"I want to work in Tokyo and go to university there, but the rent is so high that living alone is difficult." For those who feel this way, we've compiled a guide on how to find affordable shared housing in Tokyo.
In conclusion, if you want to keep costs down, a shared house is a viable option. Cross House's shared houses have a flat initial cost of 30,000 yen, with no security deposit, key money, or brokerage fees. They come furnished with appliances, so you only need to pack a minimal amount of luggage when moving in. Dormitory rooms can be found from around 20,000 yen per month, and private rooms from around 30,000 yen per month. Foreigners, international students, and students are also welcome.
In 2026, Tokyo will continue to see high demand for housing due to students, job seekers, and those moving to Japan, leading to increased interest in furnished share houses that can reduce initial costs. Let's start by looking at the advantages of living in a share house and the differences between room types.
Advantages of living in a shared house in Tokyo
While shared housing is often perceived as a cheaper option than renting an apartment alone, its advantages extend beyond that. The main benefits of Cross House's shared housing are as follows:
Main advantages of Cross House's share houses
- Since it comes furnished with furniture and appliances, you can start living there from day one, even if you don't have much luggage.
- If you're moving between properties within the Cross House network, you can move without incurring any initial moving costs.
- Because residents are close in age, it's easy to interact with roommates.
- From dormitories to private rooms, you can choose a room type to suit your budget.
Moving is easier as it comes furnished with furniture and appliances.
Buying furniture and appliances for living alone from scratch can cost hundreds of thousands of yen. A furnished share house can reduce these initial costs. You won't need to transport large items when moving to Tokyo or coming to Japan, and you can start your new life with just the bare essentials.
If you're staying at a property within Cross House, transportation is free.
If you decide to move to a different property after moving into a Cross House apartment, you won't have to pay any cancellation fees for your previous apartment or initial costs for your new apartment. This allows for flexible relocation to a closer property when your workplace or school changes. Since typical moves incur initial costs each time, this is also ideal for those who want to try out different apartments before making a decision.
You can live with roommates of the same age.
Cross House's share houses are for residents aged 18 to 39. This makes it easy for residents of similar ages to gather, creating an environment where it's easy to make friends, even if you're new to living in Tokyo. It's ideal for those who feel uneasy living alone or who want to make new acquaintances in their new home.
You can choose a room type to suit your budget.
Cross House's share houses offer several room types. You can choose according to your budget and lifestyle, whether you prioritize privacy with a private room or want to keep costs down with a dormitory.
| Room type | Room details | Suitable people |
|---|---|---|
| private room | The living room, kitchen, and bathrooms are shared, while the private rooms have locks. | People who want to enjoy socializing while maintaining their privacy. |
| Private rooms (shared apartments/SA-XROSS series) | This type of accommodation does not have a shared living room, only the bathroom and kitchen facilities are shared. | People who want to keep rent low and live in peace |
| Semi-private (semi-private room/shared room) | A type that divides a room into sections using walls or partitions. | People who want their own space without spending the full cost of a private room. |
| Loft bed | The top bunk of the bunk bed is the bed, and the bottom bunk is a personal space with a desk, etc. | People who want to keep their rent as low as possible |
| Dormitory | A shared room with multiple bunk beds in one room. The beds have curtains. | People looking for a place to live with rent in the 20,000 yen range |
At Cross House's share houses, utilities (water, electricity, and gas) are included in the common area fee, and Wi-Fi is also available. The basic monthly payment is "rent + common area fee of 15,000 yen (including utilities and shared amenities) + safety support fee of 1,500 yen". Choose a room type that suits your lifestyle and personality.
Disadvantages of living in a shared house in Tokyo
While affordable shared housing offers many advantages, there are also points you should be aware of beforehand. Understanding these points can help reduce any discrepancies after moving in.
Things to know before moving in
- There are times when it's difficult to invite friends and family over casually.
- Because there are shared areas, certain considerations are necessary in terms of daily life.
- If you're not suited to living with others, you may find it difficult to feel comfortable.
There are times when it's difficult to invite friends and family over casually.
To ensure the safety of residents, some properties restrict access by third parties. This restriction also helps reduce the risk of theft and other problems. Since visiting rules vary from property to property, it's best to check before signing a contract.
Because there are shared areas, certain considerations are necessary.
