Cost of Living in Japan for Indian Students (City-wise Breakdown)

Studying in Japan is a dream for many Indian students due to its high-quality education, advanced research opportunities, and thriving job market. However, managing living expenses in Japan is a key factor when planning to study abroad. At MyJapanAdvisor, we provide a detailed city-wise breakdown of the cost of living in Japan for Indian students, including tuition fees, rent, food, and transportation. This guide will also cover affordable cities in Japan, student budget tips, and ways to save money while living in Japan.

Explore our complete guide to Studying in Japan

Cost of Living in Japan for Indian Students

Planning to study in Japan? Understand the average monthly expenses for Indian students in top cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. From accommodation and food to transport and internet, get a clear picture of your budget needs.

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Major Expenses for Indian Students in Japan

The major expenses for Indian students in Japan include tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and daily expenses. Costs vary by city, with Tokyo being the most expensive and Fukuoka or Sapporo offering more affordable living options for students.

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Tuition Fees & Scholarships

One of the most significant expenses in Japan student budget is tuition fees.

Type of University	Annual Tuition Fee (¥)	Annual Tuition Fee (₹)
Public Universities	¥535,800	₹3.1 lakh
Private Universities	¥800,000 – ¥2,000,000	₹4.7 lakh – ₹11.8 lakh

Tip: Scholarships for Indian students in Japan include:

✅ MEXT Scholarship (Government-funded, covers tuition + stipend)
✅ JASSO Scholarships (¥48,000 per month)
✅ University-specific scholarships

Check our detailed guide on Scholarships for Indian Students in Japan

Accommodation Costs

Finding student accommodation in Japan depends on your budget and city.

Type of Housing	Monthly Rent (¥)	Monthly Rent (₹)
University Dormitories	¥20,000 – ¥60,000	₹11,800 – ₹35,400
Shared Apartments	¥40,000 – ¥80,000	₹23,600 – ₹47,200
Private Apartments	¥60,000 – ¥150,000	₹35,400 – ₹88,500

💡 Tip: Use websites like GaijinPot and Suumo for finding student apartments.

Explore Best Areas to Live in Japan for Students

Food & Groceries

• Cooking at home: ¥20,000 – ¥40,000 (~₹11,800 – ₹23,600) per month
  
• Eating out: ¥500 – ¥1,200 (~₹300 – ₹700) per meal
  
• Indian grocery stores in Japan: Available in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya
  

💡 Tip: Shop at Gyomu Super or Don Quijote for budget-friendly groceries.

Find Indian grocery stores in Tokyo

Transportation Expenses

• Monthly subway pass (Tokyo/Osaka): ¥10,000 – ¥15,000 (~₹5,900 – ₹8,900)
  
• Bicycle rental: ¥3,000 – ¥5,000 (~₹1,800 – ₹3,000) per month
  

💡 Tip: Students can get discounts on public transport with a university ID.

Read: How to Use Public Transport in Japan

Miscellaneous Expenses

Apart from rent, food, and transport, students should budget for daily expenses in Japan, including:

• Utilities (electricity, water, gas): ¥7,000 – ¥15,000 (~₹4,100 – ₹8,900) per month
  
• Internet & mobile plans: ¥3,000 – ¥6,000 (~₹1,800 – ₹3,500) per month
  
• Entertainment & leisure: ¥5,000 – ¥15,000 (~₹3,000 – ₹8,900) per month
  

💡 Tip: Look for student discounts on internet and phone plans.

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City-wise Breakdown of Living Costs

Explore a city-wise breakdown of living costs in Japan for Indian students. Compare rent, food, transportation, and daily expenses in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and more. Find affordable cities, budget tips, and ways to manage expenses while studying in Japan.

Tokyo – The Most Expensive Choice

• Rent: ¥70,000 – ¥150,000 (~₹41,300 – ₹88,500) per month
  
• Food: ¥40,000 – ¥60,000 (~₹23,600 – ₹35,400) per month
  
• Transport: ¥10,000 – ¥15,000 (~₹5,900 – ₹8,900) per month
  

💡 Tip: Live in suburban areas like Saitama or Chiba to save on rent.

