How to Rent a “Cheap” Apartment in Tokyo
If you’re planning to move to Tokyo and feel overwhelmed by the rent prices, you’re not alone. Tokyo is known for being expensive—but the reality is a bit more nuanced.
At Mitsumaru Real Estate, we help international clients find apartments in Tokyo with clear communication in English, Chinese, and Japanese. If you’d like to see real property tours and honest insights, check out our YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@Mitsumarurealestate
And you can also read what our clients say about us here:
tinyurl.com/ReviewsMitsumaru
Now let’s get into the real topic.
So, is it actually possible to rent a cheap place in Tokyo?
Short answer: yes—but you will always be trading something off.
Even in some of the most expensive areas like central Tokyo, you can still find relatively affordable apartments. The reason is simple: not all properties in these areas are high-end.
For example, you might come across:
Smaller units (often under 20㎡)
Older buildings (20–30 years old)
These are usually much more affordable, even in prime locations. But of course, there’s a catch. The space will be limited, storage might be tight, and the equipment may not be the newest.
On the other hand, if you move further out into suburban areas, the same budget can get you a much larger and more modern apartment. So it really comes down to your priorities: location vs. comfort vs. space.
Building age matters more than most people expect
In Tokyo, the age of the building has a huge impact on rent.
Newer apartments—especially those built within the last 5 years—are noticeably more expensive. Once a property passes the 20-year mark, prices tend to drop.
That doesn’t mean older apartments are unlivable, but you should be prepared for things like:
Less efficient insulation (hot summers, cold winters)
Older facilities (kitchen, bathroom, air conditioning)
A slightly “aged” feel overall
If you’re okay with that, you can save a significant amount.
Structure also affects price (and your daily life)
This is something many first-time renters overlook.
In Japan, apartments are often:
Wooden structures
Reinforced concrete (RC)
Wooden buildings are usually cheaper, but the trade-off is mainly sound insulation. You may hear your neighbors walking, talking, or moving things around.
Concrete buildings are quieter and feel more solid—but naturally, they come at a higher price.
Small location differences can change the rent
Even within the same neighborhood, prices can vary more than you’d expect.
An apartment might be cheaper because:
It’s right next to a busy road
It’s a bit farther from the station
It’s on the ground floor
It faces north (less sunlight)
These are subtle factors, but they all affect how comfortable the apartment feels—and therefore, the price.
“Low initial cost” doesn’t always mean cheap
You’ll often see listings advertising low upfront costs, such as no key money or reduced agency fees.
While that does help you move in more easily, it doesn’t necessarily mean the apartment is cheap in the long run. Sometimes the monthly rent is still relatively high.
So instead of focusing only on the initial cost, it’s better to look at the total cost over time.
Why it’s so hard to find a “perfect deal” in Tokyo
A common misconception is that landlords just set prices however they like.
In reality, most rental prices are carefully suggested by professional management companies. They analyze:
Market trends
Nearby comparable properties
Building condition and demand
Because of this, prices in Tokyo are generally well-balanced.
That’s why it’s very rare to find a place that is:
In a great location
New and well-equipped
And significantly underpriced
If such a property does appear, it usually gets taken very quickly.
Final thought
Finding a cheap apartment in Tokyo isn’t about luck—it’s about understanding what you’re willing to compromise on.
You might choose:
A smaller space to live in a prime area
An older building to save money
Or a longer commute for more comfort
There’s no single “best” option—only what fits your lifestyle.
If you’re not sure which direction makes the most sense for you, feel free to reach out. We can help you filter out risky listings and find something that actually works for your situation.
