What is the standard of living for a single person with a monthly take-home pay of 190,000 yen?
Living alone on a monthly salary of 190,000 yen, it's difficult to live lavishly, but if you save money, you can live a basic life. Rent is roughly 50,000 to 60,000 yen, and you need to find ways to keep food, utility bills, and communication costs down. Depending on the area you live in and your lifestyle, you'll need to live a simple life based on saving money, and if you use some ingenuity, you can live comfortably.
Annual salary equivalent of 190,000 yen after tax
If you convert a monthly take-home pay of 190,000 yen into face value, the salary amount before social insurance and taxes is approximately 240,000 to 250,000 yen. This is equivalent to an annual income of around 3 million yen for a company employee. Deductions for resident tax, employee pension insurance, health insurance, income tax, etc. vary depending on the individual's circumstances, but generally an average of 40,000 to 60,000 yen is deducted, so the actual disposable income is even less. Spending management is important for living alone on this amount, and you will also need to be creative, such as reviewing fixed expenses and utilizing secondary income.
Is it possible to live alone? Is it impossible?
In conclusion, the reality is that living alone on a take-home pay of 190,000 yen is "possible, but not comfortable." In particular, in Tokyo and other areas with high rents, household finances are likely to be strained, and if you push yourself too hard, you may not be able to get by. On the other hand, compared to urban areas, in rural areas and areas with low average rents, it is easier to reduce the expenses necessary for life, and you can live comfortably.
What is a realistic rent? [Guidelines and examples]
For a single person living on a monthly salary of 190,000 yen, rent is the largest fixed expense. In general, it is considered ideal to have a rent of less than one-third of your salary, and a realistic guideline is to have an average rent of 60,000 yen or less. In reality, the market price varies by region, so even a one-room apartment in an urban area can cost 60,000 to 70,000 yen, but compared to urban areas, you can find properties in rural and suburban areas for less than 50,000 yen. For example, there are many people who live in properties with a rent of 55,000 yen and save on food and utility costs. If the rent is cheap, you can save money and spend it on hobbies, which directly translates to life satisfaction.
Is it true that "rent should be one-third of your take-home pay"?
We often hear the standard that "rent should be kept to one-third of your take-home pay." If your take-home pay is 190,000 yen, one-third is about 63,000 yen, so you should keep it to this amount. If you exceed this amount, it is likely that your living expenses such as food, utilities, and communication fees will be strained, making it difficult to save money or deal with unexpected expenses. However, if your workplace is close by and you don't have to pay for transportation, or if you have support from your parents, you may be able to have a little more leeway. This guideline is merely a line that you can "live comfortably," so be careful because if your spending ratio on rent is too high, there is a risk that your household finances will become strained in the long term.
Can you live comfortably with rent of less than 60,000 yen?
If the rent is less than 60,000 yen, it is relatively easy to live alone even with a take-home pay of 190,000 yen. For example, if you live in a property with a rent of 58,000 yen, you will have to manage your living expenses with the remaining 132,000 yen. If you can keep your utility and communication costs to 20,000 yen and food costs to around 20,000 to 30,000 yen, you can live a fairly comfortable life. However, you need to be careful about initial costs such as moving expenses and purchasing furniture and appliances. It is important to choose a property with a good balance between the conditions and the rent, assuming you plan to live there for a long time.
Is rent of 70,000 to 80,000 yen too much? Living simulation
If your rent is between 70,000 and 80,000 yen, the amount of money you can spend on living expenses out of your take-home pay of 190,000 yen will drop drastically, creating a very tough situation.
[Example] Rent: 75,000 yen
- Balance: 115,000 yen
- Utilities, communication, and food costs: 60,000 yen per month
- Disposable spending money is less than 50,000 yen
It will be difficult to find money from this amount for daily necessities, entertainment, transportation, medical expenses, etc., and you will likely be living on a tight budget every month. It will be difficult to deal with unexpected expenses and it will be difficult to save money, which will increase anxiety about the future. If the rent is high in the city center, you will need to find ways to secure income, such as room sharing, using company housing, or taking on a side job.
Breakdown of living expenses and tips for managing them
When living alone on a take-home pay of 190,000 yen, managing your household finances is key. By understanding your monthly income and expenditures and managing your fixed and variable expenses properly, you can live comfortably. It is effective to review your "fixed expenses" such as rent, communication fees, and utility bills, and doing so will lead to savings. On the other hand, "variable expenses" such as food and entertainment expenses can vary depending on your daily awareness. By spending money in a planned manner, you can reduce waste and consider saving. In the next chapter, we will introduce a specific breakdown and money-saving techniques, and explain how you can aim for a stable life even on a take-home pay of 190,000 yen.
