Moving Budget Calculator
Estimate your upfront relocation costs and monthly expenses in Japan.
Exchange rates are live, prices and rent baselines are updated monthly.
Relocation Profile
QUICK SELECTION
Estimates & Live Updates
Prices in Japan fluctuate due to inflation, exchange rates, and seasons. Upfront housing costs are notoriously variable due to 'key money' (礼金) requirements. Exchange rates are fetched live. Rent baselines are updated monthly using official e-Stat CPI trends and market scrapers.
Upfront Capital Required
Relocation and initial setup costs
¥315,000
ESTIMATED TOTAL
typical range ¥267,750–¥378,000
Visa & Admin Paperwork
Consulate application & documents
School Admission Fees
One-time application & entrance fees — tuition is in the monthly budget
Apartment Move-In Costs
Deposit, key money, agency fees
Furnishing & Appliances
Futon, fridge, microwave, setup
Initial Days Cash Setup
SIM card activation, transit card
Estimated Monthly Budget
Recurring cost of living
¥204,500/mo
MONTHLY COST
typical range ¥173,825–¥245,400
Rent & Local Commuting
Standard monthly rent + train pass
Tuition (annual ÷ 12)
Schools bill per semester/year — amortized here for honest monthly totals
Food & Groceries
Home cooking with occasional dining
Utilities & Internet
Gas, electricity, water, SIM card
National Health Insurance & Tax
Income-based national insurance
Leisure, Dining & Pocket Money
Sightseeing, weekend activities
Estimated First-Year Total
Move-in costs + 12 months of living (incl. tuition if selected)
¥2,769,000
When the Money Leaves
Your first-90-days cash-flow — costs in the order they actually hit
≈ 3 months before
School application & admission
Application, screening and entrance fees are due long before you fly
¥80,000
≈ 2 months before
Visa & paperwork
COE processing, consulate fees, translations
¥15,000
≈ 1 month before
Flight booking
Tickets and luggage allowance
¥100,000
Week 1 in Japan
Apartment move-in
Deposit, key money, agency fees + first month's rent — the single biggest spike
¥100,000
Week 1 in Japan
Setup cash
SIM activation, transit card, ward office trips
¥20,000
Every month after
Steady monthly budget
Rent, food, utilities, insurance, leisure + tuition
¥204,500/mo
Spent before departure
¥195,000
Spent by end of week 1
¥315,000
Cash to survive month 1
¥454,500
First month's rent already paid at move-in