1. Tuition Fees

Public university tuition in Japan is fixed and predictable: ¥535,800 per year, plus a one-time admission fee of around ¥282,000. Private universities are more expensive—averaging ¥1.1 million per year—but still cheaper than many schools in the U.S. or Europe.

2. Health Insurance & Medical Costs

If you stay in Japan for more than a year, you must join the National Health Insurance (NHI). Monthly premiums for new students are about ¥2,000, and the plan covers 70% of most medical costs. Be sure to save some money for the 30% co-pay and over-the-counter medicine.

3. Housing Costs

Rent is usually the biggest monthly expense. Across Japan, average rent is around ¥38,000 to ¥41,000, but in Tokyo, it can range from ¥50,000 to ¥70,000 unless you find a spot in a university dorm. Upfront costs such as deposit and “key money” often equal 1–2 months’ rent. This website shows the typical prices for rental properties, so you can use it as a guide.

4. Groceries

Cooking at home helps you save. A single person typically spends about ¥46,000 per month on food. Staples like rice, eggs, and milk are still affordable, but produce prices went up a bit in 2024 due to inflation. These are the online prices from LIFE, a well-known supermarket in Japan. They give you a general idea of grocery prices.

5. Eating Out

Convenience-store meals cost about ¥400–¥800. You can get a meal at Japanese fast food chains for around ¥400 to ¥1,000. Going out for drinks usually costs at least ¥2,500 per person. For example, at Torikizoku(鳥貴族), one of Japan’s well-known izakaya chains, you can expect to spend around ¥2,500 to ¥4,000 per person.

6. Other Essentials

If you commute by train, a commuter pass usually costs ¥5,000–¥15,000 per month. Utilities and Wi-Fi add another ¥7,000–¥12,000. Fun money—for books, toiletries, or outings—can run ¥6,000–¥12,000.
Make sure to include at least ¥20,000 in your monthly budget for seasonal trips or unexpected costs.