Cost of Living in Japan: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Countries

Hi! I’m Astronaut Alex 👨‍🚀🚀, and today, we’re talking about the cost of living in Japan. Do you know about the living expenses in Japan? Well, it can be expensive to study abroad but with the right knowledge of managing the expenses, you will be able to stay comfortably.

While planning your higher education journey in Japan, it is essential to consider the various types of costs and expenses for living there comfortably. Please read this blog to learn all about the cost of living in Japan. Join me as I take you on a journey to break down living expenses in Japan. Let’s go! 🚀

Cost of Living in Japan: Overview

Living costs are the most crucial factor when planning to study abroad. The average cost of living in Japan for international students is around JPY 130,260 per month, excluding rent, according to Numbeo data. While the cost of living in Japan is around 1.05 times more expensive than the world average. However, it offers a high quality of life, excellent amenities, and access to a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities.

These costs of Living in Japan are extremely variable as they can vary according to the city, individual preferences, lifestyle and other factors. Check out the following sections to learn about the average accommodation costs as well as food, utility and travel expenses you can expect while studying in Japan.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Sapporo: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities

Costs of Accommodation in Japan

Housing is one of the biggest expenses in Japan and these expenses cover the major portion of the cost of living in Japan. For accommodation costs, you can either choose on-campus or off-campus accommodation. There are various accommodation options available for expat students according to their budget and lifestyle in Japan.

If you are opting for dormitory accommodation by the university, then you can expect to pay around JPY 16000 /month for a single room. While off-campus accommodation costs in and outside of the cities in Japan are given below in the table:

Accommodation Type	Average Monthly Cost
One-bedroom apartment in the city centre	JPY 87,245
One-bedroom apartment outside the city centre	JPY 57,222
Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre	JPY 181,613
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre	JPY 115,006

Cost of Groceries in Japan

Another unavoidable factor to consider while estimating the cost of Living in Japan is the expenses related to Groceries. Grocery expenses are an essential part of daily life for those who prefer cooking at home, and the overall cost can vary based on individual food choices in Japan. The average Grocery costs can range from JPY 8000 to JPY 10000 and can vary depending on your preferences.

It’s advisable to compare prices across different supermarkets or local markets to get the best value for your budget when shopping for groceries in Japan. Below, we’ve compiled a list of grocery items along with their respective costs based on our research.

Grocery Item	Average Costs
Milk (regular), (1 litre)	JPY 215.85
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	JPY 227.66
Rice (white), (1kg)	JPY 540.91
Eggs (regular) (12)	JPY 328.37
Local Cheese (1kg)	JPY 1,692.85
Apples (1kg)	JPY 705.34
Banana (1kg)	JPY 351.14
Oranges (1kg)	JPY 641.91
Tomato (1kg)	JPY 657.05
Potato (1kg)	JPY 397.47
Onion (1kg)	JPY 352.53
Lettuce (1 head)	JPY 191.46
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	JPY 126.57

Utility Cost in Japan

The typical monthly utility bill for one person is roughly JPY 25,271, with electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage, etc for an 85m² Apartment. Utility costs are a relatively primary expense in the budget of the overall cost of living in Japan.

By having a clear understanding of all utility costs, you can effectively plan your finances and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Japan. This knowledge ensures that you can manage your expenses while living in this beautiful country. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the typical utility costs for international students living in Japan:

Mobile and Internet Costs in Japan

Those with a valid residency card and a Japanese bank account have easy access to mobile phones. Traditional subscription mobile phone plans start at roughly JPY 3,876 per month. Residents who want an internet connection at home may consider purchasing a WiFi device with a monthly rate of approximately JPY 5,020 for 60 Mbps speed with unlimited data.

Cost of Cleaning Services in Japan

Cleaning services for accommodations are often included in the housing portion of the cost of living. Typically, this service is provided by using domestic help, which is rather common in Japan. The rates vary depending on the kind of cleaning, but a full-time domestic helper may expect to make around JPY 98,882 each month.

