What are the average initial costs for living alone?
The initial costs required when starting to live alone will vary depending on the type of property and region. This article will explain in detail the average costs nationwide, factors that increase costs, and guidelines for initial costs by region and property type. We will also introduce tips on how to avoid unnecessary expenses, so please use this as a reference if you are about to start living alone.
What is the average start-up cost of living alone?
It is said that the initial cost of living alone is about 500,000 yen on average. This amount includes the following expenses:
| Expense items | General market price |
| Deposit and key money | 1-2 months' rent |
| Brokerage fee | One month's rent |
| First month's rent and maintenance fee | 1-2 months' rent |
| Guarantor company fee | 0.5 to 1 month's rent |
| Fire insurance premiums | 15,000 to 25,000 yen |
| Key exchange fee | 10,000 to 30,000 yen |
| Moving expenses | 30,000 to 100,000 yen |
| Furniture and appliance purchase costs | 50,000 to 150,000 yen |
As such, the costs associated with signing the contract for the property and the cost of purchasing furniture and appliances to start living there take up a large portion of the total.
However, it is possible to reduce initial costs to around 100,000 to 300,000 yen by choosing a zero-zero property (no deposit or key money) or using a shared house.
What causes high initial costs?
The main factors that make the initial costs of living alone high are:
1. Deposit and key money required
For properties that require a deposit and key money, you will need to pay 2 to 4 months' rent at the time of signing the contract. On the other hand, if you choose a zero-rent property or a free-rent property, you can significantly reduce your initial costs.
2. Brokerage Fees
Generally, real estate agents charge a commission equivalent to one month's rent, but recently there are more and more properties with no or half-price commissions. If you want to keep costs as low as possible, it is recommended that you look for a real estate agent with a low commission.
3. Purchasing furniture and appliances
Buying new furniture and appliances can cost over 100,000 yen. You can save a lot by using second-hand items and choosing a rental property that comes with appliances.
4. Timing of moving
Prices rise during moving season (February to April), so you can save money by moving during the off-season (May to January).
5. Area and property grade
In urban areas, rent is high and initial costs are also high. Also, the more newly built or well-equipped a property is, the higher the costs at the time of signing the contract will be.
Estimated initial costs by area and property type
The average initial costs vary greatly depending on the area and the type of property. Below is a rough guide to general initial costs.
1. Initial cost rates by region
| region | Estimated initial costs |
| Tokyo city center (23 wards) | 600,000 yen to 1,000,000 yen |
| Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe) | 400,000 yen to 800,000 yen |
| Nagoya and Fukuoka | 350,000 yen to 700,000 yen |
| Regional cities | 200,000 yen to 500,000 yen |
Rent is high within Tokyo's 23 wards, so the initial costs are inevitably high as well. On the other hand, in regional cities, there are many properties that do not require a deposit or key money, making it easier to keep initial costs down.
2. Initial costs by property type
| Property Type | Estimated initial costs | Features |
| Studio/1K | 300,000 yen to 700,000 yen | Typical rental property for single people |
| Furnished property | 200,000 yen to 500,000 yen | Reduce the cost of purchasing furniture and appliances |
| Share house (private room) | 50,000 yen to 200,000 yen | No deposit or key money required, common area fees often included |
| Zero-zero property | 100,000 yen to 300,000 yen | Properties with no deposit or key money required |
You can significantly reduce your initial costs by choosing a shared house or a property with furniture and appliances.
How to reduce the initial costs of living alone
The initial costs of starting to live alone are said to be an average of 500,000 yen, but with some ingenuity it is possible to reduce these costs to around 100,000 to 300,000 yen. Here we will introduce some specific ways to reduce initial costs.
Search for zero-deposit properties (no key money or deposit)
A zero-zero property is a rental property that does not require a deposit or key money. Normally, the deposit and key money alone would cost 2 to 4 months' rent, but by choosing a zero-zero property, you can cut down on this expense.
