Is it possible to live alone on a monthly salary of 200,000 yen? What is the reality of life like?
Many people may be wondering whether it is possible to live alone on a take-home pay of 200,000 yen. The balance between income and expenses determines whether you can live comfortably. Here, we will introduce the approximate monthly and annual income for a take-home pay of 200,000 yen, as well as the real voices of people who actually live alone.
Estimated monthly and annual income for a take-home pay of 200,000 yen
How much salary (gross pay) do you need to earn 200,000 yen after tax? Let's look at the general calculation method.
- Monthly gross salary: Approximately 260,000 to 280,000 yen
- Estimated annual income: Approximately 3.12 million yen to 3.36 million yen
- Deductions: Social insurance premiums, income tax, resident tax, etc.
The amount of your take-home pay will vary depending on where you live and the benefits your employer offers. For example, if you work for a company that provides rent subsidies and transportation expenses, your disposable income will increase, so you can live a relatively comfortable life even with a take-home pay of 200,000 yen.
The voices of people who actually live on 200,000 yen a month
What kind of life do people who live alone on a monthly salary of 200,000 yen lead? We will introduce their actual lifestyle based on real opinions from social media and review sites.
Case 1: Living in a regional city with a rent of 50,000 yen (male, age 25)
"I live in a provincial city and my rent is 50,000 yen. I keep my fixed expenses (rent, utilities, communication fees, etc.) below 100,000 yen, and if I adjust my food and entertainment expenses, I can save 30,000 to 50,000 yen per month. I'm not particularly short of money, but it gets tough if I spend too much money on travel and hobbies."
Case 2: Living in Tokyo with a rent of 70,000 yen (28 years old, female)
"I live in a one-room apartment in Tokyo's 23 wards with rent of 70,000 yen. I'm barely able to make ends meet, but I manage to get by by cooking as much as possible and cutting back on subscriptions and social expenses. My savings are limited to about 10,000 to 20,000 yen a month, but that's not a restrictive lifestyle."
Case 3: Owning a car in the city (male, age 30)
"I live alone in Tokyo and own a car. When I include parking fees, gasoline, and maintenance costs, my take-home pay of 200,000 yen is quite tight, and I'm in the red almost every month. If you need a car, you might want to consider living in a regional city, or choose a job that allows you to use a company car."
Rent guideline and recommended areas for those earning 200,000 yen
When considering living alone on a take-home pay of 200,000 yen, rent is a major consideration. In order to live comfortably, it is important to set an appropriate rent and choose an area that suits you. In this article, we will introduce a guide to appropriate rents, average rents by area, differences between Tokyo and the countryside, and recommended areas where you can live comfortably on a take-home pay of 200,000 yen.
Is 60,000 to 70,000 yen a reasonable rent? Check the average rent by area
In general, it is considered ideal to keep rent for a single person to "less than one-third of your take-home pay." If your take-home pay is 200,000 yen, the appropriate rent would be around 60,000 to 70,000 yen. Using this as a guideline, let's look at the average rent prices by area.
Average rent for studio/1K apartments in major cities (latest as of 2025)
| City | Average rent (studio/1K) |
| Tokyo 23 Wards | Approximately 75,000 yen to 100,000 yen |
| Osaka City | Approximately 55,000 yen to 75,000 yen |
| Nagoya City | Approximately 50,000 yen to 65,000 yen |
| Fukuoka City | Approximately 45,000 yen to 60,000 yen |
| Sapporo City | Approximately 40,000 to 55,000 yen |
| Sendai City | Approximately 45,000 yen to 60,000 yen |
It is difficult to find a property for under 70,000 yen in Tokyo's 23 wards, but there are properties in the 60,000 yen range in the suburbs. On the other hand, in regional cities such as Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo, you can easily find a property for under 60,000 yen.
Which is easier to live in: Tokyo or the countryside?
There is a big difference in rent and living costs between Tokyo and the countryside. When considering living on a monthly salary of 200,000 yen, let's compare the advantages and disadvantages of each.
