At SNG, we recently conducted a survey among our international students about their monthly living expenses and surprising discoveries related to money in Japan.
For those planning to study abroad or start a new life in Tokyo, we hope these insights will be useful.
According to the survey, the average monthly living expenses of students at Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute came to about 140,000 yen. (951 Dollars)
The largest expenses are, unsurprisingly, rent and food, but students also dedicate a portion of their budget to hobbies and social activities.
In addition to questions about living expenses and their breakdown, the survey also asked students about surprising experiences they had while living in Japan.
Q. Compared to your home country, what do you find especially expensive in Japan?
Compared to their home countries, students most often cited meat, alcohol, and other groceries as more affordable. European students in particular said, “Meat is much cheaper than I expected!” Dining out and the variety at 100-yen shops were also popular answers, with some mentioning specific items like tofu and mushrooms.
Q. On the other hand, what do you find cheap in Japan?
On the flip side, many found fruit to be unexpectedly pricey, followed by rent and dairy products such as butter and cheese. These impressions highlight differences in food culture and the cost of daily life.
Q.Do you have any hobbies or activities you can’t help but spend money on?
When asked where they “can’t help but spend,” the top answer was karaoke, a fun and easy way to spend time with friends.
Travel ranked second, with some students admitting they became hooked on visiting scenic hot springs across Japan. Books and manga also remained a strong favorite, with many saying they often lose track of both time and money while reading.
Q. What surprised you in Japan as being free when it usually costs money in your home country?
Students also noted that certain services, often paid for back home, are free in Japan. The most common example was water in restaurants, especially surprising for Europeans.
Other mentions included clean, free public restrooms and ambulance services at no cost. Some students were intrigued that ATM fees can be free depending on the time of day, noticing unique aspects of Japan’s system.
Q. What surprised you in Japan as being charged when it is usually free in your home country?
At the same time, students were sometimes caught off guard by things that came with a fee. Italians and French students mentioned grated cheese or bread at restaurants being charged separately.
Students from Southeast Asia were surprised that plastic shopping bags cost money, a detail that highlights cultural differences in everyday life.
From this survey, it’s clear that life as an international student in Tokyo involves both careful budgeting and enjoyable indulgences.
For anyone considering studying in Tokyo, these findings offer a glimpse into what daily life here is really like.