The cost of renting an apartment in Tokyo can vary greatly depending on the location, size, and amenities of the apartment. In general, rental prices are higher in central areas of the city, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Chiyoda, while prices tend to be lower in more suburban areas.
In Tokyo, the average rent for a one-room apartment (called “studio” or “1K” in Japan) in a central area can range from around 100,000 to 200,000 yen per month (around 930-1,850 USD). For a larger two-bedroom apartment (called “2K” or “3K” in Japan), the average rent can range from around 200,000 to 400,000 yen per month (around 1,850-3,700 USD).
It’s worth noting that rental prices can vary widely depending on the location and the type of apartment, with some luxury apartments in central areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya commanding much higher rents. In these areas the cost of renting an apartment can go up to 500,000 yen a month (around 4,600 USD) or even more.
Additionally, when renting an apartment in Tokyo you should also consider the additional costs such as the security deposit (called “shikikin” in Japanese), key money (called “reikin” in Japanese) and renewal fee (called “chokin koushin” in Japanese) which can add to the overall cost. These fees can be substantial, and it’s important to budget accordingly. Some landlords also require the use of a guarantor, called “hoshōnin” in Japanese, a person who co-signs the lease and acts as a financial guarantee for the tenant.
It’s important to keep in mind that these are average prices and actual costs can vary based on location, type and size of the apartment, and additional fees. It’s a good idea to research the cost of living in a specific area before committing to a rental contract. Additionally you can also look for shared apartments and houses, which are becoming more popular in Japan, and it can lower the cost significantly.