The benefits of living alone in Tokyo
- There are many options for jobs and part-time work, and the chance to increase your income
- The transportation system is excellent, so you can live without owning a car.
- There are many restaurants and entertainment facilities, making life very convenient.
Disadvantages of living alone in Tokyo
- Rent and prices are high, and it's difficult to save money with a take-home pay of 200,000 yen
- Rush hour and crowds can be stressful
The benefits of living alone in a regional city
- Rent is cheap, and you can live in a spacious property for less than 60,000 yen
- Low living costs and easy savings
- A calm environment, with many areas close to nature
Disadvantages of living alone in a regional city
- Transportation is poor and you often need a car
- Few job options and limited opportunities to increase income
- Few entertainment venues and restaurants
If you value low rent, we recommend the countryside; if you value convenience, we recommend Tokyo.
Recommended areas to live comfortably on a monthly salary of 200,000 yen
Even with a monthly salary of 200,000 yen, it is possible to live comfortably on your own depending on the area you choose. Here we will introduce areas that are conveniently located while still offering reasonable rent.
Recommended areas near Tokyo with low rent
- Nerima Ward, Itabashi Ward, Kita Ward (Average rent: 65,000 to 75,000 yen)
→Relatively cheap rent even within the 23 wards, with good access to the city center
- Saitama Prefecture (Kawaguchi, Warabi, Toda) (Average rent: 55,000-65,000 yen)
→ Less than 30 minutes by train to Tokyo, you can work in the city center while keeping rent low
- Chiba Prefecture (Matsudo, Ichikawa, Funabashi) (Average rent: 50,000-65,000 yen)
→ Areas closer to Tokyo have good transport links and are great value for money
Recommended areas with good value for money in regional cities
- Osaka City (Suminoe Ward/Higashiyodogawa Ward) (Average rent: 50,000-60,000 yen)
→Good access to central Osaka and low rent
- Nagoya City (Nakamura Ward and Showa Ward) (Average rent: 45,000 to 60,000 yen)
→Good transport links and low living costs
- Fukuoka City (Hakata Ward and Chuo Ward) (Average rent: 45,000 to 55,000 yen)
→ It is easy to live here because rent is low and urban facilities are abundant.
Simulation of living expenses with a take-home pay of 200,000 yen
If you live alone on a monthly salary of 200,000 yen, how much will your monthly living expenses be?
We will simulate fixed expenses such as rent and utility bills, and variable expenses such as food and entertainment expenses, and also introduce a guideline for savings. Let's think about the balance of expenses so that you can live comfortably and save as much as possible.
Breakdown of fixed costs (rent, utilities, and communication costs)
Fixed expenses are expenses that occur every month and make up the majority of your total expenses. Let's take a look at a general guide to how much you should spend on a monthly take-home pay of 200,000 yen.
Rent estimate
It is considered appropriate to have a rent that is about 30% of your take-home pay, so a rough guideline is 60,000 to 70,000 yen.
However, if you can keep your rent low, you will have more money to spend freely and more savings, so if possible, it is ideal to choose a property in the 50,000 yen range.
Estimated utility costs
- Electricity bill: 5,000 to 7,000 yen (varies depending on how often you use the air conditioner)
- Gas bill: 3,000 to 6,000 yen (varies depending on whether you use city gas or propane gas)
- Water bill: 2,000 to 4,000 yen (varies by region)
The general guideline for utility bills is approximately 10,000 to 17,000 yen in total.
Estimated communication costs
- Smartphone cost: 3,000 to 8,000 yen (low-cost SIM cards are in the 3,000 yen range, while major carriers are around 8,000 yen)
- Wi-Fi fee: 3,000 to 5,000 yen (fixed line or pocket Wi-Fi)
The total cost will be around 6,000 to 13,000 yen.
Estimated total fixed costs
| item | Cost Estimate |
| rent | 60,000 to 70,000 yen |
| Utility expenses | 10,000 to 17,000 yen |
| Communication costs | 6,000 to 13,000 yen |
| total | 76,000 to 100,000 yen |
Since fixed costs alone take up 40-50% of your take-home pay, it's important to have control over the remaining living expenses.
