Cost of Living in Tokyo for International Students

Are you planning to study and live in Tokyo in the near future? Knowing about the cost of living in Tokyo is important. This will give you an idea of what to budget for your living expenses in Tokyo, which is one of the costliest cities in the world. However, proper planning in advance will help you chalk out a strategy to lower your costs as much as possible. Read on for more insights in this regard.

Average Cost of Living in Tokyo 

The average cost of living in Tokyo is approximately 50,000 yen for housing each month, which is higher than the national average of 38,000 yen per month. Excluding study and research costs, the cost of living in Tokyo for Indian and other international students may touch 108,000 yen per month. 

Cost of Living in Tokyo against Number of Family Members

Here is the cost to live in Tokyo as per the number of family members (excluding rentals): 

List of Necessary Items with their Cost

There are several necessities that contribute to the average living expenses in Tokyo. Some of them include the following: 

Average Rent in Tokyo

Monthly housing rentals are the biggest contributors to the average living cost in Tokyo. Here is a closer look for your benefit: 
1 bedroom apartment in city center- 81,875.85-226,800 yen 
1 bedroom apartment outside city center- 50,000-140,000 yen
3-bedroom apartment in city center- 200,000-515,000 yen 
3-bedroom apartment outside city center- 100,000-250,000 yen

Study Cost and University Tuition Fee 

The cost of living in Tokyo is also influenced by your study costs, inclusive of the tuition fees. Here is a summary of the yearly costs for your perusal: 

• Graduate Schools- 820,000-1,000,000 yen per year
• Universities (Undergraduate)- 820,000-1,100,000 yen per year 
• Junior Colleges- 600,000 yen per year
• Colleges of Technology- 320,000 yen per year
• Professional Training Colleges- 900,000 yen per year
• Japanese Language Institutions- 680,000 yen per year

The monthly costs for books and supplies may be approximately 5,000 yen, while health insurance will be another 1,000 yen each month. Mobile phone costs will hover around 5,000 yen each month as well.  

Transportation Costs Tokyo

The average cost to live in Tokyo also depends on your transportation expenses each month. These include the following: 

• A one-way ticket on local transportation- 140-250 yen 
• Monthly pass- 3,800-15,000 yen 
• Taxi (1 km)- 343-600 yen

Cost of Utilities and Bills in Tokyo

You should be prepared to pay approximately 13,000-42,500 yen per month on the basic utilities. These include cooling, electricity, water, heating, and garbage. The costs have been estimated for an apartment sized at 85 square meters. Internet costs are usually 3,045.19-6,000 yen per month. 

Affordable Places to Live in Tokyo 

The cost of living in Tokyo varies from one place to another. Here are some of the most affordable destinations you can consider: 

• Tachikawa (West Tokyo) - It is a family-friendly area where a 2LDK apartment near the station is available for less than 120,000 yen each month. 
• Kinshicho, Sumida-ku- It is a major transportation hub with several amenities and attractions for residents. A 2 LDK apartment is available for less than 160,000 yen each month. 
• Komagome, Toshima-ku- It is home to several 2 LDK apartments available at approximately 200,000 yen each month. Several attractions and parks are located nearby. 
• Oji, Kita-ku- It is a charming area that has apartments (2LDK) available for approximately 150,000 yen per month. 
• Mizonokuchi, Kanagawa- This area is a little away from the city and has several walking trails and shops available for residents. There are several 2 LDK options available for less than 130,000 yen each month here. 

To sum up, the cost of living in Tokyo should be noted carefully before you arrive in the city for work or study purposes. Note these figures and chalk out a plan to lower your expenses during your time here.