Asia · premium destination

Cost of living in Japan for expats

A realistic monthly budget for one person living comfortably in Japan — rent, food, transport, and everyday costs in Tokyo.

Monthly budget

$2,000–3,500

One person, all-in, in Tokyo

Rent (1-bed)

$1,000–2,000

1-bedroom city-centre apartment, per month

Budget tier

Premium

$2,800+/mo

What to know

What makes Japan stand out, and what to watch for

Why expats choose Japan

World-class safety, transport and food, and a weak yen has made Tokyo far more affordable for foreign-income earners than it used to be.

Watch out for

Move-in costs run 4–6 months of rent (deposit, key money, agency and guarantor fees), and most landlords require a Japanese guarantor company.

Costs vary a lot by city, neighbourhood, and lifestyle — these are directional monthly bands for the main expat city, current as of 2026. Treat them as a starting point, not a quote. Information only, not financial advice.

Compare

Cost of living elsewhere in Asia

All 18 in Asia →

Country	Monthly budget	Tier
Thailand	$1,100–1,700	Budget
South Korea	$1,500–2,600	Moderate
Taiwan	$1,400–2,200	Moderate
Vietnam	$900–1,500	Budget
Malaysia	$1,100–1,700	Budget
Indonesia	$1,300–2,200	Moderate

Japan, side by side

Thailand vs Japan Japan vs South Korea Taiwan vs Japan Japan vs Germany United Arab Emirates vs Japan Japan vs Netherlands

The rest of the move

Visa routes to Japan3 current routes, each with its official source Healthcare in Japan for expatsUniversal public system — how a resident can use it and what private cover costs Your first 90 days in JapanRegistration, tax ID, bank account and license, in the order they unlock

Managing your money

Banking abroadUS banks often close accounts with a foreign address. Compare the ones that keep working.Sending money abroadGet your money to Japan without the markup banks hide in the exchange rate.Health cover abroadYour US health plan doesn't follow you overseas. Compare the plans that do.

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Information only, not legal advice — we never file anything with any government. Requirements change; verify with the official source or a licensed immigration advisor before you apply.

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