,000 | $970,000 |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 62,000 JPY | 77,000 JPY | 100,000 JPY |
Double Bed
| 42,000 JPY | 63,000 JPY | 79,000 JPY |
Single Bed
| 38,000 JPY | 50,000 JPY | 65,000 JPY |
Living Room
| 74,000 JPY | 96,000 JPY | 330,000 JPY |
Dining Table
| 31,000 JPY | 41,000 JPY | 77,000 JPY |
Sofa or Couch
| 42,000 JPY | 58,000 JPY | 130,000 JPY |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 43,000 JPY | 64,000 JPY | 130,000 JPY |
Fridge or Freezer
| 39,000 JPY | 60,000 JPY | 82,000 JPY |
Washing Machine
| 47,000 JPY | 67,000 JPY | 120,000 JPY |
Stove or Cooker
| 44,000 JPY | 57,000 JPY | 78,000 JPY |
Mobile Phone
| 53,000 JPY | 64,000 JPY | 91,000 JPY |
Laptop or Computer
| 60,000 JPY | 73,000 JPY | 130,000 JPY |
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Tokyo
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Tokyo
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
| 620 JPY | 1,200 JPY | 2,100 JPY |
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Tokyo is approximatly 1,200 JPY with meal cost ranging from 620 JPY to 2,100 JPY. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
| 2,200 JPY | 3,300 JPY | 6,500 JPY |
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 2,200 JPY and 6,500 JPY with 3,300 JPY being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Tokyo.
Fine dining meal for one price
| 4,200 JPY | 6,200 JPY | 25,000 JPY |
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 4,200 JPY to 25,000 JPY with the average cost being 6,200 JPY for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Tokyo.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
| 540 JPY | 860 JPY | 1,300 JPY |
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Tokyo is around 860 JPY. Price ranges between 540 JPY and 1,300 JPY depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Tokyo is 520 JPY. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 650 JPY and the minimum being 440 JPY depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 410 JPY on average with 310 JPY and 620 JPY being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
| 750 JPY | 970 JPY | 1,400 JPY |
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Tokyo is between 750 JPY and 1,400 JPY depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 970 JPY.
Pack of beef price
| 910 JPY | 1,400 JPY | 2,700 JPY |
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 1,400 JPY. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Tokyo costs around 450 JPY on average with prices rangeing between 330 JPY and 640 JPY depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 130 JPY to 310 JPY. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 300 JPY on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio
( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Tokyo is around 30%. This means that people spend 30% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 21% to 37% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 70,000 JPY per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 9,900 JPY and 770,000 JPY depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 88,000 JPY per month. That number can be get as low as 14,000 JPY or a high as 810,000 JPY. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 26,000 JPY to 1.3M JPY with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
Financial Literacy in
Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.
Financial Leteracy69%
We asked residents of whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 31% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 69% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.
Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning
We wanted to understand whether residents of have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 28% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 72% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance28%
Easily manages finances72%
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Tokyo is 480,000 JPY. Expenses can range from 69,000 JPY at the minimum level to 5.4M JPY at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Tokyo is 720,000 JPY. Expenditure can range from 110,000 JPY to 6.6M JPY per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Tokyo is 850,000 JPY per month. Families spend anywhere from 170,000 JPY to 8.5M JPY.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Tokyo is 340,000 JPY. Students spend from 52,000 JPY to 3.8M JPY per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Saving Challenges in Tokyo
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Tokyo. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 6% |
| High Expenses | 9% |
| Debt and Loans | 18% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 10% |
| Impulsive Spending | 10% |
| Financial Emergencies | 6% |
| Living the moment | 7% |
| Will do it later | 17% |
| Inflation | 11% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 3% |
Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 18% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 17% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Tokyo
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 27% of the people in Tokyo have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 73% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Tokyo
Debt to income ratio
29%
20% to 38%
( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100
Interpretation
The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 29% of the people's monthly income in Tokyo goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 12% |
| 40% - 50% | 12% |
| 30% - 40% | 14% |
| 20% - 30% | 15% |
| 10% - 20% | 18% |
| 0% - 10% | 27% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Tokyo pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 12% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 15% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Tokyo
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 13% |
| Auto Loan | 22% |
| Student Loan | 3% |
| Credit Card | 25% |
| Personal Loan | 37% |
13% of debtors in Tokyo confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 25% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 22% of people and personal loans rose at 37%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Tokyo.
About credit score and debt managementManaging debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.
Good debt vs. Bad debt
Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.
Loan Affordability Index in Tokyo
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.
Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.
| Frequency | % People |
|---|
| Never | 55% |
| Once a year | 22% |
| Twice a year | 11% |
| Three times a year | 8% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
How do people spend their money in Tokyo?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.
