How much is the average rent in Tokyo? According to Multinational consulting firm Mercer’s 2020 Cost of Living Survey, the living cost of Tokyo is the third most expensive in the world. Tokyo, which has the largest population in the world, offers all kinds of options for living. This time, we will introduce the average rent, recommended places, and how to choose.
- The Average Rent in Tokyo (Central area)
- The Average Rent By Wards in Tokyo
- The Average Rent by Yamannote Stations
The Average Rent in Tokyo (Central area)
The average rent for central Tokyo is as follows. As of 2021, an average studio apartment in Tokyo (23 wards) costs 92,100 yen and does not include utilities and internet, which adds 15,000 yen to the rent.
Here is the average rent in Tokyo (central are)
| 1K・1D (yen) | 1LDK・2K・2DK | 2LDK・3K・3DK | 3LDK・4K・4DK | |
| The Average Rent (23 wards) | 92,100 | 152,300 | 211,000 | 251,300 |
The Average Rent By Wards in Tokyo
There are 23 wards in Tokyo. The average rent for each ward is as follows.
| Ward | 1K・1R (yen) | 1LDK・2K・2DK | 2LDK・3K・3DK | 3LDK・4K・4DK |
| Minato | 12,7400 | 237,000 | 336,500 | 419,200 |
| Chiyoda | 125,000 | 200,000 | 310,900 | 501,100 |
| Shibuya | 112,000 | 232,400 | 349,100 | 405,500 |
| Chuo | 109,9000 | 187,300 | 266,400 | 316,800 |
| Meguro | 108,6000 | 195,000 | 256,600 | 354,900 |
| Shinjuku | 102,5000 | 191,700 | 288,100 | 296,400 |
| Taitou | 102,2000 | 162,500 | 206,300 | 239,300 |
| Bunkyo | 100,4000 | 163,100 | 246,500 | 323,300 |
| Koto | 96,000 | 162,500 | 206,300 | 218,300 |
| Shinagawa | 95,300 | 168,700 | 247,600 | 282,000 |
| Sumida | 93,300 | 148,200 | 178,600 | 196,100 |
| Toshima | 90,900 | 140,100 | 222,800 | 218,700 |
| Setagaya | 88,300 | 143,200 | 205,800 | 242,100 |
| Nakano | 87,500 | 151,600 | 193,600 | 232,900 |
| Ohta | 84,200 | 130,400 | 158,500 | 196,000 |
| Kita | 81,400 | 129,300 | 176,700 | 202,700 |
| Suginami | 80,400 | 136,900 | 190,900 | 202,700 |
| Arakawa | 80,000 | 126,300 | 175,800 | 173,500 |
| Itabashi | 78,500 | 113,500 | 161,300 | 167,800 |
| Nerima | 71,300 | 111,300 | 126,200 | 158,700 |
| Edogawa | 69,400 | 97,000 | 121,600 | 143,900 |
| Adachi | 68,700 | 100,300 | 117,800 | 157,800 |
| Katsushika | 66,800 | 93,700 | 113,200 | 130,200 |
The Average Rent by Yamannote Stations
This is the average rent for each station on the Yamanote Line. The Yamanote Line is a loop railway that runs through the center of Tokyo.
| Station | 1K・1R (yen) | 1LDK・2K・2DK | 2LDK・3K・3DK | 3LDK・4K・4DK |
| Shibuya | 143,900 | 244,500 | 445,200 | – |
| Shinbashi | 131,000 | 238,000 | 363,300 | – |
| Ebisu | 129,700 | 255,600 | 347,000 | 609,700 |
| Okachimachi | 122,200 | 176,400 | 253,700 | – |
| Hamamatsucho | 121,500 | 232,600 | 386,100 | 553,300 |
| Kanda | 119,400 | 190,800 | 267,600 | – |
| Meguro | 118,500 | 222,300 | 296,400 | 442,100 |
| Harajuku | 118,300 | 269,100 | 510,800 | 555,000 |
| Tamachi | 111,700 | 210,200 | 265,600 | 404,300 |
| Akihabara | 110,000 | 187,100 | 237,400 | – |
| Ueno | 108,900 | 169,600 | 232,500 | 215,000 |
| Shinagawa | 107,800 | 238,000 | 286,500 | 382,000 |
| Yoyogi | 107,300 | 186,800 | 265,400 | 456,500 |
| Shinjuku | 107,300 | 199,100 | 323,400 | 518,300 |
| Tokyo | 107,300 | 18,7300 | 240,700 | – |
| Takadanobaba | 101,400 | 189,200 | 268,500 | – |
| Osaki | 100,700 | 190,900 | 265,700 | 380,000 |
| Sugamo | 10.05 | 130,400 | 222,500 | 326,200 |
| Yurakucho | 10.04 | – | – | – |
| Takanawa Gate way | 10.03 | – | – | – |
| Gotanda | 9.90 | 18.71 | 26.80 | 304,600 |
| Otsuka | 9.50 | 14.96 | 19.91 | 256,600 |
| Uguisudani | 9.24 | 12.80 | 18.83 | – |
| Komagome | 9.20 | 14.09 | 23.76 | – |
| Mejiro | 9.17 | 16.32 | 27.03 | – |
| Ikebukuro | 9.11 | 14.74 | 20.83 | – |
| Nippori | 8.64 | 12.87 | 18.76 | – |
| Shin-okubo | 8.44 | 15.98 | 28.69 | 327,100 |
| Tabata | 8.43 | 11.77 | 18.76 | – |
| Nishinippori | 8.19 | 11.79 | 15.56 | 130,000 |
Main factors Affecting the rent in Tokyo
These categories influences the rent significantly. Please make sure
- Size and layout
- Distance from the closest station
- Age of Building
- Floor
- Side of the building
- If the toilet is separated from the shower room or not
Layout of Apartment in Japan
Studio Apartments
Studio-size apartments are often described as 1K and 1R in Japan. The size of them is from 13 m2 to 25 m2. The main difference between them is if the kitchen is separated from the other room. (1K: separated, 1R: in the same room)
“出典: real estate japan,https://realestate.co.jp/en/rent/view/449618
出典: real estate japan, https://resources.realestate.co.jp/rent/tokyo-hidden-gems-affordable-and-livable-fuchu-city-in-west-tokyo/
1DK
1DK is a floor plan with one living room and a dining room/kitchen, so you can set up a dining space by the kitchen.