Estimates for variable expenses such as food, entertainment, and hobbies
Variable expenses vary greatly depending on your lifestyle. They can be controlled by saving money, so it's important to cut out waste.
Food expenses
- Self-catering: 20,000 to 30,000 yen
- Eating out often: 40,000 yen or more
You can save money by cooking as much as possible and eating out less.
Entertainment expenses
- Budget type: 5,000 to 10,000 yen (drinking parties once or twice a month)
- Standard: 15,000 to 25,000 yen (including dining out with friends and leisure activities)
- High: 30,000 yen or more (frequent drinking parties and travel)
Hobbies and entertainment expenses
- 5,000 to 20,000 yen (gym, movies, concerts, games, subscriptions, etc.)
Transportation costs
- Train travel within Tokyo: 5,000 to 10,000 yen (using a commuter pass)
- If you own a car: 15,000 yen or more (gas, parking, insurance)
Estimated total variable costs
| item | Cost Estimate |
| Food expenses | 20,000 to 40,000 yen |
| Entertainment expenses | 5,000 to 30,000 yen |
| Hobbies and entertainment expenses | 5,000 to 20,000 yen |
| Transportation costs | 5,000 to 15,000 yen |
| total | 35,000 to 100,000 yen |
If you cut down on food and entertainment expenses, you will have enough room to save even if your take-home pay is only 200,000 yen.
Can I save money? Estimated savings amount and case studies
Even if your take-home pay is 200,000 yen, it is possible to save a certain amount every month if you manage your finances well. We will introduce how much you can actually save in different scenarios.
Case 1: Savings-oriented (saving more than 50,000 yen per month)
- Rent: 55,000 yen (suburbs of Tokyo/region)
- Fixed cost: 20,000 yen
- Variable costs: 50,000 yen
- Savings amount: 50,000 yen or more
▶ Tips: Keep rent low, cook your own meals, and keep social expenses to a minimum.
Case 2: Balanced type (saving 20,000 to 30,000 yen per month)
- Rent: 65,000 yen (near downtown)
- Fixed cost: 25,000 yen
- Variable costs: 75,000 yen
- Savings amount: 20,000 to 30,000 yen
▶Tips: Save moderately while still enjoying hobbies and social expenses.
Case 3: Spending too much (almost no savings)
- Rent: 70,000 yen (city center)
- Fixed cost: 30,000 yen
- Variable costs: 90,000 yen
- Savings amount: 0 to 10,000 yen
▶Characteristics of lifestyle: Eating out and drinking a lot, rent is high and I can't afford it.
Reasons why living alone on a monthly salary of 200,000 yen is difficult
If you live alone on a monthly salary of 200,000 yen, there are times when you have a hard time making ends meet. In particular, rent, high living costs, and unexpected expenses can be a big burden. Here, we will explain the main points that make living alone "tough."
High rent makes it hard to save money
For a single person with a take-home pay of 200,000 yen, rent will be the biggest burden of living expenses. In general, it is ideal to keep rent within 30% of your take-home pay (around 60,000 to 70,000 yen), but depending on the area, it may be difficult to stay within this standard.
Problems caused by high rent
- It's almost impossible to save money each month: If your rent is over 70,000 yen, you'll barely be able to cover your living expenses and won't have any room to save.
- You'll need to cut back on food and entertainment expenses: High rent forces you to cut back on other expenses, meaning less money for dining out and hobbies.
- Limited lifestyle choices: Compromising on where you live to save money can mean longer commutes and poorer living conditions.
Tips for keeping rent down
- Reconsider your area of choice (if you are in Tokyo's 23 wards, consider the suburbs, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, etc.)
- Use a shared house or room share (share rent and utility costs)
- Choose an older property (if it has been renovated, it will be comfortable to live in)
If you can keep your rent below 60,000 yen, you will have enough savings even if your take-home pay is 200,000 yen.
