The capital of Japan, Tokyo, is a dazzling mix of an ancient culture and futuristic innovation. It is a perfect fusion of technology and tradition, with centuries-old shrines to massive skyscrapers and high-speed trains. The city is a hotspot for professionals, students, and families from all over the world, but one question that often arises is, “How affordable is it to live in Tokyo?”
With high living standards, world-class infrastructure, and unquestionable safety, Tokyo is consistently ranked among the most expensive cities in the world. Nevertheless, it is possible to live a surprisingly comfortable life here through intelligent planning and local insights.
This blog contains a comprehensive analysis of the cost of living in Tokyo for Indian in 2025, taking into account housing, groceries, transport, utilities, health care, education, and entertainment. We will also be including useful budgeting tips that will come in handy for anybody planning to move to the vibrant capital of Japan.
Average Cost of Living in Tokyo
The cost of living varies depending on where you live, your lifestyle, and whether you’re single or moving with family.
| Profile | Excluding Rent (Monthly) | Including Rent (Monthly) |
| Single Person | ¥150,000 – ¥200,000 (₹87,000 – ₹1,16,000) | ¥220,000 – ¥300,000 (₹1,27,000 – ₹1,74,000) |
| Family of Four | ¥350,000 – ¥450,000 (₹2,03,000 – ₹2,61,000) | ¥500,000 – ¥700,000 (₹2,90,000 – ₹4,06,000) |
Living in central Tokyo can be pretty expensive; however, if you choose to move a little further away, towards suburban areas such as Setagaya, Nerima, or Machida, you can reduce your costs by approximately 20-30%.
Note: At the time of writing this blog, 1 Japanese Yen (¥) = 0.58 Indian Rupee (₹). Actual rates may vary depending on the time of reading.
Housing & Rent Costs
The biggest contributor to the cost of living in Tokyo generally is housing and rental. The rent varies significantly according to the ward, proximity to the train stations, and apartment sizes. Here is a detailed breakdown of the expected rental cost in Tokyo:
| Type of Accommodation | Monthly Rent (¥) | Indian Equivalent (₹) |
| 1BHK in City Centre | ¥150,000 to ¥220,000 | ₹87,000 to ₹1,27,000 |
| 1BHK Outside City Centre | ¥90,000 to ¥130,000 | ₹52,000 to ₹75,000 |
| 3BHK Apartment in City Centre | ¥300,000 to ¥450,000 | ₹1,74,000 to ₹2,61,000 |
| Shared Room/Hostel | ¥50,000 to ¥80,000 | ₹29,000 to ₹46,000 |
Premium neighborhoods such as Minato, Shibuya, and Meguro are more expensive, but there are cheaper alternatives like Katsushika and Suginami.
The tenants are expected to pay a security deposit, key money (one-time gift to the landlord), and agency fees, which often end up costing three to four months of rent.
Food & Groceries
The Tokyo food scene offers a mixed spread from sushi bars and ramen joints to international food chains serving all kinds of delicacies. Dining out is not cheap, but grocery shopping from stores can be rather affordable, if you choose discount stores as Gyomu Super, OK Store, or Don Quijote.
Here is a list of general, everyday groceries that you may need;
- Milk (1L) – ¥200 (₹116)
- Eggs (12 pcs) – ¥250 (₹145)
- Rice (1kg) – ¥400 (₹232)
- Chicken (1kg) – ¥800 (₹464)
- Apples (1kg) – ¥600 (₹348)
- Bread (Loaf) – ¥200 (₹116)
- Onions (1kg) – ¥300 (₹174)
- Cooking Oil (1L) – ¥500 (₹290)
- Bottled Water (1.5L) – ¥120 (₹70)
The grocery bill per month can average around ¥30,000 – ¥45,000 (₹17,400 to ₹26,100) per month for a single person living alone in Tokyo.
Dining Costs
- Budget restaurant meal can cost anywhere from ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 (₹580 – ₹1,160).
- Mid-range dinner for two can run a bill of about ¥6,000 to ¥10,000 (₹3,480 – ₹5,800)
- A cup of coffee on average costs ¥450 (₹260)
- McDonald’s combo in Tokyo will set you back ¥850 (₹493)
Utilities & Internet
The utilities in Tokyo are efficient and reliable, but their costs can add up. The good news is that the utility expenses depend on apartment size and personal usage.
| Utility | Monthly Average (¥) | Equivalent (₹) |
| Electricity | 6,000 – 10,000 | ₹3,480 – ₹5,800 |
| Water | 2,000 – 3,000 | ₹1,160 – ₹1,740 |
| Gas | 3,000 – 6,000 | ₹1,740 – ₹3,480 |
| Internet (Unlimited Fiber) | 4,000 – 6,000 | ₹2,320 – ₹3,480 |
| Mobile Bill | 3,000 – 5,000 | ₹1,740 – ₹2,900 |
The average cost of utilities can add up to ¥15,000 – ¥20,000 (₹8,700 – ₹11,600) per month for a single person, while a family of four can easily end up spending around ¥25,000 – ¥35,000 (₹14,500 – ₹20,300).