出典: Tokyo Apartment, https://tokyoapartment-d.com/property_type/1dk/
1LDK
1LDK refers to a room with a floor plan of “1 room + living/dining/kitchen“. In addition to one living room, there is a living room, dining room, and kitchen.
2LDK
2LDK is a floor plan with 1 living / dining / kitchen rooms and 2 living rooms.
出典:アットホーム, https://www.athome.co.jp/chintai/1025750949/?RECOMMFLG=1&BKLISTID=031PPC&sref=nw_reco
3LDK
3LDK is a floor plan consisting of 3 living rooms and 1 living/dining/kitchen. This is a family size layout.
The closer to central Tokyo, the more expensive the average rent gets
Rents in central wards such as Minato, Chiyoda,and Shibuya are overwhelmingly higher than those in other wards. An average studio apartment size costs about 120,000 yen, and the 3LDK costs 500,000 yen. But these areas have good access to anywhere in Tokyo and a lot of entertainment. It’d be worth it if you can afford the rent. However, if the rent exceeds 30%of your income, you will often not be able to rent it, so those who want to live in this area need at least a monthly income of about 400,000.
Meguro is Popular Among Celebrities
Meguro is not the center of the city, but it is a region where fashionable towns spread and many entertainers live. It takes about 10 minutes to reach Shibuya, and there are many restaurants and parks, making it popular with families. The area is well-balanced overall, so many celebrities live in it.
At Seaside, the average rent drops by a little
Rent will drop a little when it comes to seaside wards such as Koto Ward and Shinagawa Ward. Studio size apartments cost 96,000 yen in Koto Ward and 95,300 yen in Shinagawa Ward. Tower condominiums line up in these areas, and the scenery is very beautiful.
In Arakawa, Kita, and Suginami Wards, monthly rent for a studio apartment is around 80,000yen
Rents are below average in Arakawa, Kita, and Suginami, which are on the north side of the 23 wards. You can rent a studio apartment for about 80,000 yen. The area is not as accessible as the center, but its ease of access makes it very balanced.
Where are the cheapest wards to live in Tokyo?
The area with the cheapest rent is near Chiba prefecture on the east side of Tokyo. There are Katsushika Ward and Edogawa Wardaround here, and the average rent of the studio apartment is around 68,000 yen, which is almost half that of Minato Ward.
The Long Commute is something you can’t avoid in Tokyo
Many companies cover your commuting fees, so if you don’t mind taking a train, it is more reasonable that you live in a place where the rent is cheap. Not only rent but also supermarket products are expensive in the center, so it is inevitable that the living cost will increase. Cheap districts tend to have many cheap supermarkets.
How should you decide which ward to live in in Tokyo?
Living close to the Yamanote line will make your life much more convenient. The Yamanote Line is a loop railway that runs through the center and covers major stations such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Tokyo.
By transferring from there, you can basically access all parts of Tokyo. Rent is high along the station, but it is very convenient.
For those who want to lower their rent, we recommend a place slightly far from the center in the northern and eastern parts of the 23 wards. Take your budget into account and live in a well-balanced place.
Suburbs of Tokyo | The Rent is Cheaper
The suburbs outside the 23 wards are highly recommended as well. There are places where you can reach the center in about 20 minutes, and the rent is cheaper than in the center. These areas are calmer than the center, so they are also recommended for families and those with partners.
Share houses in Tokyo
If you want to live in the city but don’t have the budget, you can also choose a share house. Basically, the rent is 20,000 to 30,000 yen cheaper. They usually a shared space and a private room, and there is a lot of interaction, so it is easy to make friends.
The Average Rent in Tokyo
Rent is not cheap in Tokyo, but you can live at a good price if you choose a right place. Consider your priorities and financial aspects and find the best apartment!
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