Healthcare & Insurance in Japan

The health care expenses should be considered in the budget of the cost of living in Japan. However, residents of Japan can choose between two forms of mandatory insurance. Employee Health Insurance (kenkô hoken) or the country’s National Health Insurance (kokumin kenkô hoken) are required by law for all people residing in the country, including residents and ex-pats on long-term visas.

This enrollment can, however, be avoided due to an agreement with specific nations. 1) Whether or not you work for a Japanese employer, and 2) whether or not the Japanese firm offers this health insurance benefit are the decisive criteria in which insurance you will enrol.

• Health Card

To apply, go to your local City Office or the Ward Office’s Residential Affairs Division. The premium is calculated using your age and prior year’s earnings.

• The Essential Benefit Plan

There’s also a plan in place for low-wage employees and unemployed people. The Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) is the bare minimum of health insurance coverage required of all Japanese residents. It provides essential services at an affordable price.

Please Note: The aforementioned costs are only indicative expenses on an average basis. Actual costs can vary due to different factors.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Monaco: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities

Transportation Costs in Japan

Commuters can buy one-month or multi-month rail commuter passes that allow them unrestricted travel between their home and office/University. Transportation costs are an important part of the overall cost of living in Japan. Many Japanese corporations cover all or part of their workers’ railway fares. While there is a range of additional train travel discounts available in Japan, and many rail passes. The JR Tokyo Wide Pass and the JR Seishun 18 Kippu, among others, are discounted train passes accessible to foreigners residing in Japan.

Cycling is a highly cost-effective mode of transportation in Japan, particularly in cities, helping to reduce living expenses. Most railway stations and malls provide bicycle parking. Local buses supplement rail networks in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka and serve as primary transport in suburbs. Taxis are available near railway stations and are useful after public transport stops around midnight, often a cost-effective choice for short distances with three or four people. Here is an overview of the various modes of transportation and their monthly costs:

Transport Type	Average Cost
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	JPY 220.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	JPY 8,000.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	JPY 580.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)	JPY 430.00
Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	JPY 3,400.00
Gasoline (1 liter)	JPY 170.72

Leisure Costs in Japan

Leisure costs are a miscellaneous expense in Japan and are considered an optional part of the cost of living in Japan. In many cities, entertainment options include movie theatres, where ticket prices range from JPY 1500 to JPY 2500.

You can also find karaoke bars, with hourly rates starting at around JPY 200, and gaming centres for amusement. Theatrical productions and live concerts are frequent throughout the year, with major cities like Tokyo and Osaka hosting live performances by renowned local and international artists. Concert tickets typically start at approximately JPY 6000, varying depending on the seating arrangements.

Cost of Studying in Japan

With a uniquely designed education system, Japan is home to some of the internationally acclaimed universities in Asia. With scores of international students choosing the Land of the Rising Sun to pursue higher education, Japan has emerged as a sought-after study destination with an inclusive culture and rich historical heritage. When you think of studying in Japan, the most popular universities to consider include the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, and Tohoku University, to name a few.

Along with the average cost of living in Japan, the most fundamental head that is to be considered is tuition fees. while talking about the cost of studying in Japan. Some of the core elements that you have to incur while studying in Japan are mentioned below in detail.

Public School

Because public schools do not charge tuition for compulsory education, these programmes help pay for things like food, transportation, supplies, and field excursions. The High School Enrollment Support Fund System provides tuition subsidies to households earning less than the yearly income requirement for upper secondary pupils.

International/Private Schools

When comparing schooling alternatives in Japan, international schools are by far the most expensive. Tuition ranges from 1.5 to 2.3 million JPY each year, with additional expenses for uniforms, school supplies, and other items. Remember to account for the registration cost.

