Living in Tokyo: Can a Salary of 730,000 Yen/Month Support a Family with a Child?

Moving to Tokyo can be an exciting opportunity, but it's crucial to consider the cost of living and whether your salary will be sufficient for your family's needs. In this article, we will break down the key expenses and considerations for a family of three, including a 6-year-old child, living in Tokyo. By the end, you'll have a clear idea of whether a salary of 730,000 yen/month is enough to survive and save.

Cost of Living in Tokyo

Several factors contribute to the cost of living in Tokyo. Below, we outline some of the main expenses that you should consider.

Housing

Tokyo's housing market is diverse, with rentals ranging significantly based on location and amenities. You can expect to pay:

Central Tokyo: 150,000 to 300,000 yen per month for a 2-bedroom apartment. Suburbs: 100,000 to 200,000 yen per month for a 2-bedroom apartment.

Utilities

Monthly utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection can range from:

20,000 to 30,000 yen per month.

Groceries

Costs for groceries are variable but can range from:

40,000 to 70,000 yen per month for a family of three.

Transportation

Public transportation in Tokyo is convenient and efficient. Depending on your location and work commute, your monthly commuting costs might vary between:

10,000 to 20,000 yen.

Childcare/Schooling

For a child under 6:

Preschool or kindergarten fees might range from 30,000 to 100,000 yen per month.

Health Insurance

National Health Insurance premiums can be:

10,000 to 30,000 yen per month for a family.

Miscellaneous Expenses

In addition to the above, you might want to consider expenditures on entertainment, dining out, and other personal expenses, which can add:

30,000 to 50,000 yen per month.

Monthly Budget Estimate

A rough estimate of your potential monthly expenses is as follows:

Expense CategoryEstimated Cost Yen Rent150,000 - 300,000 Utilities20,000 - 30,000 Groceries40,000 - 70,000 Transportation10,000 - 20,000 Childcare/Schooling30,000 - 100,000 Health Insurance10,000 - 30,000 Miscellaneous30,000 - 50,000

Total: 300,000 - 600,000 yen per month

Conclusion

A salary of 730,000 yen/month should be sufficient to cover your basic living expenses. Depending on your lifestyle choices and how you manage your budget, you may also have some room for savings or discretionary spending.

To achieve better savings, consider opting for more affordable housing and managing your expenses wisely. This will allow you to save a significant portion of your income.

However, if you choose more expensive housing and services, your savings might be limited.

We advise creating a detailed budget based on your specific needs and preferences to get a clearer picture of your financial situation in Tokyo.