Wondering how far your salary goes in Tokyo? Here’s what everyday life costs, in local prices — the numbers that matter when you’re deciding to move or negotiating a package.
What things cost
1-bed apartment (central wards)¥150,000-250,000 / mo
Meal, mid-range restaurant¥1,500-3,000
Ramen or set lunch¥900-1,200
Coffee¥450
Monthly commuter pass¥10,000-15,000 (often employer-paid)
Est. single-person monthly¥90,000 (excl. rent)
Good to know
Population
~14 million (city), ~37 million (greater Tokyo — world's largest metro)
Official language
Japanese
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY, ¥)
Work week
Monday–Friday
Power plug
Types A/B, 100V (the world's lowest mains voltage)
Seismic
Earthquake-prone — know the drill
A note on budgeting
Rent is usually the swing factor — location and whether bills are included move the number most. Build your estimate from the rent band above, add a monthly living figure, and keep a buffer for one-off setup costs (deposits, a residence permit, a local SIM, first-month transport). Globe Quest turns this into a personalized Tokyo checklist so nothing setup-related catches you off guard.
Plan your move to Tokyo
A free, AI-personalized plan — the language, culture, and setup steps timed to your move date.