Cost of Living in Tokyo

Tokyo is infamous for its high cost of living, which is often the top concern for expats moving to the city. In 2022, Tokyo ranked 9th out of 227 expat cities evaluated for Mercer’s Cost of Living Survey. It's much pricier than cities such as Osaka when it comes to major expenses like accommodation. But with the level of salaries being offered in Tokyo, it is still possible for expats to build a comfortable life for themselves here.

Cost of food in Tokyo

When it comes to food, standards are high. Delicious food can be found around every corner of the city. Competition between businesses is fierce, which makes it easy to find good deals on most meals.

Buying food at a restaurant can sometimes be cheaper than buying groceries. One of the most affordable options is the bento boxes that are available from convenience stores.

Basement floors of most department stores also have food courts selling meals at reasonable prices.

The price of fresh produce in Tokyo is higher than some expats may be used to, but the quality is top-notch, and seafood is relatively cheap. Many supermarkets offer evening discounts to get rid of the day’s stock.

Cost of accommodation in Tokyo

The largest expense an expat will have in Tokyo is accommodation. Apartments are the most popular form of accommodation for expats. Monthly rental fees can be sky-high for housing that is often much smaller than expats are used to. Expats should also keep in mind that there are other fees involved when moving into a place initially. Extra costs that need to be budgeted for are deposits, key money, the first month’s rent in advance and agency fees.

Cost of transport in Tokyo

Due to the high cost of parking in Tokyo, most expats choose to use public transport instead of owning a car. In comparison to other Asian capitals such as Seoul, public transport is expensive in Tokyo, but it's also extremely efficient.

Cost of schooling in Tokyo

Many families moving to Tokyo choose to send their children to international schools. There are many international schools with high standards in Tokyo. Tuition fees vary greatly between schools but it tends to be expensive. Parents should also keep in mind that they will have to budget extra for registration fees, uniforms, books and excursions.