Example of monthly fixed and variable cost breakdown
The detailed breakdown of living expenses for a single person with a monthly salary of 190,000 yen is as follows:
Fixed costs
- Rent: 55,000 yen
- Utility bills: 10,000 yen
- Communication costs (smartphone/Wi-Fi): 6,000 yen
- Subscriptions etc.: 2,000 yen
Variable costs
- Food expenses: 25,000 yen
- Daily necessities: 3,000 yen
- Transportation fee: 5,000 yen
- Entertainment and entertainment expenses: 10,000 yen
- Medical expenses and miscellaneous expenses: 5,000 yen
Total: Approx. 121,000 to 130,000 yen
In this way, if you keep your fixed expenses in the 60,000 to 70,000 yen range, you can use the remaining money for variable expenses and savings. Reviewing fixed expenses is particularly effective and is the first step in reducing waste.
Specific ways to save money
Optimizing your spending is essential to living on a take-home pay of 190,000 yen. First of all, it is effective to review your fixed expenses. Next, if you focus on cooking at home and buy in bulk or freeze food, you may be able to keep your food expenses down to around 20,000 yen per month. Saving on electricity and water bills is also effective, so be sure to turn off the lights, conserve water, and adjust the air conditioner temperature regularly. In addition, using a household accounting app to make your spending more visible will also increase your awareness of how you spend your money. The key to successfully managing your household finances without stress is to incorporate easy, sustainable saving techniques into your life.
How much can you save with a monthly take-home pay of 190,000 yen?
Even if your take-home pay is 190,000 yen, it is entirely possible to save 10,000 to 30,000 yen a month if you adjust your lifestyle. Don't force yourself to save, but use "advance savings" and "savings accounts" to make it easier to continue. It is important to get into the habit of saving even small amounts little by little in preparation for the future, moving, and dealing with unexpected expenses.
Real-life stories of people living on a monthly salary of 190,000 yen
There are many people who live alone on a take-home pay of 190,000 yen. In reality, many people are able to live comfortably by adjusting their rent and lifestyle. The level of fulfillment in life varies greatly depending on the area you live in and your values, so the key is how you save money and how you set priorities. In this chapter, based on the real voices of people who actually live on a take-home pay of 190,000 yen, we will introduce how they manage their finances, ways to avoid going into the red, and the differences between rural and urban areas.
How to manage your finances with a 70,000 yen rent and savings
Even with a high rent of 70,000 yen, there are people who are able to save money every month. What they have in common is "strict management of fixed expenses" and "clarification of spending priorities."
【example】
- Food expenses are also budgeted on a weekly basis and mostly self-cooked
- I limited myself to one subscription and was conscious of saving on utility bills.
- Implement "advance savings," which involves transferring your income to a separate account first.
Even if the rent is high, it is entirely possible to save around 10,000 yen a month if you cut down on other expenses in a balanced way. This is a lifestyle that can serve as a reference for those who prioritize their living environment.
What people who don't go into the red have in common
People who can survive on a monthly take-home pay of 190,000 yen without going into the red have a few things in common.
- The most important thing is to know your monthly expenses
- Make efforts to minimize fixed costs
- I am thorough in my "habit of not wasting money"
Steady management and a high level of awareness support a stable life.
Differences between rural and urban areas and the influence of place of residence
The difficulty of living alone on a monthly salary of 190,000 yen varies greatly depending on the area you live in. In urban areas, the average rent is high, and even a one-room apartment can cost 70,000 to 80,000 yen, making it difficult to manage living expenses. On the other hand, in rural areas, you can often find a suitable property for 40,000 to 50,000 yen, making it possible to significantly reduce fixed expenses. Prices are also relatively low in rural areas, and the burden of food and transportation costs is lighter. However, in some areas you will need a car, and in that case, it is important to note that maintenance costs will be added. Choosing an area that suits your lifestyle and future plans is the key to achieving a comfortable life alone.
Tips for choosing a room and keeping rent low
To successfully live alone on a monthly salary of 190,000 yen, it is important to choose a comfortable living environment while keeping the rent as low as possible. The key is to strike a balance between rent, location, and conditions. By slightly compromising on the age of the building, layout, distance from the station, etc., you may be able to reduce the rent by 10,000 to 20,000 yen. In addition, by utilizing techniques to reduce the initial costs at the time of signing the contract, key money, and brokerage fees, you can significantly reduce expenses when moving. Furthermore, by simply avoiding the busy season for real estate, you may be able to find a property that meets your desired conditions at a discount. In this chapter, we will introduce in detail the points to look for in a room without making mistakes and tips on choosing a property that you can live in comfortably.