In properties where living rooms and bathrooms are shared, you'll have more opportunities to see other people. Depending on the person, this may require them to be more mindful of their appearance and noise levels. If you prioritize privacy, you can choose a shared apartment without a shared living room (SA-XROSS series) or a women-only property. As of 2026, women-only properties are available in the Tokyo area.
Whether or not communal living suits you depends on the individual.
Share houses may not be suitable for people who are uncomfortable living in the same space as others. On the other hand, share house living is likely to be a good fit for people who enjoy interacting with others, don't mind tidying up, and can enjoy both alone time and shared time.
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Only furnished properties with appliances are listed!
Estimated cost of shared housing in Tokyo (by room type)
When comparing the costs of shared housing in Tokyo, it's important to look at both the monthly total and initial costs, not just the rent. The following are estimated rents for different room types in Cross House's shared housing. In all cases, a common area fee of 15,000 yen (including utilities and shared amenities) and a safety support fee of 1,500 yen are charged separately.
| Room type | Estimated monthly rent | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Dormitory | From 24,800 yen | Lowest price range. Shared room with bunk beds (with curtains). |
| Semi-private | From 31,000 yen | Choose from semi-private rooms, shared rooms, or loft beds. |
| Private room (share house/shared apartment) | From 40,000 yen | Private rooms with locks. Choose between rooms with or without a shared living area. |
It's important to note that the "rent in the 20,000 yen range" refers only to the rent itself. The actual amount you'll pay each month needs to be considered as the "total monthly amount," which includes rent plus utilities and a safety support fee. In Cross House's share houses, there is a utilities fee of 15,000 yen (including water, electricity, and shared amenities) and a safety support fee of 1,500 yen, in addition to the rent. Using a dormitory (rent from 24,800 yen) as an example, the estimated total monthly amount would be as follows:
| breakdown | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| Rent (example for dormitory) | From 24,800 yen |
| Common area maintenance fee (includes water, electricity, and shared amenities) | 15,000 yen |
| Peace of Mind Support Fee | 1,500 yen |
| Estimated total monthly cost | From 41,300 yen |
Similarly, for private rooms (rent from 40,000 yen), the total monthly cost will be approximately the sum of the common area fee of 15,000 yen and the safety support fee of 1,500 yen. Instead of deciding based solely on rent, comparing the total monthly cost including utilities (water, electricity, gas) will give you a clearer picture of your actual burden. Unlike typical rentals where utilities are charged separately from rent and can fluctuate, utilities are included in the common area fee, making monthly payments more predictable, which is an advantage of share houses.
The initial cost for Cross House share houses is a flat rate of 30,000 yen, with no security deposit, key money, or brokerage fees. However, there will be fees upon moving out, such as cancellation processing fees, depending on the contract. For individual contracts, a separate guarantee fee to the guarantee company will be required. Since the amount and conditions vary depending on the property and contract, please check the details page for any property you are interested in.
Recommended share house properties in Tokyo that you can live in for around 20,000 yen
For those looking to keep costs down, here are some examples of properties available for rent starting from around 20,000 yen. The listed rents are estimates, and availability and conditions may change. Please check the property details page for the latest availability.
Women-only, private room share house in the Oizumi-Gakuen area (Nerima Ward)
This is a women-only share house where each private room is furnished with furniture and appliances, and bathrooms are shared. It is within walking distance of Oizumi-gakuen Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, and offers direct access to Ikebukuro. It is a quiet living environment that is not too urban, and short-term stays of as little as one month are available. Rent starts from around 28,000 yen, and foreigners are also welcome.
View property details in the Oizumi Gakuen area
Private room type share house in the Nishiarai area (Adachi Ward)
This is a private room type with shared bathroom facilities and furnished with furniture and appliances in each room. It is within walking distance of Nishiarai Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line, and Ueno and Asakusa are just a short train ride away. There is a large shopping center near the station, making daily shopping convenient. It is suitable for those who want to minimize the burden of commuting to work or school, as it is on a relatively less crowded train line. Rent starts from around 27,000 yen.
View property details in the Nishiarai area
Share house in the Shinagawa area (Minato Ward)
This share house boasts an excellent location, just a 3-minute walk from Sengakuji Station on the Toei Asakusa Line and within walking distance of Shinagawa Station on the JR Yamanote Line. Major stations such as Shibuya, Tokyo, and Ginza are accessible in about 20 minutes, and it's also easy to get to Haneda Airport, making it ideal for those who frequently travel by plane. Dormitory rooms start from around 27,000 yen, and private rooms from around 58,000 yen, allowing you to choose a room type that fits your budget.