Compare: Tokyo vs Osaka Cost of Living

Osaka – A Balance Between Cost & Lifestyle

• Rent: ¥50,000 – ¥100,000 (~₹29,500 – ₹59,000) per month
  
• Food: ¥35,000 – ¥50,000 (~₹20,600 – ₹29,500) per month
  

💡 Tip: Use Osaka’s extensive bicycle network to reduce transport costs.

Read: Why Osaka is Best for Indian Students

Kyoto – Cultural Hub with Affordable Living

Kyoto is known for its rich history and lower student accommodation in Japan costs.

• Rent: ¥40,000 – ¥90,000 (~₹23,600 – ₹53,100) per month
  
• Food: ¥30,000 – ¥45,000 (~₹17,700 – ₹26,500) per month
  

Tip: Kyoto’s student-friendly atmosphere makes part-time jobs easy to find.

Fukuoka – Budget-Friendly for Students

Fukuoka is one of the most affordable cities in Japan for students.

• Rent: ¥30,000 – ¥70,000 (~₹17,700 – ₹41,300) per month
  
• Food: ¥25,000 – ¥40,000 (~₹14,800 – ₹23,600) per month
  

Tip: Fukuoka’s cost-effective living makes it an excellent choice for students on a budget.

Sapporo – Affordable but Cold

Sapporo is a cheaper city but requires extra budgeting for heating during winter.

• Rent: ¥35,000 – ¥80,000 (~₹20,600 – ₹47,200) per month
  
• Heating Costs: ¥5,000 – ¥10,000 (~₹3,000 – ₹5,900) per month
  

Tip: Buy winter essentials during off-season sales to save money.

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Nagoya – Industrial City with Moderate Costs

Nagoya has a strong industrial sector with plenty of part-time jobs in Japan for students.

• Rent: ¥45,000 – ¥90,000 (~₹26,500 – ₹53,100) per month
  
• Food: ¥30,000 – ¥50,000 (~₹17,700 – ₹29,500) per month
  

Tip: Nagoya’s strategic location makes travel to Tokyo and Osaka affordable.

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Tips to Reduce Living Costs in Japan

✅ Choose university dorms or shared apartments
✅ Use student discounts for transport & mobile plans
✅ Work part-time (Find Jobs Here)
✅ Buy second-hand goods (Mercari, Yahoo Auctions)
✅ Cook at home instead of eating out

Read more: Japan Cost of Living Guide for Indian Students

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FAQ: Cost of Living in Japan for Indian Students

1. How much does it cost to live in Japan as an Indian student?

The cost of living in Japan depends on the city and lifestyle. On average, students spend between ¥80,000 – ¥150,000 (~₹47,200 – ₹88,500) per month, covering rent, food, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.

2. Which is the most affordable city in Japan for Indian students?

Cities like Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Nagoya offer lower rent and living costs compared to Tokyo and Osaka, making them budget-friendly options for students.

3. What is the average rent for students in Japan?

• University dormitories: ¥20,000 – ¥60,000 (~₹11,800 – ₹35,400) per month
  
• Shared apartments: ¥40,000 – ¥80,000 (~₹23,600 – ₹47,200) per month
  
• Private apartments: ¥60,000 – ¥150,000 (~₹35,400 – ₹88,500) per month
  

4. Can Indian students work part-time in Japan?

Yes! Students with a valid Student Visa can apply for a Work Permit and work up to 28 hours per week during school terms and 40 hours per week during vacations.

5. What are the best part-time jobs for Indian students in Japan?

• English tutoring (¥1,500 – ¥3,000 per hour)
  
• Convenience store cashier (¥1,000 – ¥1,200 per hour)
  
• Indian restaurant staff (¥900 – ¥1,200 per hour)
  
• Delivery services like Uber Eats (flexible earnings)

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Conclusion

Managing living expenses in Japan is all about smart budgeting and choosing the right city. Tokyo vs Osaka cost comparison shows that choosing affordable cities like Fukuoka or Nagoya can significantly reduce costs.

For more study tips, visit: MyJapanAdvisor