Cost of Living in Japan 2025: Complete Guide & Real Expenses

• Rising CPI: From 2014, Japan's consumer price index (CPI) started rising. However, by 2021,Japan's CPI jumped suddenly. Between 2022 and 2023, it went up by 3.2%.
• Increased Japanese inflation: A rising CPI means that inflation, prices, and salaries are also going up. Japan’s rising CPI shows that the cost of everyday things and services is increasing.
• Rising cost of living: Life in Japan has seen rising costs in everyday items. Such as petrol, clothing, food, and public transport.

If you like cooking at home, monthly grocery expenses can average around ¥38,000 per person.

Japanese prices for fruit and vegetables typically higher than those in Europe or the US [3][4]. Opting for local Japanese products and seasonal foods can reduce these costs [3]. For those who live in Japan, managing these costs is key to maintaining a tight budget.

• Buy local produce: The price of groceries in Japan can depend on where your supermarket sources their stock. Some supermarkets stock produce from local farmers. This can offer up to half price of other vegetable stock.
• Local shopping street: If you live near a 商店街 (shoutengai), a local shopping street, you are in luck! You will find local produce which can positively impact your wallet. These markets can offer much lower prices than the larger supermarkets. It really depends on what kind of markets are in your area.

Eating out can impact your cost of living in Japan. Many Japanese people eat-out regularly. This means that inexpensive dining options are available that won't break the bank.

• Cheap local meals: Local eateries can range from ¥500 to ¥1,500JPY ($3.40 - $10 USD). This provides a budget-friendly way to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine [4].
• Ramen is cheap in Japan: A ramen set (accompanied with fried rice or gyoza) can set you back a mere ¥1,000 ($6.80 USD).
• Convenience stores: Known as ''conbini", they offer options like onigiri (rice balls) and Udon (thick noodles). A complete conbini meal can cost between ¥400-¥700 ($2.70 - $4.80 USD).
  

• Monthly rent: The average monthly rent in Japan is ¥61,367 ($418 USD). This makes 11.88% of the average annual salary of ¥6,200,000 ($42,266 USD).
• Rent by location: Rent prices vary by location, Tokyo being the most expensive. However, companies that specialize in Tokyo real estate, such as E-Housing, can help with that.
• Moving in costs: Initial costs like key money and security deposits can be very high. Sometimes five or six times the monthly rent.

For a detailed breakdown of renting in Japan, check out our article, Mastering Japanese Real Estate: A Guide to Renting in Japan.

• Kyoto home prices: A moderately sized apartment in central Kyoto is about ¥62.2 million.
• Osaka home prices: Osaka homes are priced around ¥42.6 million [5].
• One-room apartment: In Osaka and Kyoto, the rent for a one-room apartment can cost between 50,000 yen (about $320) and 80,000 yen (about $514) a month.
• Larger apartments: If you need an apartment for two or more people, the rent could be anywhere from 80,000 yen to 130,000 yen a month.
  
  

Tokyo's rent is higher than other cities, starting at ¥100,000 per month for a one-room apartment. However, higher salaries in Tokyo offset these costs.

Housing represents a significant portion of living expenses in major Japanese cities. However, this is usually offset by the jobs in those cities, which come with higher salaries.

I will leave you with a video from youTuber "Chani in Japan". Chani is an Australian who moved to Japan. Chani records her life after buying an akiya (a Japanese abandoned house). I hope this is helpful!