<Advantages of zero-zero properties>
- The contract payment is extremely low
- Easy to use as short-term accommodation
- You can avoid problems with getting your deposit back when you move out
<Tips for finding zero-zero properties>
- Use the "no deposit or key money" filter on real estate sites
- Consider UR rental housing or public housing
- Consult with a real estate agency that offers no brokerage fees
<Points to note about zero-zero properties>
Some zero-zero properties have higher rent than the market average or high renewal fees, so be sure to check the contract terms carefully.
Utilize free rent properties
Free rent is a rental contract in which the rent is free for a certain period of time. Usually, one to three months of rent is free.
<Benefits of free rent>
- Significantly reduce initial outlay
- You can save money before you start paying rent
- Combined with no deposit or key money, you can save even more
<How to find free rent properties>
- Search for properties with "free rent"
- Aim to secure a contract during the off-season for moving (May to January)
- Negotiate free rent for new properties or properties with many vacancies
<Points to note about free rent properties>
Free rent properties may have conditions such as "if you do not live in the property for a certain period of time, a penalty will be incurred." Be sure to check these conditions before signing a contract.
How to reduce brokerage fees
Normally, the brokerage fee is one month's rent, but you can make it free or half price by using the following methods.
<How to save on brokerage fees>
- Search for properties with "0 yen" or "half price" brokerage fees
- Aim for a property with a "direct contract with the landlord" (rent directly from the landlord)
- Choose UR rental housing (no agency fees required)
- Negotiate the brokerage fee (bring up competing properties and negotiate a lower price)
<Points to note>
Even if there is no brokerage fee, management fees and renewal fees may be set high, so make your decision based on the total amount.
Techniques for reducing initial costs in rent negotiations
It is often thought that rent is "non-negotiable," but depending on how you negotiate, you may be able to reduce your rent by 5,000 to 10,000 yen.
<Points to consider when negotiating rent>
- Target properties that have been vacant for a long time (the owner wants to sign a lease quickly)
- Emphasize that you can move in immediately (negotiate a lower price on the condition that you sign the contract early)
- Research the local market and propose a fair price
- Tell them you are considering other properties (to stimulate a competitive spirit)
<Points to note>
When negotiating, you can increase your chances of success by communicating benefits to the owner, such as "you can sign a contract immediately" and "you plan to live here for a long time."
Tips for saving money on furniture and home appliances (second-hand, rental, free transfer)
Purchasing new furniture and appliances would cost between 100,000 and 150,000 yen, but you can make significant savings by using the following methods.
Buying second-hand goods
- Use Mercari, Jimoty, and second-hand shops
- Only what you need
Use a rental service
- Renting home appliances costs only 3,000 to 5,000 yen per month.
- Cheaper than buying for short stays
Get it for free from acquaintances or social media
- Get it from the person before you move
- Use university message boards and local Facebook groups
<Points to note>
When buying second-hand appliances, be sure to check the manufacturing date and whether or not there is a warranty.
A thorough explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of paying initial fees in installments and using credit cards
The initial costs of living alone typically cost hundreds of thousands of yen, including the deposit, key money, agency fees, and the cost of purchasing furniture and appliances. Because a large sum of money is required, there are ways to reduce the burden by using installment payments or credit cards.
<Benefits of using installment payments for initial costs>
- You don't have to pay in one lump sum, so you can have more cash
- If you rent a property that allows installment payments, you can spread the burden over monthly payments.
- Earn credit card points
- If there is a zero-fee installment plan, you can use it without any real increase in cost
<Disadvantages of paying the initial fee in installments or using a credit card>
- Interest and fees may apply to installment payments.
- Long-term repayments can place a strain on your household finances
- If you exceed your credit card limit, it will affect other payments.
- Installment payments may not be available for some properties.
<Points to note when paying the initial fee in installments>
- Look for rental properties that allow installment payments and check with the real estate company in advance.
- If you use a credit card, choose a zero-interest installment plan.
- Use a credit card that can be used to pay rent and earn reward points
- Consider the monthly repayment amount and make a reasonable plan.