Age of the building, distance from the station, and layout
The key to keeping rent low is to be flexible in your consideration of the age of the building, distance from the station, and layout. Even if the building is old, if the interior has been renovated, you can live comfortably, and in some cases it may be 10,000 to 20,000 yen cheaper than a newer property. Also, if it's about a 10-15 minute walk from the station, the rent can be much cheaper within walking distance. Furthermore, you can reduce costs even further by choosing a 1R (one-room) layout with a bathroom and toilet in the same room rather than a 1K or one-room apartment. It is recommended to prioritize your conditions when searching for a room, as a small compromise can lead to big savings while still ensuring a minimum level of comfort.
Techniques to reduce initial and contract costs
The initial cost of moving is said to be 4 to 6 months' rent on average, which can be quite expensive. However, with a little ingenuity, it is possible to significantly reduce this expense.
- By choosing a property with no deposit or key money, you can significantly reduce your initial costs.
- Use real estate sites that offer no brokerage fees, or choose properties with free rent (one month free rent)
- By choosing a property with furniture and appliances, you can reduce expenses after moving.
It is important to carefully check the contract details and feel free to ask the real estate company any questions you may have. Choose a property that will allow you to live comfortably while keeping costs down.
Avoid peak seasons when searching for properties
The peak season for rental properties is from January to March. During this period, there is a high demand for moving, and average rents and initial costs tend to rise. Popular properties fill up quickly, so you may not be able to take your time choosing. If you want to keep rent low, it is best to look for a property during the off-season from April to August. Rent negotiations are easier during the off-season, and many properties come with services such as free rent, making it easier to reduce total costs. In addition, real estate companies are relatively polite, and you can take your time with consultations. By carefully judging the timing, you can make a move and get a better deal at a lower price.
Money-saving tips for single people with a monthly salary of 190,000 yen
To continue living alone on a monthly salary of 190,000 yen, it is essential to practice money-saving techniques that are closely related to daily life. By not only reducing fixed expenses but also paying attention to daily expenditures, it is possible to save money while maintaining a reasonable quality of life. In addition, by making expenditures "visible," you can prevent wasteful spending and also effectively develop the habit of saving. In this chapter, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the money-saving methods that you can actually use, item by item.
Food expenses: Cooking at home and using cheap ingredients
Food costs are the key to saving money. By cutting back on eating out and cooking at home, you can save 10,000 to 20,000 yen a month. It's especially cost-effective to always have cheap, nutritious ingredients on hand, such as frozen vegetables, chicken breast, tofu, and eggs, at wholesale supermarkets or discount drug stores. By making use of pre-prepared meals and freezing them, you can reduce the effort of cooking and efficiently cut down on food costs. Bringing your own lunch and using your own bottles for drinks will further cut down on unnecessary expenses. Being conscious of a nutritionally balanced diet while saving money is the key to a lifestyle that is kind to both your health and your wallet.
Communication costs: Introduction of low-cost SIM cards
Recently, more and more people are using low-cost smartphones. Major carriers' smartphone fees can cost 8,000 to 10,000 yen per month, but if you switch to a low-cost SIM, you can keep it down to around 2,000 to 3,000 yen per month. If you don't make many calls, a data plan is enough. If you use app calls such as LINE and Zoom, you can keep your call charges to a minimum. In recent years, communication speeds have improved even with low-cost SIMs, so you can use them without any problems in your daily life. If you use second-hand or older models, you can save a lot on the initial cost of the smartphone itself. Even in the long term, reviewing your communication expenses will greatly contribute to improving your household finances.
Utility bills: Review contract provider and usage
Utility bills such as electricity, gas, and water are also points to review every month. First, review your contract with the electricity and gas company you have a contract with, and by taking advantage of new electricity companies that offer cheaper plans due to liberalization or set discounts, you can save thousands to tens of thousands of yen per year. Another way to save money is to be more creative with how you use your electricity. Small savings such as turning the lights on and off frequently, installing water-saving shower heads, and keeping the air conditioner set at around 28°C in summer and 20°C in winter are effective. We also recommend using money-saving products and energy-efficient home appliances. Small savings that can be done without much effort can add up to a big difference over the course of a year.
Daily necessities and clothing: Flea markets and reuse
A smart way to reduce expenses on daily necessities and clothing is to make good use of flea market apps and reuse shops. For example, on Mercari and Rakuma, you can get unused items and used items in good condition at low prices, and even brand-name items can sometimes be purchased for less than half the retail price. You can also save money by stocking up on detergent and toilet paper when they are on sale. It is also recommended to look for sales items at the change of seasons for clothes, or take advantage of local events such as clothing swap meets.