High cost of living in urban areas such as Tokyo and Osaka
In big cities, not only rent but also living expenses in general are high, so it is easy to barely get by on a take-home pay of 200,000 yen. In particular, the following expenses tend to pile up:
Reasons why the cost of living is higher in cities
| item | Tokyo and Osaka (urban areas) | Regional cities |
| rent | 70,000 to 100,000 yen | 40,000 to 60,000 yen |
| Food expenses | 30,000 to 50,000 yen | 20,000 to 35,000 yen |
| Transportation costs | 10,000 to 20,000 yen | 5,000 yen to 10,000 yen |
| Entertainment expenses | 20,000 to 50,000 yen | 10,000 to 30,000 yen |
In particular, food, transportation, and entertainment costs are high in urban areas, so if you don't save, it will often become difficult to make ends meet.
Tips for keeping living costs down in the city
- Choose a company that offers rent subsidies (if the company offers comprehensive employee benefits, the actual burden will be reduced)
- Save on transportation costs by using commuter passes (maximizing company commuting allowances)
- Reduce eating out and cook at home more (in urban areas, lunch alone can cost more than 1,000 yen)
If you are living alone in an urban area on a monthly take-home pay of 200,000 yen, the key is to carefully review where you can save money and keep your fixed costs down.
Burden of unexpected expenses and funeral expenses
If you live on a monthly salary of 200,000 yen, it will be difficult to cope with sudden expenses. For example, if you have the following expenses, your monthly living expenses will be squeezed all at once.
Examples of sudden expenses
- Broken home appliances (repairs or replacement of refrigerators and washing machines: 20,000 to 100,000 yen)
- Medical and dental expenses (treatment expenses not covered by health insurance: 10,000 to 50,000 yen)
- Expenses for ceremonial occasions (wedding gift: 30,000-50,000 yen, funeral gift: 10,000-30,000 yen)
- Expenses for returning home (transportation, souvenirs, etc.: 10,000 to 30,000 yen)
Situations where you would be in trouble if you had no savings
- I was invited to a friend or relative's wedding, but the cost of the gift money and the dress is putting a strain on my living expenses.
- If you suddenly become unwell and go to the hospital, the medical expenses and medicine costs will add up.
- My refrigerator broke, but I don't have the budget to replace it, so I have no choice but to choose installment payment.
How to prepare for unexpected expenses
- Get into the habit of saving at least 10,000 yen a month (to set aside as a reserve for living expenses)
- Do not make heavy use of credit card revolving payments or loans (be careful as this will increase your interest burden)
- Keep fixed costs as low as possible and prepare for unexpected expenses (review rent, communication fees, etc.)
It is important to set aside even a small amount of money each month as a "backup fund" so that you are not in a pinch when an emergency occurs.
If you're struggling to make ends meet on a monthly salary of 200,000 yen, we recommend a shared house!
Living alone on a monthly salary of 200,000 yen can be a big burden for rent and living expenses, making it difficult to save money. Rent is especially high in urban areas, and even if you cut down on food and social expenses, you tend to live on the edge. So why not consider the option of a "share house," where you can live comfortably while keeping costs down?
What is a share house? How is it different from living alone?
A share house is a place where multiple residents share a property. Private rooms are often provided, and residents share common spaces such as the kitchen, living room, and shower room.
Comparison between living alone and living in a share house
| item | Living alone | Share House |
| rent | 60,000 to 80,000 yen | 30,000 to 60,000 yen |
| Utility bills and Wi-Fi | 10,000 to 15,000 yen | Almost all inclusive (included in management fee) |
| Initial cost | Deposit and key money of 100,000 yen or more | Many properties do not require a deposit or key money |
| Furniture and appliances | Buy it yourself | Almost equipped |
| Exchange | Almost none | Interact with residents |
Benefits of a share house
Rent can be significantly reduced
The biggest advantage of a shared house is the low rent.
Even in urban areas such as Tokyo and Osaka, there are many share houses where you can live for around 30,000 to 50,000 yen in rent. Furthermore, utilities and Wi-Fi fees are often included in the management fee, so you can significantly reduce your monthly expenses.
Low initial costs, so you can move in right away
In a normal rental property, it is common to spend over 100,000 yen when moving due to deposit, key money, agent fee, etc. However, there are many share house properties that do not require a deposit or key money, and there are no initial costs, so you can reduce the financial burden.
