How much is the rent in Japan？
If you are looking for a job in Japan, you might be concerned about the cost of living. The major expense would be the apartment fee.
Some company has their own apartment for their staff called “Sha-taku” (Company housing) and can be rented at relatively low price. However, in case if your company does not have “Sha-taku”, you have to find your own apartment by yourself.
So, let’s take a look at general Japan’s housing rent situation.
“One-Room” apartment for single-use
A popular layout plan of the Japanese apartment for people living alone is usually called a “One-Room” apartment or “1R” in short. It is a simple square flat with a bathroom and sometimes it comes with a kitchen. (Some One-Room with a kitchen layout also may be called “1K” 1-room plus Kitchen.)
This One-room layout apartment is usually available from 20 to 30 square meters.If the apartment is in a city area the size is relatively smaller and if it is in the countryside the size is relatively larger. But of course, it depends on how much you pay for rent.
Average rent comparison between different cities
Here is the map of Japan showing the average rent fee in each city. Higher rent in red, lower in a lighter color.
The original data was shown in average price per 3.3m2. So, we have multiplied the numbers into 30m2 an approximate size of the One-room apartment for reference.
Yes, the highest rent is in pure red, Tokyo 23 districts which is showing around 80,000JPY/month. In contrast, the lower range can be seen in various places except for Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya area of the largest cities in Japan.
Here are the Top 20 cities of highest and lowest rent in Japan for your reference.
As you can see, there is a price gap even within the same prefecture. There is all sort of cites in Tokyo for example, from the busy and large populated area such as 23 districts to a relatively quiet area at outer cities like Hachioji. Most Japanese companies allow a certain amount of commuting fee. So even if your company is located in a relatively high rent area, you can choose your apartment from a relatively low rent area to save your monthly expenses assuming for train commuting to work.
BOW will support your apartment searching
BOW has a large database of apartments all over Japan that is suitable for foreign residents. Please consult with BOW staff which place is the best choice for an apartment according to your working place.