Household management: Using apps and handwritten household accounts
The first step to saving is to understand your income and expenses. If you use a household accounting app, it will automatically record and categorize your monthly expenses, and you can see at a glance where you are wasting money. "Money Forward ME," "Zaim," and "Household Accounting Recipe!" are popular, and they are convenient because they can be linked to banks and credit cards. Handwritten household accounting is also popular because "writing helps you become more conscious." Simply writing down your budget in a planner or notebook and recording the amount you spend can have a big effect on saving money. By "visualizing" your household finances in a way that suits you, you will naturally become more conscious of how you spend your money, and you will be able to live a more planned life.
How much initial cost is required to start living alone?
The initial costs required when starting to live alone are generally estimated at 4 to 6 months' rent. Specifically, in addition to the deposit, key money, and brokerage fee for the rental contract, there are moving expenses and the cost of purchasing furniture and appliances. For example, if the rent is 60,000 yen, it may cost 300,000 to 500,000 yen in total. If you want to keep costs as low as possible, it is effective to choose a property with no deposit or key money, a property with furniture and appliances, or to plan your move carefully. In this chapter, we will explain the estimated costs for each item and some tips for saving money.
Initial costs for rental contract (deposit, key money, etc.)
When signing a lease for a property, various initial costs will be incurred. The main costs are as follows:
- Deposit: One month's rent (a deposit to be used for repair costs when you move out)
- Key money: 1 month's rent (non-refundable, to the landlord)
- Brokerage fee: 1 month's rent (fee paid to the real estate agency)
- Advance rent and maintenance fee: 1 month's rent + maintenance fee
- Fire insurance premium: 10,000 yen to 20,000 yen
- Key exchange fee/guarantor company fee: 10,000 to 30,000 yen
In most cases, the total will be 4 to 5 months' rent, so if your rent is 60,000 yen, you should set aside 240,000 to 300,000 yen. If you choose a property with no deposit or key money, you can cut costs significantly.
Moving costs and ways to save
Moving costs vary greatly depending on the distance, amount of luggage, and time of year. For a single person move, the average price is around 20,000 to 60,000 yen, but during busy periods such as March, the price can be 1.5 to 2 times higher. Here are some tips to keep costs down.
- Avoid peak seasons (April to January is recommended)
- Get comparative quotes from multiple moving companies
- Reduce your luggage and use the single-person package
- Moving on your own + renting a car or getting help from friends
You can further cut costs by adjusting the amount of items you move to coincide with the purchase of furniture and appliances.
Minimum budget for furniture and appliances
There are surprisingly many furniture and appliances you need to buy when you start living alone, so you should set aside at least 50,000 to 100,000 yen for your budget. Below are the main items and approximate costs.
- Refrigerator: 10,000 to 30,000 yen
- Washing machine: 10,000 to 20,000 yen
- Microwave ovens and rice cookers: 5,000 to 10,000 yen each
- Bed and futon set: 10,000 yen to 20,000 yen
- Tables, storage shelves, etc.: several thousand to 10,000 yen
- Curtains, lighting fixtures, accessories: 5,000 yen to 10,000 yen
To keep costs down, we recommend using second-hand shops and flea market apps, and choosing properties that already come with furniture and appliances. It is also effective to limit yourself to the bare necessities and gradually purchase more items once you have started living there.
Consider a share house
If you feel that living alone on a monthly salary of 190,000 yen is difficult, you may want to consider the option of a "share house." In a share house, rent and utility fees are cheaper, and many properties come with furniture and appliances, making it possible to significantly reduce initial costs. Another attractive feature is that you can share food and daily necessities, making it easy to reduce daily costs.
Among them, "Cross House" is a popular share house brand that operates mainly in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama. With no deposit, key money, or brokerage fee, and an initial cost of 30,000 yen, it is perfect for those who value cost-effectiveness when living alone. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy not only housing but also socializing, and who want to start living on a budget. Even those who are worried about living alone can start a new life with peace of mind in a share house.
summary
Living alone on a take-home pay of 190,000 yen is by no means comfortable, but it is entirely possible if you are creative with your frugality and household finances. Rent in particular takes up a large portion of your household budget, so it's important to keep it to less than one-third of your take-home pay (60,000 yen or less). Save money on food, communication, and utility bills by cooking at home and using low-cost SIM cards, and prevent waste by making your spending visible.
Also, when moving, you can reduce your initial costs by choosing a property with no deposit or key money or a property with furniture and appliances. Furthermore, if you want to save a lot of money, we recommend a shared house. Share houses offer a comfortable living environment while keeping initial costs down, making them ideal for those who want to start a new life without spending too much.
Even if your income is limited, it is entirely possible to live comfortably by reviewing your lifestyle and making wise choices and managing it. Use this article as a reference to find a way of living alone that suits you.