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Recommended share house properties in Tokyo that you can live in for around 30,000 yen
For those who want to keep costs down while still having a private space in their own room, private rooms in the 30,000 yen range are a good option. Here are some examples of properties in typical areas.
Private room type share house in the Higashi-Jujo area (Kita Ward)
This is a shared apartment (SA-XROSS series) where each private room is furnished with furniture and appliances, and only the bathroom facilities are shared. It is within walking distance of Higashi-Jujo Station on the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, and less than 20 minutes from Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and Nippori. The area around the station has a shopping street, supermarkets, and restaurants, making it a convenient place to live. Rent starts from 34,800 yen.
View property details in the Higashi-Jujo area
Private room type share house in the Nogata area (Nakano Ward)
This is a private room type with shared bathroom facilities and furnished with furniture and appliances in each room. It's within walking distance of Nogata Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line, and about 13 minutes by train to Shinjuku. It's a popular area known for its safety and livability, making it ideal for those who commute to the city center. Rent starts from 35,000 yen.
View property details in the Nogata area
Women-only share house in the Ukima-Funado area (Kita Ward)
This is a women-only share house with shared bathroom facilities and individual rooms furnished with furniture and appliances. It's within walking distance of Ukima-Funado Station on the JR Saikyo Line, and the lush green Tokyo Metropolitan Ukima Park is located right in front of the station. It's ideal for those who want to live in an environment close to nature. Rent starts from 36,000 yen.
View property details in the Ukima-Funado area
Private room type share house in the Kyodo area (Setagaya Ward)
This is a private room-type share house located in a quiet area popular with students and families. It's within walking distance of Kyodo Station on the Odakyu Line, and there are plenty of restaurants nearby, so you won't have any trouble finding places to eat out. You can stay for as short as one month, making it suitable for those planning a short-term stay. Rent starts from 39,000 yen.
Share house in Tokyo near Meiji University (around Meidaimae Station)
The area around Meidaimae Station is a popular area with good access to Shinjuku and Shibuya, and a calm atmosphere. Here are some examples of student-friendly share houses near Meiji University.
Women-only share house in the Meidaimae area (Suginami Ward)
This is a women-only share house with shared bathroom facilities and individual rooms furnished with furniture and appliances. It's within walking distance of Meidaimae Station on the Keio Line and Keio Inokashira Line, about 5 minutes to Shinjuku and about 8 minutes to Shibuya. The proximity to universities and the abundance of reasonably priced restaurants are also attractive points for students. Rent starts from 49,000 yen.
View property details in the Meidaimae area (women only)
Private room type share house in the Meidaimae area (Suginami Ward)
This is a private room type with shared bathroom facilities and furnished with furniture and appliances in each room. It is within walking distance of Meidaimae Station on the Keio Line and Keio Inokashira Line, and is conveniently located for easy access to popular areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Shimokitazawa. It is ideal for students who value both privacy and social interaction. Rent starts from 49,000 yen.
View property details in the Meidaimae area
Private room type share house in the Eifukucho area (Suginami Ward)
This is a private room type with shared bathroom facilities and furnished with furniture and appliances in each room. It is within walking distance of Eifukucho Station on the Keio Inokashira Line, and about 8 minutes by train to Shibuya. There is a station building nearby, making it convenient for shopping for daily necessities. It is a quiet neighborhood and is suitable for those who want to live in peace. Rent starts from 47,000 yen.
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Share house in Tokyo near Rikkyo University (around Ikebukuro Station)
The area around Ikebukuro Station has many commercial facilities, making it a convenient area for shopping. Here's an example of a student-friendly share house located near Rikkyo University.
Share house in the Kanamecho area (Toshima Ward)
This is a shared house with a shared living room, kitchen, and bathroom facilities, and each private room is furnished. It's within walking distance of Ikebukuro Station on the JR Yamanote Line, and offers access to multiple train lines. Private rooms start from 49,000 yen, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy living and socializing with others.