Higher Education Tuition Fees

The most vital element in estimating the cost of studying in Japan is the tuition fee which can vary as per your chosen program and university. Tuition costs in Japan are quite low, especially when compared to those in the United States. Check out the following table to see the average cost of studying at the universities in Japan:

Name of the Universities	Average Costs for the first year
University of Tokyo	JPY 282,000 – JPY 542,000
Kyoto University	JPY 188,400 – JPY 536,000
Waseda University	JPY 962,000 – JPY 1,640,000
Tokyo Institute of Technology	JPY 635,000
Osaka University	JPY 536,000
Nagasaki University	JPY 29,700 – JPY 535,800
Tohoku University	JPY 536,000
Kyushu University	JPY 536,000 – JPY 540,000
Keio University	JPY 100,000
Niigata University	JPY 536,000
Yamaguchi University	JPY 536,000
Globis University	JPY 3,845,000
Nagoya University	JPY 536,000

Cost of MBBS in Japan

Japan is often opted by Indian students when it comes to pursuing MBBS abroad owing to advanced medical techniques that are followed in the country. For the students willing to pursue MBBS in Japan, the average cost will be around JPY 535,800. Along with this, extra fees in terms of application, examination and accommodation charges of almost JPY 90,000- JPY 1,50,000

Must Read: Cost of Living in Taiwan: A Guide on Expected Expenses

Cost of Masters in Japan

Masters are generally considered a hard toll to take when it comes to the financial aspect. But considering Japan, pursuing a master’s seems like a piece of cake. The country offers a variety of masters in various fields from medical and management to hospitality and fine arts. On average, you will be expected to spend an amount of JPY 250,000- JPY 550,000. 

Cost of MBA in Japan

The average cost of your chosen MBA will vary from one university to another. Along with the university chosen, your fees for the MBA course will vary as per the specialization you have chosen. Another crucial factor that affects the cost of an MBA in Japan is the duration of the program. The courses which last for a longer duration usually cost more than shorter ones. Generally, the tuition fee for an MBA will be around JPY 450,000- JPY 4,700,000.

Doctoral Degree Fees in Japan

For pursuing a doctoral degree in Japan, the cost of studying can be somewhere close to the tuition fee of postgraduate programs but you can avail of varied PhD scholarships to minimise the same. In line with this, if you choose an English language course, the estimated cost is around JPY 19,000 – JPY 1,20,000. Apart from this, universities may require additional funding in terms of tuition fees or operating costs and enrollment fees will also be charged at the time of application which can range from JPY 2,80,000 to JPY 3,90,000. 

Cost of Japanese Language Course in Japan

If you have fallen for the Japanese language and are looking forward to learning the insights of it, then, you will easily find solutions for the same. Many academic institutions and universities offer short and long-term language courses for Japanese. The estimated cost for it is around JPY 150,000 – JPY 200,000

When compared to European and American countries, Japan is relatively affordable but the program fee can make a sizeable difference between these universities in Japan.

Scholarships and Financial Aid in Japan

While studying in Japan, international students with a student visa are not allowed to work, if and only if they take the permission of the school and the immigration office for a set maximum number of hours per week. To provide financial aid to foreign students, the government of Japan has established scholarships for international students and some of these are as follows:

• Japan Study Support Scholarships
• The Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students
• Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Short-term Study in Japan)
• ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia-Pacific
• UNU-INWEH Scholarships in Integrated Drylands Management for Developing Country Students

Please Note: The aforementioned tuition fees are only average costs. The actual tuition costs completely depend upon the choice of university and program. If you aim to study an affordable degree program, then consider opting for a National or Public university in Japan and find the best scholarships available for your chosen course to lessen the overall cost of studying.

Must Read: Top 4 Japan Scholarships for Indian Students You Never Knew Existed!

Student Visa Costs in Japan

In addition to understanding the average cost of living in Japan, it’s crucial to consider the cost of student visas. This ensures that students can effectively manage their budgets while planning their studies abroad. Japan has a “general visa exemption arrangement” with a total of 68 countries across Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, the Middle East and Africa. So, the citizens of these countries will only require a valid passport to study at a Japanese university for up to 3 months.

