How Much Salary Do You Need to Rent in Tokyo?
Many people assume that living in Tokyo requires a very high salary. Because Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world, it is often seen as an expensive place where only high-income professionals can afford to live.
However, this is not entirely true.
Tokyo actually offers a very wide range of housing options. From luxury apartments in central districts to more affordable apartments in residential neighbourhoods, people with very different income levels can still find suitable housing.
In fact, many students, young professionals, and international residents live comfortably in Tokyo with modest incomes.
The General Rule: Rent Should Be About One-Third of Your Income
In Japan, a commonly used guideline is that your monthly rent should be about one-third of your monthly income.
For example:
This rule is not a strict law, but it is commonly used by landlords and guarantor companies when reviewing rental applications.
If the rent is significantly higher than one-third of your income, the application may become more difficult to approve.
Tokyo Is Not Only for High-Income Residents
A common misconception is that Tokyo is only affordable for people with very high salaries.
While central areas such as Shibuya, Minato, and Chiyoda are indeed expensive, there are many neighborhoods where rent is much more reasonable.
Many people who work in central Tokyo choose to live slightly farther away from the city center to reduce their housing costs.
For example, areas that are 30–40 minutes from central Tokyo by train often offer significantly lower rent while still providing convenient access to the city.
Japan’s train system is very efficient, so commuting from a slightly farther location is very common.
Accepting a Longer Commute Can Save a Lot of Money
If you are willing to accept a longer commuting time, you can usually find much more affordable apartments.
For example:
Apartments farther from major stations
Residential areas in eastern Tokyo
Areas in western Tokyo
Cities in nearby prefectures such as Saitama or Chiba
Many people in Tokyo commute 30 to 60 minutes every day, which is considered completely normal.
By expanding the search area slightly, it becomes much easier to find an apartment that fits your budget.
Average Rent in Tokyo by Ward (1K Apartments)
Rental prices in Tokyo have increased significantly in recent years due to strong demand and limited housing supply.
As of 2025–2026, the average rent for single-person apartments (1R / 1K) in Tokyo’s 23 wards is generally around ¥95,000–¥120,000, while central wards can be considerably higher.
Below is an approximate overview of average rent for 1K apartments in Tokyo’s 23 wards based on the current market range. Actual rent can vary depending on building age, distance from the station, and apartment size.
| Ward | Average 1K Rent (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Minato | ¥140,000 – ¥170,000 |
| Chiyoda | ¥135,000 – ¥150,000 |
| Chuo | ¥130,000 – ¥145,000 |
| Shibuya | ¥115,000 – ¥140,000 |
| Meguro | ¥110,000 – ¥125,000 |
| Shinjuku | ¥110,000 – ¥130,000 |
| Shinagawa | ¥100,000 – ¥120,000 |
| Bunkyo | ¥100,000 – ¥115,000 |
| Taito | ¥100,000 – ¥115,000 |
| Koto | ¥100,000 – ¥115,000 |
| Sumida | ¥95,000 – ¥110,000 |
| Toshima | ¥95,000 – ¥110,000 |
| Setagaya | ¥90,000 – ¥110,000 |
| Nakano | ¥90,000 – ¥105,000 |
| Ota | ¥85,000 – ¥100,000 |
| Suginami | ¥85,000 – ¥100,000 |
| Kita | ¥85,000 – ¥100,000 |
| Arakawa | ¥85,000 – ¥100,000 |
| Nerima | ¥80,000 – ¥95,000 |
| Itabashi | ¥80,000 – ¥95,000 |
| Edogawa | ¥80,000 – ¥95,000 |
| Adachi | ¥70,000 – ¥90,000 |
| Katsushika | ¥70,000 – ¥90,000 |
Even within Tokyo’s 23 wards, the difference can be quite significant.
This is why many people who work in central Tokyo choose to live slightly farther away and commute by train.
Tokyo Can Still Be Affordable
Even though Tokyo is one of the world’s largest cities, it does not mean that only wealthy people can live here.
There are many apartments available at different price levels. Older buildings, apartments slightly farther from major stations, or properties located outside the most popular districts can often be much more affordable.
However, it is also important to understand that rental prices in Tokyo have increased significantly in recent years. While very cheap apartments sometimes appear in listings, most properties today fall within the ranges shown above.
Having realistic expectations about rent can make the apartment search process much smoother.
Finding the Right Apartment for Your Budget
No matter whether your income is high or modest, there are always housing options available in Tokyo.
The key is to choose an apartment that fits your financial situation while keeping your commuting time and lifestyle preferences in mind.
At Mitsumaru Real Estate, we regularly help clients with a wide range of budgets. As long as the rent is generally within a reasonable range compared to your income, we can help you find suitable apartments.
Tokyo is not a city where only high-income residents can live. With the right guidance and a flexible search area, many people can find comfortable housing that fits their budget.
If you are planning to rent an apartment in Tokyo and are unsure what price range is realistic, feel free to contact us. We would be happy to help you explore the options available.
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