Also, many share houses come with furniture and appliances, so there is no need to buy new appliances.
Many properties include utilities and Wi-Fi fees
In shared houses, electricity, gas, water, and internet charges are often included in the rent. Not only does it save you the trouble of having to make individual contracts, but it also allows you to live without worrying about variable monthly costs.
More opportunities for interaction, less loneliness
If you live alone, you may go days without speaking to anyone after coming home from work, but in a shared house, residents interact with each other and can communicate appropriately, making you less likely to feel lonely.
In particular, "hobby-specialized share houses," where you can easily meet people with the same hobbies, and "international share houses," where you can interact with people from other countries, are popular.
Live in a great location in the city
Normally, rent is high to live in the center of Tokyo or Osaka, but with a share house you can often live in a convenient area of the city center at a cheaper price. Another big benefit is that you can shorten your commute time.
For more information on the advantages and disadvantages of shared houses, please see "A thorough explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of shared houses! How to choose the right one and tips for comfortable living."
Recommended share house areas for those earning 200,000 yen
Tokyo area
- Nerima Ward, Itabashi Ward, Kita Ward (Average rent: 35,000 to 50,000 yen)
- West Tokyo area (Musashino, Mitaka, Kokubunji) (Average rent: 40,000-60,000 yen)
- Chiba and Saitama (Ichikawa, Urawa, Kawaguchi, etc.) (Average rent: 30,000 to 50,000 yen)
Osaka area
- Higashiyodogawa Ward and Sumiyoshi Ward (Average rent: 30,000 to 50,000 yen)
- Sakai City/Toyonaka City (Average rent: 30,000-45,000 yen)
Regional cities
- Nagoya City (Naka Ward and Meito Ward) (Average rent: 35,000 to 50,000 yen)
- Fukuoka City (Chuo Ward and Hakata Ward) (Average rent: 30,000-45,000 yen)
Even in urban areas, if you choose a shared house, you can live near a station or in a convenient area at low cost.
Money saving tips to live comfortably on a monthly salary of 200,000 yen
If you live alone with a take-home pay of 200,000 yen, managing your living expenses is very important. In order to live comfortably and have money to save and spend on hobbies, the key is to save wisely on rent, fixed expenses, food, transportation, etc. In this article, we will introduce some money-saving tips to live comfortably on a take-home pay of 200,000 yen.
Keeping rent low! Tips for living in a shared house or in a neighborhood
Rent is the largest fixed cost of living, and it is also a great way to save money. In general, it is ideal to keep rent to within 30% of your take-home pay (60,000 to 70,000 yen or less), but in urban areas it can be difficult to keep it within this range.
How to save on rent
- Use a shared house (rent is 30,000 to 50,000 yen, so you can live in the city center)
- Living in the suburbs or neighboring prefectures (Chiba or Saitama in Tokyo, Sakai or Higashiosaka in Osaka, etc.)
- Choose an older property (if it has been renovated, it will be comfortable)
- Consider a property that is at least 15 minutes' walk from the station (rent will be higher if it is closer to the station)
- Use UR rental properties, company housing, and dormitories (no deposit or key money required, great value for money)
For example, rather than living in a 70,000 yen one-room apartment in Tokyo's 23 wards, you can save more than 240,000 yen a year by living in a property in the 50,000 yen range in Saitama or Chiba.
Reviewing fixed costs (methods to reduce utility and communication costs)
By reviewing your fixed expenses, you can definitely reduce your monthly expenses.
How to save on energy bills
- Contract for electricity and gas together (set discount)
- Switch to LED light bulbs (cut your electricity bills by up to 50%)
- In some cases, leaving the air conditioner on can be more economical (it consumes less electricity in summer and winter than turning it on and off frequently).
- Choose a property that uses city gas instead of propane gas (propane is expensive).
How to save on communication costs
- Switch to a low-cost SIM card for your smartphone (possible for as little as 3,000 yen)
- Take advantage of pocket Wi-Fi and fiber optic line campaigns
- Review your subscriptions (cancel unnecessary ones)
By simply reviewing your communication expenses, you can save 5,000 to 10,000 yen per month.