Installment payments are an effective way to reduce the burden of initial costs, but it is important to use them in a planned manner, taking into account the long-term repayment burden.
Tips to save on moving costs
Moving expenses generally cost around 30,000 to 100,000 yen, even for a single person. However, with some ingenuity, it is possible to reduce the cost to a few thousand yen or even 20,000 yen. Here, we will explain in detail the specific methods.
① It's cheaper to move during the off-season (May to January)
Moving company rates jump to 1.5 to 2 times higher than usual during the peak season from February to April, when demand is at its peak. On the other hand, it is easier to make reservations during the off-season from May to January, and rates are significantly lower, so if you want to keep moving costs down, it's best to aim for this time of year. As demand for moves is particularly low in June and November, many companies offer discount campaigns. If you absolutely need to move during the peak season, you'll likely be able to keep costs down by choosing a plan that involves moving on a weekday or without a designated time.
② Use the free service
A free service is a plan where the moving company uses their free time and trucks, and can be 20-50% cheaper than a regular move. Since it is based on the schedule of the company, you cannot specify the exact date or time, but the advantage is that the cost can be reduced. Especially for single-person moves, using a free service can save tens of thousands of yen. If you have some flexibility in your schedule or are not in a hurry, you should consider this method.
3. Rent a light truck and ask a friend to help you.
You can significantly reduce moving costs by renting a light truck yourself instead of using a moving company. Rental fees range from a few thousand yen to about 10,000 yen, which is cheaper than hiring a moving company, even including gasoline. However, you will need to load and unload your belongings, so it is recommended that you ask friends or family to help you. Another option is to use car sharing or a rental van, especially if you only have a few furniture and appliances. It is important to check the amount of luggage you have in advance and choose a vehicle of the optimal size.
④Get competitive quotes and negotiate with contractors
To keep moving costs down, it is important to get quotes from multiple companies. By comparing quotes from at least three companies and choosing the cheapest company, you can save thousands to tens of thousands of yen. When negotiating, it is effective to refer to quotes from other companies and ask for a lower price. It is also a good idea to check whether there are any "free cardboard boxes" or "discount campaigns" and choose a plan that will help you keep costs down. Getting an in-person quote will allow you to negotiate the price more accurately.
5. How to reduce moving costs to close to zero
If you want to keep moving costs to a minimum, it is effective to choose a property that comes with furniture and appliances. This will significantly reduce initial costs and eliminate the need for transportation costs for furniture and appliances. You can also sell unwanted furniture or use a free transfer site to reduce the amount of luggage you bring to your new home, which may allow you to get by with just one light truck. Another option is to take advantage of your company's moving assistance program. If you are moving due to a job change or new job, check in advance to see if your employer's assistance program is available.
If you want to drastically cut down on the initial costs of living alone, a private room shared house is the best option!
The initial costs of living alone, including the deposit, key money, agency fees, and the cost of purchasing furniture and appliances, are generally around 500,000 yen. However, by choosing a share house with a private room, it is possible to keep these costs to under 100,000 yen. Share houses are one of the best options, especially for those who want to start a new life smoothly and at low cost.
What are the benefits of a shared house?
The appeal of a shared house is that it allows you to significantly reduce both initial costs and monthly living expenses compared to a regular rental property.
1. Many properties have no deposit, key money, or brokerage fees
When signing a regular rental contract, you are required to pay a deposit, key money, and agent fees equivalent to two to four months' rent. However, many sharehouses do not require these fees, allowing you to significantly reduce your initial costs.
2. Furniture and appliances are included, so no need to purchase new ones
Normally, when you start living alone you need to buy a refrigerator, washing machine, bed, desk, etc., but in a shared house basic furniture and home appliances are fully provided, so you can significantly reduce purchasing costs.
3. Many properties include utility fees and internet charges
Many share houses include water, gas, electricity, and internet fees in the rent, so you can keep your monthly fixed costs down. In particular, many properties come with Wi-Fi, so you can live comfortably without the need for additional contracts.
