Jul 28, 2025
What it really costs to live "normally" in Tokyo at 25
When I first moved to Tokyo in my late 20s, I had no real idea what it would cost to live in Japan. I figured that my husband and I would just work it out as we went and hope for the best, and hopefully have a bit leftover to sock away into savings. In saying that, the city's cost of living isn't always easy to get a handle on, especially when you're young, new to the country, and trying to balance work with a decent quality of life.
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A recent study by the Tokyo Regional Council of Trade Unions offered some clarity, especially if you're in your 20s and trying to live what researchers call a "modest but ordinary" life in Setagaya, one of the city's more relaxed and livable areas. According to the numbers, a single 25-year-old needs around ¥287,000 to ¥296,000 per month (roughly $2,000 USD) to cover everything from rent and food to Wi-Fi, streaming services, and the occasional day trip or social night out.
That total includes taxes, and it's quite a bit higher than Tokyo's 2025 minimum wage. To cover that kind of cost, you'd need to earn between ¥1,652 and ¥1,706 per hour, compared to the current minimum of ¥1,163.
The survey breaks things down in pretty relatable ways. Rent for a small apartment in Setagaya starts around ¥68,000. Food costs have jumped pretty substantially since 2019, with monthly groceries averaging between ¥50,000 and ¥60,000. Add in internet, mobile bills, and a bit of entertainment (we're all streaming something), and the numbers start to add up.
What really stood out to me was how "normal" the budget outlined in the research feels. It wasn't about living a lavish life, but more so about being able to eat well, go out occasionally, and not panic every time a wedding or birthday gift comes up. For expats who might be on an entry level salary, it's a good reminder to plan ahead. Tokyo is an incredible place to live, but keeping your head above water takes more than just loving the city!
Info from https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250725/p2a/00m/0bu/022000c
1 Comment
TonetoEdo
21 hours ago
I get the impression the study is identifying a "living wage", an income that allows a single person to meet basic needs and have discretionary income for savings and emergencies. The study is a heads-up for anyone considering living in Tokyo. When I worked in Tokyo, I commuted for an hour from a suburb with cheap digs and lower grocery costs. The employer covered the monthly train pass, so I had a "magic carpet ride" to take advantage of events, culture, and education there as long as I got back on the last train. I flirted with the idea of moving to Tokyo, but backed off due to the higher living costs. Nah. Chiba 'burbs are for me.