Tips for eating out less and saving money on food
You can save a lot on food costs if you get creative. By cutting down on eating out and cooking more at home, you can save more than 10,000 yen a month.
Tips for reducing food costs
- Prevent unnecessary spending by buying in bulk once a week
- Take advantage of supermarket sale days
- Get cheap food by using hometown tax payment
- Use supermarkets and Costco (keep frozen to make sure it lasts longer)
- Reduce the burden of cooking at home by preparing food in advance
For example, simply changing from eating out for lunch (1,000 yen per time) to bringing your own lunch (500 yen per time) can save you more than 10,000 yen per month.
Ways to reduce transportation costs (commuter passes, bicycle use, etc.)
You can also save money on transportation costs.
How to save on transportation costs
- Use commuter passes (make the most of your company's transportation subsidies)
- Use a bicycle (for commuting and shopping)
- Utilize IC card point rewards (Suica/PASMO auto-charge settings)
- Avoid taxis as much as possible and use trains and buses
- Use a shared bicycle (you can get around for 150 yen for 30 minutes)
For example, by switching to cycling to work, you can save more than 5,000 yen per month.
Create more leeway by reviewing subscriptions and entertainment expenses
Reviewing your entertainment expenses and subscriptions can bring about surprisingly big savings.
Fixed costs to be reviewed
- Narrow down your video streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime)
- Review your monthly gym fees (municipal gyms cost around 1,000 yen per month)
- Reduce visits to cafes and carry your own bottle
- Use libraries instead of subscriptions for books and manga
- Changed music streaming to a free plan
By simply reviewing your subscriptions and entertainment expenses, you can save 5,000 to 10,000 yen per month.
Aim to increase your income through side jobs and improving your skills
It's important not only to save money, but also to find ways to increase your income.
Recommended side jobs
- Web writer/blog manager (can be done from home)
- Video editing (after acquiring the skills, you can earn more than 2,000 yen per hour)
- Programming and Web Design
- Reselling on Mercari (Earn money just by selling unwanted items)
- Online English teacher/translator
If you can earn a side income of 10,000 to 30,000 yen a month, your life will be much easier even if your take-home pay is 200,000 yen.
Frequently asked questions (Q&A) about living alone on a monthly salary of 200,000 yen
When considering living alone on a take-home pay of 200,000 yen, various questions may arise, such as "What is the maximum rent?", "Can I own a car?", and "Is marriage and child-rearing possible?". Here, we will answer frequently asked questions in detail and explain a realistic lifestyle plan for a take-home pay of 200,000 yen.
Is it reckless to pay 80,000 yen in rent on a monthly salary of 200,000 yen
To put it simply, 80,000 yen in rent is quite tough.
Generally, it is considered ideal to keep your rent below 30% of your take-home pay, and if your take-home pay is 200,000 yen, the appropriate range is 60,000 to 70,000 yen.
If you live on a rent of 80,000 yen...
- Fixed costs are rising and saving is becoming more difficult
- Food and entertainment expenses need to be drastically reduced.
- Unable to cope with sudden expenses (weddings, funerals, medical expenses, etc.)
If you pay 80,000 yen in rent
- Choose a company that offers rent assistance or company housing
- If you are in Tokyo, use room sharing or share houses
- Keeping rent low and using the savings to improve quality of life
If you want to live comfortably, it's best to keep your rent to 30% of your take-home pay (within 60,000 to 70,000 yen).
Can you own a car with a monthly salary of 200,000 yen?
It is possible to own a car even with a monthly salary of 200,000 yen, but your life will be significantly reduced. Car maintenance costs are higher than you might imagine, and there is little merit to owning one, especially in urban areas, where public transportation is well-developed.