When it comes to Indian students planning to study in Japan, a student visa will be essentially required to enter the country. The university or institute in Japan that you have chosen will be your sponsor and will lend assistance in obtaining the student visa. You will have to apply for a long-term visa as an Indian student planning to study in Japan. The application fee for a Japan Student Visa for Indian nationals is as follows:

• Single or Multiple Entry Visa: JPY 797.22
• Transit Visa: JPY 72.47

If you are not an Indian citizen and apply for Japan Student Visa from India, then the visa fee is as follows:

• Single Entry: JPY 2754
• Multiple Entry: JPY 5850
• Transit Visa: JPY 652.27

The visa fee will be collected in the currency of the country where the Embassy / Consulate General is located. Students have to keep in mind that the application fee for a student visa is different for all countries, and depends on the nationality of the student and course chosen by the student. You can visit the official website of the Embassy of Japan in India for more information.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Toowoomba: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities

Cost of Living Comparison: Japan vs Other Countries

When evaluating the cost of living in Japan, it is helpful to compare it with other countries to gain a comprehensive understanding. Japan is known for its high-quality lifestyle, excellent public services, and unique cultural experiences, but these come with associated costs. Here’s a comparison to provide a clearer perspective:

To provide a comprehensive comparison, we’ve gathered relevant data on how the cost of living in Japan compares to well-known countries and major cities like the USA, Tokyo, South Korea, Canada, the UK, Australia, the Philippines, South Africa, and Singapore. This comparison aims to offer clear insights into the affordability and overall expenses associated with living in Japan.

Cost of Living City/Country Wise	Average Cost of living	Comparison with Cost of Living in Japan
Cost of Living in the USA	JPY 186892 (excluding rent)	Higher than the Japan
Cost of Living in Tokyo	JPY 146,806 (excluding rent)	Higher than the Japan
Cost of Living in South Korea	JPY 163807 (excluding rent)	Higher than the Japan
Cost of Living in Canada	JPY 169211 (excluding rent)	Higher than the Japan
Cost of Living in the UK	JPY 164618 (excluding rent)	Higher than the Japan
Cost of Living in Australia	JPY 177303 (excluding rent)	Higher than the Japan
Cost of Living in the Philippines	JPY 85932 (excluding rent)	Lower than the Japan
Cost of Living in South Africa	JPY 95445 (excluding rent)	Lower than the Japan
Cost of Living in Singapore	JPY 175873 (excluding rent)	Higher than the Japan

While Japan has some high living costs, especially in urban areas like Tokyo. By understanding the living costs, students and expatriates can better plan their budgets and enjoy a comfortable stay in Japan.

Tips to Reduce Overall Living Costs in Japan

Overall, the cost of living in Japan is moderate but not cheap, particularly for students from countries with low exchange rates. Here are some helpful hints for lowering your total cost of living in Japan:

• Students pursuing a graduate degree or a PhD from one of Japan’s prominent institutions might consider living in the relevant institution’s dormitory to save money.
• Students can utilise public transportation and share trips with other students instead of paying for private transportation. It will undoubtedly assist international students in lowering their living costs in Japan.
• Certainly, eating at upscale restaurants or cafés regularly may be costly. As a result, you must seek a cost-effective choice. The university cafeteria and street food are both substantially less expensive options. Furthermore, certain bars and restaurants have higher drink/dinner costs. Takeout is a preferable alternative if at all feasible.
• When Living in Japan, students can usually work part-time for roughly 20 hours per week. Students are hired as interns and freelancers by a variety of workplaces and businesses. As a consequence, you’ll be able to support yourself comfortably and cover your living expenses in Japan.

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Mr. Astronaut👨‍🚀🚀- “ Kiddos, I have answered all your queries with the utmost precision that I was capable of. Now, I will be taking my leave, but if you think that I might have missed something do check out the FAQ section or drop a comment. I always respond!”

FAQs on Cost of Living in Japan

Hence, we hope that this blog has answered all your queries regarding the cost of Living in Japan. Planning to pursue higher studies in Japan? Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.