✦ Cost of living
Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
US = 100
In plain terms: Tokyo is about 8% pricier than a typical US city. A one-bedroom in the centre runs around $1,300/month.
▤ Category breakdown
Index vs the US average — the line marks 100. Lower is cheaper.
- Housing122+22%
- Food & groceries105+5%
- Transport90−10%
- Utilities115+15%
- Healthcare85−15%
- Goods & services106+6%
About
“The Eastern Capital”
Astonishingly safe, clean and well-connected for a megacity — and, thanks to a weak yen, cheaper than most Western capitals right now.
- Currency
- Japanese yen · JPY
- Languages
- Japanese
- Coordinates
- 35.68, 139.69
- Emergency
- 110
What things cost
Taxes
45%
Income tax
progressive
10%
VAT / sales
30%
Corporate
20.315%
Capital gains
$2,600
Avg net salary
per month
Plus ~10% local inhabitant tax.
Visas & residency
Work visas by category; Highly Skilled Professional points system.
✈ Short visits visa-free for many; work needs a status of residence.
Points-based, fast-track PR.
Permanent residence after ~10 yrs. Sooner via HSP points.
Quality of life
Safety
82/100
Healthcare
85/100
Pollution
45/100
Internet
220 Mbps
Jan avg
+6 °C
Jul avg
+27 °C
Sunny days
130/yr
Walkability
92/100
Relocation & documents
Coming soonWhere to look
Updated: 2026-08-14 · Sources: Cost/quality survey (placeholder) · National tax authority / OECD (headline figures)
? Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in Tokyo, JP?
Tokyo, JP's cost-of-living index is 108 (US average = 100) — about 8% more expensive than a typical US city. A one-bedroom apartment in the centre costs around $1,300 per month.
What is the average rent in Tokyo, JP?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages about $1,300 per month, and around $900 outside the centre.
What taxes would I pay in Japan?
Japan has a top income-tax rate of 45% and a VAT or sales tax of 10%. See the taxes section above for the full breakdown.
What is the weather like in Tokyo, JP?
Tokyo, JP averages around +6 °C in January and +27 °C in July, with roughly 130 sunny days a year.
❖ Compare Tokyo with…
Estimates use approximate cost-of-living indices (US average = 100) and are for general guidance only.