Maintenance costs for owning a car (estimated monthly cost)
| item | Cost Estimate |
| Parking fees (urban areas) | 10,000 to 30,000 yen |
| Gasoline costs | 5,000 to 15,000 yen |
| Auto Insurance | 5,000 to 10,000 yen |
| Vehicle inspection and maintenance costs | 5,000 to 10,000 yen (annual amount of 120,000 yen or more divided into monthly installments) |
| Automobile tax | 2,000 to 4,000 yen (annual amount divided by month) |
| total | 27,000 to 69,000 yen |
Things to consider if you own a car
- Use car sharing and rental cars (rent only when necessary)
- If you live in a rural area, you can save money by buying a used minicar.
- In urban areas, public transportation and bicycles are an alternative.
Especially in urban areas, taxis, rental cars, and car sharing are more economical than owning a car. We recommend using them only when necessary.
Is it possible to get married and raise children on a monthly salary of 200,000 yen?
The reality is that it is extremely difficult to get married and raise children on a take-home pay of 200,000 yen.
Raising children is particularly costly, so measures such as both spouses working or having second jobs are necessary.
The reality of married life on a monthly salary of 200,000 yen
| item | Estimated cost (for a couple) |
| rent | 80,000 yen |
| Food expenses | 40,000 yen |
| Utility and communication costs | 20,000 yen |
| Living expenses and miscellaneous expenses | 20,000 yen |
| Entertainment and entertainment expenses | 20,000 yen |
| total | 180,000 yen (savings: 20,000 yen per month) |
Once a child is born, you will have to pay childcare fees, education expenses, medical expenses, etc., so a take-home pay of 200,000 yen becomes quite difficult.
If you are thinking about marriage and child rearing
- Increase household income by working together (ideally a take-home pay of 400,000 yen or more)
- Live in a rural area with low rent
- Aim to increase your income by taking on a side job or aiming for a raise
It's best to create a situation where you can save money before thinking about getting married and having children.
What's the best area to live alone in Tokyo?
If you want to live in Tokyo on a monthly salary of 200,000 yen, it's important to choose an area where the rent is between 60,000 and 70,000 yen.
Recommended areas (Tokyo 23 wards)
| area | Average rent (1R/1K) | Features |
| Nerima Ward | 65,000 to 75,000 yen | A quiet residential area with easy access to Ikebukuro |
| Itabashi Ward | 65,000 to 75,000 yen | Good value for money, within 30 minutes to Ikebukuro and Shinjuku |
| Kita Ward | 60,000 to 70,000 yen | Akabane and Oji areas are convenient |
Recommended areas (Tokyo suburbs and neighboring prefectures)
| area | Average rent | Features |
| Saitama (Kawaguchi and Toda) | 50,000 to 65,000 yen | Less than 30 minutes by train to Tokyo |
| Chiba (Ichikawa and Funabashi) | 55,000 to 65,000 yen | Low rent and great access to Tokyo |
It is important to avoid areas in Tokyo with high rent (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Shinagawa, etc.) and choose an area with good value for money.
How much savings do you need to live alone?
When living alone on a monthly take-home pay of 200,000 yen, it is important to have a minimum amount of savings in case of unexpected expenses.
Savings needed when starting to live alone
| item | Cost Estimate |
| Deposit and key money | 100,000 to 200,000 yen |
| Initial costs (furniture and appliances) | 100,000 to 150,000 yen |
| Moving expenses | 50,000 to 100,000 yen |
| Living expenses (contingency funds) | 50,000 to 100,000 yen |
| total | 300,000 to 500,000 yen |
The amount of savings you need while living alone
Save at least 10,000 yen per month (120,000 yen per year)
Set aside 3 to 6 months' worth of living expenses (400,000 to 600,000 yen) as emergency funds
It is risky to start living alone with no savings, so it is ideal to save at least 300,000 yen before moving.
summary
It is entirely possible to live alone on a take-home pay of 200,000 yen, but smart spending management is essential to maintain a quality of life. Keeping rent below 60,000 to 70,000 yen and reviewing fixed expenses such as food and utility bills will give you some extra savings. As the cost of living is high in urban areas, another option is to live in the suburbs or in a shared house. It is also important to increase your income through a side job or improving your skills. With some ingenuity, you can live comfortably on a take-home pay of 200,000 yen.
