Studying in Japan is a dream for many international students. From vibrant city life and cultural experiences to world-class education, Japan has so much to offer. However, one common worry students have is how to manage their budget once they arrive.
The good news? With proper planning and daily smart habits, Japan can be much more affordable than you think — even in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
This guide breaks down practical budgeting tips to help you stretch your yen, avoid unnecessary expenses, and build a stable financial routine while studying in Japan.
1. Know What Realistic Monthly Costs Look Like
Understanding average expenses helps you set a budget that you can stick to. Here’s what typical students in major cities spend each month:
Monthly Cost Breakdown (Tokyo & Osaka averages)
| Category | Typical Range | Notes |
| Rent | ¥35,000–¥80,000 | Share houses and dorms are cheapest |
| Food | ¥25,000–¥45,000 | Cooking at home drastically reduces costs |
| Transportation | ¥5,000–¥12,000 | Depends on school location and commute |
| Phone Plan | ¥1,500–¥4,000 | Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) carriers are cheapest |
| Utilities | ¥5,000–¥10,000 | Often included in share houses |
| Entertainment & Misc. | ¥10,000–¥20,000 | Variable depending on lifestyle |
Check our cost of living guides for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto & Fukuoka
Looking for Accommodation? Check out our Accommodation partners here.
2. Pick Housing That Fits Your Lifestyle AND Your Budget
Accommodation is the biggest expense, so making the right choice can save you thousands per year.
Student Housing Options in Japan
Share Houses
- Most cost-effective for long stays
- Furnished rooms with shared kitchen/bath
- Utilities often included
- Great for meeting people from all over the world
- Avg. cost: ¥40,000–¥65,000/month
School Dormitories
- Near campus
- Includes essential furniture
- Rules are typically stricter
- Avg. cost: ¥35,000–¥55,000
Private Apartments
- More privacy, but higher upfront costs
- Deposit + key money + agent fee can be expensive
- Avg. cost: ¥60,000–¥90,000+
Live Outside the City Center
Example:
- Tokyo’s Shinjuku: ¥80,000+
- Chiba or Saitama: ¥40,000–¥60,000
Commuting 20–30 minutes can cut rent nearly in half.
Check out our list of schools here.
3. Save Big on Food: Smart Shopping & Cooking Tips
Food is the second-largest expense. But with planning, you can cut your food budget by 30–40%.
Where to Shop Cheap
- Gyomu Super – bulk items, frozen food, low cost
- OK Store – fresh items and lowest prices
- Aeon / Ito Yokado – good quality, big discount time
- Don Quijote – snacks and general items
- 100 Yen Shops – spices, noodles, kitchen tools
Daily Savings Tips
- Buy groceries after 7–8 PM for 30–50% off bentos, sushi, meat, and vegetables
- Cook in batches: make 2–3 days of food at once
- Prepare bento lunches instead of buying daily
- Combine rice with vegetables and tofu to save money
Cheap Meal Examples
- Home-cooked curry rice: ¥200–¥250 per meal
- Yakisoba + vegetables: ¥150 per meal
- Pasta with canned tomato sauce: ¥120–¥180 per meal
Learn about student life in Japan here.
4. Master Public Transportation & Commuting
Transportation in Japan is efficient, but costs add up if unmanaged.
Top Ways to Save
- Get a Commuter Pass (Teikiken)
- If you take the same route daily, this can save over ¥5,000 per month.
- Walk or Bike Short Distances
- Many students save up to ¥10,000/month just by walking.
- Avoid Transferring Lines
- Each transfer may increase costs. Choose a school along a single train line if possible.
5. Use Student Discounts Everywhere
Your student ID unlocks big savings:
- Museums, exhibitions, temples
- Movie tickets
- Gym memberships
- Buses and long-distance trains
- Karaoke & arcades
- Internet plans and software (great for design/manga students)
Always ask: “Gakusei waribiki arimasu ka?” (Do you have student discounts?)
6. Choose an Affordable Phone Plan
Avoid expensive big carriers. Stick to MVNOs like:
- Rakuten Mobile
- IIJmio
- UQ Mobile
- LINEMO
Plans start as low as ¥990/month with Wi-Fi.
7. Get a Part-Time Job (If Your Visa Allows)
With a Student Visa + Work Permit, you can work:
- Up to 28 hours/week during school terms
- Up to 40 hours/week during holidays
Learn about part-time jobs in Japan here.
Popular Student Jobs
- Convenience stores (¥1,200–¥1,400/hr)
- Cafés & restaurants
- English conversation schools
- Event staff
- Hotel and tourism work
- Packing/warehousing shifts during peak seasons
8. Track Your Spending Consistently
Use budgeting apps to monitor where your money goes:
- Zaim
- Money Forward ME
- Kakeibo-style apps
- Notion budget templates
Seeing your spending patterns helps you cut unnecessary costs quickly.
9. Avoid Common Budget Mistakes
Many new students fall into predictable traps:
- Eating convenience store meals every day
- Living too close to school (rent too high)
- Not checking discount times at supermarkets
- Using major phone carriers
- Traveling too frequently during the first few months
- Not planning visa-related expenses early
Being aware of these helps you avoid them from day one.
10. Extra Tips for Long-Term Savings
Use Japan’s Second-Hand Culture
Japan has an incredible second-hand market:
- BookOff
- HardOff
- Mercari
- Facebook groups
You can get furniture, appliances, textbooks, and clothing for 50–80% less.
Use Free School Facilities
Most schools provide:
Study rooms
- Computer labs
- Libraries
- Lounges
- Wi-Fi
Maximize those instead of paying for cafés or co-working spaces.
Cook with Friends
Share the cost of groceries and enjoy cheaper meals together.
Smart Budgeting Makes Life in Japan Easier
Living in Japan as a student doesn’t have to be expensive. With smart choices, good planning, and a bit of discipline, you can enjoy daily life, explore the country, and still stay within your budget.
DEOW Japan has supported hundreds of students in choosing the best school, preparing documents, finding housing, and adjusting to life in Japan smoothly.
Ready to Start Your Study-in-Japan Journey?
Whether you’re concerned about costs or just starting your planning, DEOW Japan is here to guide you.
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