How Much Does Living Alone Cost in Japan? Comparing Rent in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto ～ Column｜Share House and Rent vol.2 ～

2026-09-01

Hello! Come on UP operates small, community-focused international share houses in Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and Kyoto, where Japanese and international residents can naturally connect. Each house has its own concept and atmosphere, creating opportunities for new encounters and a new way of living in Japan.

If you search:

“How much is rent in Tokyo?”

you may find completely different numbers depending on the website.

SUUMO. LIFULL HOME'S. At Home.

So:

Which rental price is actually correct?

The answer is simple:

they are measuring different things.

One website may look at apartments under 30㎡. Another may focus on 1R and 1K layouts. Some figures include management fees. Others may only use properties currently listed for rent.

So instead of looking for one “correct” number, it is more useful to compare several major property websites and understand the general price range.

Is Rent in Tokyo Really Over ¥110,000?

According to At Home’s June 2026 data, the average advertised rent for units under 30㎡ was:

▼ Tokyo 23 wards

Condominium-style apartments: ¥114,242

Apartment-style properties: ¥76,360

▼ Osaka City

Condominium-style apartments: ¥72,796

Apartment-style properties: ¥65,986

▼ Kyoto City

Condominium-style apartments: ¥60,664

Apartment-style properties: ¥60,247

Rent for small apartments in central Tokyo has continued to rise. For someone moving to Japan for the first time, paying around ¥100,000 per month just for housing can be a surprise.

Are Osaka and Kyoto Much Cheaper?

Usually, yes—but it depends heavily on the neighborhood. SUUMO rental listings show that even within the same city, average rent can vary significantly.

For example, in Osaka, areas such as Higashiyodogawa may offer smaller apartments in a lower price range than more central districts.

In Kyoto, areas such as Fushimi and Yamashina can be cheaper than central Kyoto.

A difference of ¥10,000 per month means:

¥120,000 over one year.

But cheaper rent does not automatically mean better value. You may spend more time commuting. Transportation expenses may increase. You may live farther from university, work, nightlife, or international communities.

So the real question is not:

“Where is rent cheapest?”

but:

“Where do I need to go every day?”

Even Within Tokyo, Can Rent Really Be That Different?

Yes.

LIFULL HOME'S also shows large differences between neighborhoods in Tokyo. Central areas such as Minato and Shinjuku are significantly more expensive than suburban areas such as Hachioji or Ome.

So asking:

“How much does it cost to live in Tokyo?”

is almost like asking:

“How much does it cost to live in Japan?”

The answer depends on where. The same is true in Osaka and Kyoto. When looking for a home, consider:

→ station

→ commuting time

→ university or workplace

→ neighborhood atmosphere

→ transportation costs

not just the city name.

If Rent Is ¥60,000, Do You Really Pay Only ¥60,000?

Not necessarily. With a standard apartment, you may also pay separately for:

○ management fees

○ electricity

○ gas

○ water

○ internet

If the apartment is unfurnished, you may also need to buy:

○ a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, bed, desk, curtains, and lighting.

For someone moving to Japan from overseas, buying everything from zero can add a surprisingly large amount to the first few months.

Share houses often include shared appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, kitchen equipment, and Wi-Fi. At Come on UP, utilities are generally ¥10,000 per month, and furniture can be added for ¥3,000 per month if needed.

Are You Staying for Six Months or Five Years?

This makes a major difference.

If you plan to stay for several years, monthly rent differences become very important.

But if you are staying for only six months or one year, initial costs can have a much bigger impact.

You may save ¥5,000 per month on rent. But if the apartment requires an extra ¥200,000 in initial fees, it could take years to recover that difference. This is especially relevant for:

◎ International students

◎ Exchange students

◎ Working holiday residents

◎ Interns

and people on fixed-term work assignments.

The next article will compare how initial costs and contract conditions differ between several types of share house operators in Japan.

▼References