4. Costs when moving out are reduced
With a regular rental property, cleaning fees and restoration costs are often deducted from the deposit when you move out, but with a shared house, the moving-out costs are often low or unnecessary, reducing the burden of moving.
A share house is suitable for these people!
Share houses are especially recommended for the following people:
1. I want to keep initial costs as low as possible
This is perfect for people who want to live alone but don't have a lot of money. You can cut the initial costs in half compared to regular renting.
2. I am planning a short stay
Share houses are also convenient for people who plan to live for a short period of time due to a job transfer or temporary work. Many properties have contract periods set in units of a few months, and the procedures for moving out are smooth.
3. Buying furniture and appliances is a hassle
For those who find it difficult to purchase furniture and appliances when starting a new life, a shared house, which already has the necessities of life, is an ideal environment.
4. I want to enjoy life in a community
Share houses are ideal for people who want to live while communicating with others, as residents can interact with each other in the common areas. They are especially attractive for people who want to enjoy intercultural exchange and make new friends.
Points to consider when choosing a share house with private rooms
When choosing a share house, it is important to check the following points in advance:
1. Check the facilities and rules of the shared space
Make sure the shared spaces, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room, are comfortable, and that the cleaning and usage rules are clearly defined. A property with strict rules will be more comfortable to live in.
2.Property location and access
It is important to consider the distance from the station or bus stop, and whether there are supermarkets or convenience stores nearby, when commuting to work or school. If the location is not good, daily commutes can be stressful.
3. Check the contract period and cancellation conditions
Unlike regular rentals, share houses often have shorter contract periods, so make sure it fits your lifestyle. Another important point to consider is whether there will be a penalty if you cancel the contract.
Enjoy a comfortable life while saving money wisely in a private shared house at Cross House!
Cross House's private shared houses are ideal places to live, offering comfortable private space while keeping the initial costs of living alone to a minimum. We offer numerous properties, mainly in Tokyo, and provide a safe and secure living environment while keeping monthly costs down.
1. Furniture and appliances included, ready to move in!
Cross House's private rooms are fully equipped with furniture and appliances such as a bed, desk, chair, refrigerator, TV, and air conditioner, so you have everything you need to start your new life. A typical single-person apartment requires an initial investment of hundreds of thousands of yen to purchase furniture and appliances, but Cross House allows you to save on these expenses and start your new life smoothly.
2. Utility fees and internet charges are included in the common area fee
The rent includes utilities such as water, electricity, gas, and internet fees, allowing you to clearly manage your monthly fixed costs. Wi-Fi is also available, making it ideal for teleworking and online learning. There is no need to sign any additional contracts, so you can enjoy a comfortable internet environment immediately after moving in.
3. A wide variety of properties close to stations and with excellent access to the city center
Many of Cross House's properties are located near stations in Tokyo and other major cities, making them convenient locations for commuting to work or school. Many of our properties are within 20 minutes of popular areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro, making for a comfortable urban lifestyle.
4. The sense of security and community that only a share house can provide
Living alone can make you feel lonely and anxious, but a share house provides an environment where you can enjoy interacting with other residents. There are plenty of opportunities to meet and interact with new people through conversations and events in the common areas. In addition, the manager and management staff make regular rounds, so you can live in a safe environment.
5. Flexible contract periods allow for short-term stays!
While two-year contracts are the norm for regular rental properties, Cross House has many properties that allow short-term stays starting from one month, making it ideal for those considering a job transfer or temporary stay. In addition, the deposit and restoration costs upon moving out are lower than for regular rental properties, making it a cost-effective place to live.
summary
The initial costs of living alone generally cost around 500,000 yen, but by utilizing a shared house, it is possible to keep the costs down to under 100,000 yen. In particular, Cross House's private shared houses are fully furnished and come with all utilities included, allowing you to live a low-cost and comfortable life. You can also save even more by utilizing zero-zero properties and free-rent properties, reducing agency fees, and using second-hand furniture and appliances. Choose your home wisely and start your new life smoothly!
