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Is the cost of living in Japan for international students expensive?
Japan has fascinated everyone with its remarkable culture and endless innovations enjoyed worldwide. From introducing modern vehicles to inspiring philosophies, the country’s influential energy makes it an attractive location to live and study!
With this, we created the most updated breakdown of the cost of living in Japan for international students. Aside from tuition fees to daily and monthly expenses, we also included tips on budgeting.
Moreover, we will answer common queries about the cost of living in Japan for international students.

Tuition fee
The tuition fee is an integral part of the cost of living in Japan for international students. As the country has many top-notch universities, you might expect costly charges.
TOKYO ECAMPUS – Most Affordable Educational Provider for Global Learners!
If you prefer a dynamic and progressive learning institution with a world-class standard of teaching, our Tokyo eCampus is for you!
Aside from studying at the heart of the city, where everything is within reach, you will have classes atBLINK–Japan’s best coworking space!
Programs offered: Economics, Marketing, Politics, Social Sciences
Tuition fee:1,990 EUR per semester

Cost of living in Japan for International Students
After the tuition, below are other essential and non-essential daily and monthly expenses courtesy ofNumbeo.
Accommodation
One-bedroom apartment in the city | 588.10 EUR |
One-bedroom apartment outside the city | 378.13 EUR |
Three-bedroom apartment in the city | 1,233.51EUR |
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city | 787.25 EUR |
Monthly utilities
Electricity, heating, water, etc. | 152.52 EUR |
Mobile phone with a monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ | 26.10 EUR |
60 Mbps or more internet connection at your accommodation | 30.58 EUR |
Grocery items
1.5 liter of bottled water | 0.79 EUR |
One liter of milk | 1.26 EUR |
A loaf of bread | 1.37 EUR |
One kg of rice | 2.98 EUR |
A dozen of eggs | 1.70 EUR |
Local cheese | 10.60 EUR |
One kg of chicken fillet | 5.75 EUR |
One kg of beef | 15.27 EUR |
One kg apple | 4.40 EUR |
One kg banana | 2.13 EUR |
One kg tomato | 3.84 EUR |
One kg onion | 2.11 EUR |
One kg potato | 2.66 EUR |
Transportation
Monthly pass | 51.18 EUR |
One-way ticket | 1.31 EUR |
Starting rate of a taxi ride | 3.65 EUR |
One liter of gasoline | 1.05 EUR |
Leisure and wellness
Gym membership | 51.92 EUR |
Cinema ticket | 11.52 EUR |
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | 6.40 EUR |
McDonald’s combo meal | 4.53 EUR |
Cappuccino | 2.80 EUR |
0.5-liter local beer | 2.56 EUR |
.33 liter imported beer | 3.20 EUR |
.33 liter Coke or Pepsi | .99 EUR |
Clothing
A pair of midrange rubber shoes | 50.23 EUR |
Leather shoes | 69.33 EUR |
Jeans | 35.15 EUR |

Tips on how to budget the cost of living in Japan for International Students
- The cost of living in Japan for international students generally varies per location. Tokyo is a bit costly, but the area’s vibe is surely inspiring. Aside from being equally innovative and fast-paced, there are many opportunities in the area for total immersion.
- Setting a realistic and attainable budget is one of the best ways to help with the cost of living in Japan for international students. OurBudgeting Toolcan specifically help you allocate essential and non-essential expenses in studying abroad.
- Tracking your expenses will surely help you know where your money goes and allow you to budget more effectively. You can write your daily and monthly fees in an online app or on a notepad.
- Cooking meals is certainly more affordable than ordering online or in a restaurant regularly. Practice preparing dishes months before your departure and research online where to get the freshest yet inexpensive ingredients in your preferred location.
- Pick accommodation near your university to lessen the transportation cost. Japan is generally known for its vast, safe pedestrian lanes, often offering stunning city and nature views.
- Another effective to lessen the cost of living in Japan for international students is by joining free activities in the city. Go to free concerts, cultural events, and other exciting happenings in the area. Aside from total immersion, you will surely meet new local friends.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is Japan safe for international students?
Yes, Japan is generally a safe country to upgrade your studies. It has low crime rates and dependable police assistance during emergencies.
What are the visa requirements to study in Japan?
You must submit proof of financial capability or support, a university acceptance letter, and a medical certificate.
To learn more about the requirements, visit ourVisa and Passport page.
Is it required to learn Japanese to study in the country?
Learning institutions in the country have many English courses available for international students. Thus, you are not required to learn the language, but it is certainly useful to learn essential words to communicate effectively with the locals.
Can you work part-time to help with the cost of living in Japan for international students?
Yes, you can certainly work part-time to help with the living expenses in the country. However, you can specifically work 28 hours weekly after getting authorization from the Minister of Justice.
Can I work after finishing a degree in Japan?
Yes, but you must apply for a Designated Activities visa to work in the country. This type of visa specifically allows you to stay for a year and work in Japan.
What are some of the best places to visit Japan during school breaks?
It is ideal to include recreational activities in the cost of living in Japan for international students for total immersion. In Tokyo, you can visit the Tokyo Skytree, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Imperial Palace, Ueno Park, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ghibli Museum, and more.
On the other hand, if you want to explore Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are the must-visit sites in the area.
If you prefer provinces in the country, Hokkaido is perfect as you can view majestic mountains and relax in natural hot springs.

In a nutshell – Cost of living in Japan for International Students
The “Land of the Rising Sun” must undoubtedly be on your list as it offers an affordable cost of living in Japan for international students and other exciting reasons.
Book a counseling session todayto start your refreshing journey in the “Land of the Rising Sun,” and our team will professionally guide you.
Moreover, you can visit ourVirtual Booth toview other exciting study abroad destinations in theUS, Europe,andAsia.
About the writer
Mark has been a professional content writer for four years. He is an expert in creating articles about education and studying abroad. His writings don’t only inform; he also wants to establish emotional connections with readers.
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