View property details in the Kanamecho area
Small-scale shared house in the Kanamecho area (Toshima Ward)
This is a small shared house for up to 6 people, with a shared living room, kitchen, and bathroom facilities. It's within walking distance of Kanamecho Station on the Yurakucho and Fukutoshin Lines, and about 2 minutes from Ikebukuro Station. It's ideal for those who prefer a small, friendly living environment with fewer housemates. Rent starts from around 30,000 yen.
View property details in the Kanamecho area (small number of people)
Private room type share house in the Mejiro area (Toshima Ward)
These are private rooms with furniture and appliances provided, and shared bathroom facilities. They are within walking distance of Mejiro Station on the JR Yamanote Line, and also within walking distance of Ikebukuro. Located in a quiet area with many schools, you can feel close to nature even in the heart of the city. Rent starts from 40,000 yen.
Share house in Tokyo near Waseda University (around Waseda Station)
The area around Waseda University has many reasonably priced restaurants and is a busy area with plenty of foot traffic. Here are some examples of student-friendly share houses located near Waseda University.
Private room type share house in the Zoshigaya area (Bunkyo Ward)
This is a private room type with shared bathroom facilities and furnished with furniture and appliances in each room. It is within walking distance of Zoshigaya Station on the Fukutoshin Line, making it easy to get to Ikebukuro, Shibuya, and Shinjuku. There are supermarkets and cafes on nearby Mejiro Street, making it convenient for daily life. Rent starts from around 54,800 yen.
View property details in the Zoshigaya area
Share house in the Kagurazaka area (Shinjuku Ward)
This share house is located in an area with many students, close to Waseda University and Japanese language schools. It's just a 3-minute walk from Kagurazaka Station on the Tozai Line, giving you access to three different train lines. Dormitory rooms start from around 19,800 yen, and private rooms from around 47,800 yen, making it suitable for international students.
View property details in the Kagurazaka area
Share house in the Shinjuku East area (Shinjuku Ward)
This is a share house located within walking distance of Shin-Okubo Station. It's about a 5-minute train ride to Ikebukuro and Shibuya, and within walking distance of Tokyo's largest Korean town. It's perfect for those who want to enjoy Korean food and cosmetics on a daily basis. The wooden deck terrace is also a great place to relax.
Related articles that will be helpful when choosing a share house in Tokyo
If you'd like to compare costs and types of housing further, please also see the following article.
Frequently Asked Questions about Share Houses in Tokyo
What is the minimum rent for a shared house in Tokyo?
Cross House's share houses have rents starting from ¥24,800 for dormitories, ¥31,000 for semi-private rooms, and ¥40,000 for private rooms. In all cases, a common area fee of ¥15,000 (including utilities and shared amenities) and a safety support fee of ¥1,500 are charged separately.
Can students and international students rent accommodation here?
Yes, you can. Cross House's share houses are open to people aged 18-39, including students and international students. We offer move-in support in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages, making it easy for those who have just arrived in Japan to get advice.
Are there any shared houses in Tokyo where a private room costs around 30,000 yen?
Yes, there are private rooms available in areas such as Higashi-Jujo, Nogata, Ukima-Funado, and Kyodo, with rents starting from around 30,000 yen. Availability changes, so please check the latest vacancies on the property details page or through the property search.
How much are the initial costs?
The initial cost for a Cross House share house is a flat rate of 30,000 yen. There is no security deposit, key money, or brokerage fee. For individual contracts, an additional guarantee fee to the guarantee company will be charged. The amount varies depending on the guarantee company.
Do I need to provide my own furniture and appliances?
It's not necessary. Cross House's share houses come furnished with furniture and appliances, including beds and refrigerators. You can move in with just your personal belongings and start living there from day one.
Can foreigners sign a contract?
Yes, you can. Cross House's share houses are open to foreign residents, and online contracts and viewings are available. We also accept contracts from overseas, so you can use our services as preparation before coming to Japan.
Cross House is a real estate management company that operates furnished share houses and rental properties in 11 prefectures, primarily in Tokyo. With a track record of over 50,000 tenants, we support those looking for accommodation for the first time in Tokyo or upon arriving in Japan, offering initial costs of 30,000 yen, furnished properties, and multilingual support. New properties are added every month, so please check the latest vacancies in your area of interest using our property search.
This article is supervised by the operations team of Cross House, a real estate management company that operates rental properties in 11 prefectures (as of July 2026). The listed rents and conditions are estimates; please check the latest vacancy status on each property's page.
