Cost of living · Japan

Tokyo Cost of Living

Monthly cost of living breakdown for Tokyo, Japan

Cost Level: Medium

Housing

1BR Apartment — City Center ¥135,000–230,000/mo (center); ¥80,000–125,000/mo (suburbs)
USD Reference Approx. USD 850–1,460/mo (1BR centre) · at 2026-10-09 FX rates

Food & Dining

Budget Restaurant / Local Eatery ¥900–1,800 (restaurant); ¥400–700 (convenience store)
Monthly Groceries ¥35,000–60,000/mo (supermarket basics)

Transport

Monthly Transport Cost Monthly pass ¥10,000–20,000 (depends on commute)

Subway + JR rail covers the entire city. Suica/Pasmo cards work everywhere. Taxis start at ¥500–730. Cycling is growing in popularity.

Monthly Budget Summary

Budget Lifestyle (single)
USD 1,200–2,000
Comfortable Lifestyle (single)
USD 2,000–3,500
Family Budget (2–3 people)
USD 4,000–6,500

Band-level illustration: these three totals come from this city's cost band (level 3 of 5), not from the expenses above — every city on the same band shows the same ranges.

⚠️
Important Note

Data above is approximate and indicative. Actual costs vary by location, personal lifestyle, and exchange rate fluctuations. Verify with local sources after arrival.

Source: Richbay editorial estimate (indicative, not guaranteed)

Estimate baseline: 2026-07-20

How we estimate
  • Coverage: the city and its immediate surrounding area.
  • Housing: public statistics and current listing ranges (1-bedroom, city-centre baseline).
  • Food & transport: supermarket / restaurant reference baskets and official operator fares.
  • Currency conversion uses a reference rate; any USD figures are computed at the rate shown.
  • Confidence: Medium — an editorial estimate, not a crowdsourced index.
  • Cost level is relative to Richbay’s global city set, not an absolute index.
← Back to Tokyo Overview

Compare with another city

Thinking about your next step?

Try the AI Future Simulator on richbay.com: quick 30-second previews of possible paths in career, study, wealth and life direction. Experimental, no login.

Try the AI Future Simulator