Housing Expenditure26%
26% of total expenses on average (15% to 34%)
| LOW | $100 16,000 JPY |
| AVERAGE | $1,000 160,000 JPY |
| HIGH | $16,000 2.4M JPY |
| Per Month |
People living in Tokyo typically spend from 15% to 34% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average spend on housing is 160,000 JPY with expenditure ranging from 16,000 JPY to 2.4M JPY. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $15 2,300 JPY |
| AVERAGE | $150 23,000 JPY |
| HIGH | $2,300 350,000 JPY |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Tokyo ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 23,000 JPY with 2,300 JPY and 350,000 JPY being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $33 5,000 JPY |
| AVERAGE | $330 50,000 JPY |
| HIGH | $5,000 750,000 JPY |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 5,000 JPY to 750,000 JPY on commuting with 50,000 JPY being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.
Food and Groceries Cost27%
27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)
| LOW | $81 12,000 JPY |
| AVERAGE | $810 120,000 JPY |
| HIGH | $12,000 1.8M JPY |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Tokyo is 120,000 JPY. The cost of groceries can range between 12,000 JPY to 1.8M JPY. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services9%
9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $20 3,000 JPY |
| AVERAGE | $200 30,000 JPY |
| HIGH | $3,000 450,000 JPY |
| Per Month |
People in Tokyo allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 3,000 JPY to 450,000 JPY with 30,000 JPY being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $13 1,900 JPY |
| AVERAGE | $130 19,000 JPY |
| HIGH | $1,900 290,000 JPY |
| Per Month |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 1,900 JPY to 290,000 JPY with 19,000 JPY being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.
Education and Schooling6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $19 2,900 JPY |
| AVERAGE | $190 29,000 JPY |
| HIGH | $2,900 440,000 JPY |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 29,000 JPY per month with 2,900 JPY being the minimum spent amount and 440,000 JPY being the maximum.
Other Expenses12%
12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)
| LOW | $44 6,600 JPY |
| AVERAGE | $440 66,000 JPY |
| HIGH | $6,600 1,000,000 JPY |
| Per Month |
Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Tokyo
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Tokyo
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
| 3,500 JPY | 25,000 JPY | 280,000 JPY |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
| 3,700 JPY | 27,000 JPY | 300,000 JPY |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 6,900 JPY | 34,000 JPY | 340,000 JPY |
Internet and cable cost
| 3,300 JPY | 6,600 JPY | 8,800 JPY |
Mobile phone bill and charges
| 2,100 JPY | 3,500 JPY | 11,000 JPY |
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Tokyo ranges between 3,500 JPY and 280,000 JPY with average being 25,000 JPY, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 27,000 JPY with 3,700 JPY and 300,000 JPY being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 34,000 JPY. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 3,300 JPY to 8,800 JPY with 6,600 JPY being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 3,500 JPY but can range between 2,100 JPY and 11,000 JPY depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average utility-to-income ratio in Tokyo is around 6%. This means that people pay 6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.4% to 11% depending on salary and location.
Cost of living comparison by city
#1 Sendai
The average cost of living in Sendai is 260,000 JPY, which is 50% less than the country average. Sendai is ranked first in Japan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#2 Hiroshima
The average cost of living in Hiroshima is 280,000 JPY, which is 46% less than the country average. Hiroshima is ranked second in Japan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#3 Saitama
The average cost of living in Saitama is 300,000 JPY, which is 42% less than the country average. Saitama is ranked third in Japan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#4 Kawasaki
The average cost of living in Kawasaki is 320,000 JPY, which is 38% less than the country average. Kawasaki is ranked fourth in Japan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#5 Kyoto
The average cost of living in Kyoto is 340,000 JPY, which is 35% less than the country average. Kyoto is ranked fifth in Japan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#6 Kobe
The average cost of living in Kobe is 360,000 JPY, which is 31% less than the country average. Kobe is ranked sixth in Japan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#7 Fukuoka
The average cost of living in Fukuoka is 390,000 JPY, which is 25% less than the country average. Fukuoka is ranked seventh in Japan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#8 Sapporo
The average cost of living in Sapporo is 410,000 JPY, which is 21% less than the country average. Sapporo is ranked eighth in Japan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#9 Nagoya
The average cost of living in Nagoya is 440,000 JPY, which is 15% less than the country average. Nagoya is ranked ninth in Japan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#10 Osaka
The average cost of living in Osaka is 470,000 JPY, which is 9.6% less than the country average. Osaka is ranked tenth in Japan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#11 Yokohama
The average cost of living in Yokohama is 490,000 JPY, which is 5.8% less than the country average. Yokohama is ranked eleventh in Japan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#12 Tokyo
The average cost of living in Tokyo is 520,000 JPY, which is same as the country average. Tokyo is ranked twelfth in Japan in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
Published: July 21, 2024 Last Update: April 16, 2025