Healthcare & Insurance
The healthcare system of Japan is one of the finest in the world. It is mandatory that residents enrol into the National Health Insurance (NHI) which covers approximately 70% of the medical expenses.
| Service | Average Cost (¥) | Equivalent (₹) |
| General Doctor Visit | 2,000 – 4,000 | ₹1,160 – ₹2,320 |
| Specialist Consultation | 5,000 – 8,000 | ₹2,900 – ₹4,640 |
| Dental Check-up | 3,000 – 6,000 | ₹1,740 – ₹3,480 |
| Prescription Medicine (Monthly) | 1,000 – 3,000 | ₹580 – ₹1,740 |
The average monthly healthcare cost is typically around ¥10,000 to ¥15,000 (₹5,800 – ₹8,700). Expatriates are also provided with private insurance by many employers.
Education Costs
Tokyo provides top-tier education in public, private, and international school systems. Indian and expat families often prefer international institutions offering IB, American, or British curricula.
| Type of School | Annual Fee (¥) | Equivalent (₹) |
| Public School | 50,000 – 100,000 | ₹29,000 – ₹58,000 |
| Private School | 300,000 – 600,000 | ₹1,74,000 – ₹3,48,000 |
| International School | 1,500,000 – 3,000,000 | ₹8,70,000 – ₹17,40,000 |
Public schools in the city are low-cost and provide excellent quality education, while international schools are usually located in Minato, Setagaya, and Shibuya, offering global curricula at higher fees.
Entertainment & Lifestyle
Tokyo is a place that has something for everyone, no matter what their interest may be. From relaxing in beautiful gardens and temples to shopping and nightlife at their utmost best, Tokyo has it all. While entertainment is vibrant, costs can vary depending on preferences.
| Activity | Average Cost (¥) | Equivalent (₹) |
| Movie Ticket | 1,900 | ₹1,102 |
| Karaoke (per hour) | 1,000 – 2,000 | ₹580 – ₹1,160 |
| Gym Membership (Monthly) | 8,000 – 12,000 | ₹4,640 – ₹6,960 |
| Museum Entry | 500 – 1,500 | ₹290 – ₹870 |
| Night Out (for two) | 10,000 – 15,000 | ₹5,800 – ₹8,700 |
Ginza and Shinjuku are shopping hubs that mainly cater to the high-end luxury seekers, whereas Akihabara and Harajuku are just perfect for anime lovers and edgy youth fashion.
Budgeting Tips for Living in Tokyo
Living in Tokyo doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some practical budgeting tips you can incorporate to save some money;
- Live in the Suburbs – Select affordable wards such as Nerima, Koto or Chiba as they can cut the major rental cost by 20-30%.
- Use IC Cards – Cards such as Suica or Pasmo are convenient and also an often-discounted means of accessing public transport.
- Buy Used Goods – You can get second-hand goods in Thrift stores such as Hard Off or Book Off. They sell quality products at very affordable prices.
- Cook at Home – Dining out every day can cost a lot. You could be saving thousands every month if you prepare the meal at home.
- Use Employer Benefits – Housing or commuter allowances are offered by many Japanese companies.
Factors Influencing Cost
The cost of living in Tokyo is determined by several factors, and it is important to understand each one of these factors if you wish to control your expenditure and budget your stay.
- Location: Central Tokyo (Shibuya, Minato, Chiyoda) is pricier than suburban districts.
- Lifestyle Choices: Dining, travel, and luxury shopping add to costs.
- Transportation: Daily commutes impact expenses; monthly metro passes help control spending.
- Type of Housing: Shared accommodation is far more economical than solo apartments.
- Exchange Rate: Currency fluctuations affect expenses for expats earning in foreign currency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Tokyo is among the most expensive cities in the world, particularly in terms of renting and dining. Nevertheless, utility, transportation, and medical care are comparatively cheap.
A single person can live comfortably on ¥250,000 – ¥300,000 (₹1,45,000 – ₹1,74,000) per month. A family of four would need roughly about ¥600,000 – ¥700,000 (₹3,48,000 – ₹4,06,000).
Yes, by about 10-20%. Entertainment and rent are more expensive in Tokyo, but salaries are higher to compensate for the higher cost.
$1000 equals around ¥150,000 (₹87,000). It is enough only for students or singles residing in shared premises and managing to live on a tight budget
¥80,000–¥130,000 (₹46,400–₹75,400) per month is the typical spending of an Indian student, which depends on the city, the type of accommodation, and lifestyle choice
Yes, Japan is generally more costly than India in terms of renting places, transportation, and dining out. Nonetheless, there are scholarships and part-time employment opportunities, which allow students to deal with the living expenses
