Living in Japan is an amazing experience—but the cost of living can vary a lot depending on the city. Many people assume Tokyo is always the most expensive and Kyoto is always the cheapest, but the reality is more complex. In this blog, I’ll break down the real monthly costs of living in Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo in 2024–2025, based on updated prices, real student experiences, and current market data.
Whether you’re planning to study, work, or move long-term, this guide will help you choose the best city for your lifestyle and budget.
🔹 1. Rent (Biggest Expense)
| Type | Kyoto | Osaka | Tokyo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared House | ¥40,000–55,000 | ¥45,000–60,000 | ¥50,000–70,000 |
| 1R/1K Apartment | ¥55,000–75,000 | ¥60,000–80,000 | ¥70,000–100,000 |
| Near City Center | ¥70,000–90,000 | ¥75,000–95,000 | ¥90,000–130,000 |
✅ Tokyo is the most expensive.
✅ Kyoto surprisingly has fewer cheap apartments in the city center.
✅ Osaka often gives the BEST value for space and location.
🔹 2. Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water)
Average monthly:
- Kyoto: ¥8,000–12,000
- Osaka: ¥7,000–11,000
- Tokyo: ¥9,000–13,000
Winter in Kyoto is cold (heating costs more). Osaka is the cheapest overall.
🔹 3. Food & Groceries
| Category | Kyoto | Osaka | Tokyo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries (Home) | ¥25k–35k | ¥25k–35k | ¥28k–38k |
| Eating Out | ¥600–1,000 meal | ¥600–1,000 meal | ¥700–1,200 meal |
Tokyo restaurants cost slightly more, but convenience stores and chains are similar across all cities.
🔹 4. Transportation
| Pass Type | Kyoto | Osaka | Tokyo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Monthly Train/Bus Pass | ¥7k–10k | ¥6k–9k | ¥8k–15k |
| IC Card Single Ride | ¥210–260 | ¥180–230 | ¥200–320 |
Osaka has the BEST transportation cost-to-network ratio.
Tokyo has the most lines but can be expensive depending on routes.
🔹 5. Mobile Phone & Wi-Fi
- SIM plans (Rakuten, Y!Mobile, LINEMO): ¥2,000–4,000
- Home Wi-Fi: ¥4,000–6,000
✅ Same cost in all cities. No big difference.
🔹 6. Health Insurance (Mandatory)
- National Health Insurance: ¥1,500–3,000/month (for students / low income)
- Company insurance: ¥8,000–20,000/month (for full-time employees)
Same nationwide. No city difference.
🔹 7. Entertainment & Lifestyle
| Activity | Kyoto | Osaka | Tokyo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gym Membership | ¥5k–8k | ¥4k–7k | ¥6k–10k |
| Cinema Ticket | ¥1,800 | ¥1,800 | ¥1,900 |
| Nightlife | Quiet | Lively | Largest |
- Kyoto = culture, temples, nature, quiet nights.
- Osaka = best food, friendly people, nightlife.
- Tokyo = everything, but crowded and pricey.
🔹 8. Part-Time Job Income (Arubaito)
| City | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Kyoto | ¥1,000–1,100 |
| Osaka | ¥1,050–1,200 |
| Tokyo | ¥1,100–1,400 |
Tokyo pays the most, but competition is high and cost of living is higher too.
✅ Realistic Total Monthly Cost (Student Lifestyle)
| City | Budget Living | Comfortable Living |
|---|---|---|
| Kyoto | ¥90k–120k | ¥120k–150k |
| Osaka | ¥85k–115k | ¥115k–145k |
| Tokyo | ¥110k–150k | ¥150k–200k |
💡 Osaka is the most cost-effective overall.
💡 Kyoto is peaceful but housing is limited.
💡 Tokyo is expensive but has the most opportunities.
🏙 Which City Is Best For You?
✅ Best for Students: Osaka
Affordable rent + good wages + good transportation + fun atmosphere.
✅ Best for Culture & Calm Life: Kyoto
Beautiful, traditional, slower pace, great for long-term lifestyle.
✅ Best for Career & Networking: Tokyo
Top universities, most job opportunities, global companies, fast-paced life.
💡 My Personal Opinion (Living in Kansai)
Kyoto is beautiful and peaceful, but sometimes too calm.
Osaka is energetic, friendly, and well-balanced.
Tokyo is exciting but can feel overwhelming and expensive.
If it’s your first time in Japan, Osaka might be the perfect starting point.
Close to both Kyoto (30 min) and Tokyo (2.5h by shinkansen), you get the best of both worlds.
✅ Final Tips to Save Money
✅ Share house instead of solo apartment
✅ Use student discounts (transport, museums, gyms)
✅ Cook at home, buy at supermarkets at night (50% off!)
✅ Use point apps (Rakuten, PayPay, dPoint)
✅ Apply for scholarships or tuition reductions
✅ Choose your city based on lifestyle, not just cost
🎯 Conclusion
There is no “best” city for everyone.
Instead, ask yourself:
- Do I want culture or career?
- Do I prefer peace or energy?
- Do I care more about rent or opportunities?
Kyoto = Culture & Calm
Osaka = Balance & Cost-Effective
Tokyo = Ambition & Opportunity
No matter which city you choose, Japan can be affordable if you plan smartly.
And don’t worry—you’re not alone. I’ll continue to share real numbers and real experiences to help you make the best choice.