What is a monthly apartment? Why can you rent one for under 50,000 yen?
A monthly apartment is a short-term rental property that comes furnished with furniture and appliances and can be rented on a monthly basis.
Many properties do not require a security deposit or key money, making them popular as temporary housing before or after job transfers or moves. In particular, properties that can be rented for "50,000 yen or less" are increasing, mainly in areas slightly outside of central Tokyo. In many cases, utilities and internet fees are included in the rent, making it very attractive as you can move in immediately while keeping initial costs down.
Differences from regular rentals
Regular rental properties typically have high initial costs such as security deposits, key money, and brokerage fees, and the contract period is usually two years. In contrast, monthly apartments have lower initial costs and can be rented for as little as one month, which is a major difference.
Since the apartments come furnished with furniture and appliances, there's no need to worry about moving or buying new things. Even with the condition of "under 50,000 yen in Tokyo," the convenience of being able to immediately use a room with the minimum necessary living environment is a major attraction.
It's actually good value for money, including utilities and furniture.
Most monthly apartments are "all-in-one" style, where utilities (water, electricity, gas), Wi-Fi, furniture, and appliances are included in the price.
For example, the apartments come furnished with air conditioners, refrigerators, microwaves, and washing machines, allowing you to live comfortably from day one. Considering the cost of purchasing these items individually and the hassle of contracting for them, even under 50,000 yen is a very cost-effective option. For short-term stays, it can even be more economical than renting a regular apartment.
Characteristics of areas with many properties priced under 50,000 yen
In Tokyo, you can find many monthly apartments for under 50,000 yen in suburban areas about 30 minutes to an hour away from the city center by train.
Specifically, this includes areas such as Hachioji, Machida, Tachikawa, Katsushika Ward, and Edogawa Ward. These areas are characterized by relatively low rent prices and a low cost of living.
Furthermore, it offers a diverse range of low-priced properties, including shared apartments and women-only apartments, catering to the needs of those who want to live cheaply in Tokyo.
Types of monthly apartments available for under 50,000 yen
When searching for a monthly apartment in Tokyo for under 50,000 yen per month, there are several options depending on the location and building type. In particular, furnished apartments in the suburbs and shared apartment-style accommodations are common. Some properties are even exclusively for women with enhanced security, allowing you to choose according to your needs.
Here, we will introduce some representative types and their respective characteristics.

Suburban furnished apartments
If you're looking for a monthly apartment under 50,000 yen in Tokyo, furnished studio apartments in suburban areas are a good option. In western Tokyo areas such as Hachioji, Tachikawa, and Machida, there are many properties that come fully furnished with appliances and furniture, and include utilities in a fixed monthly fee. Many plans also do not require a security deposit or key money, making them attractive as they significantly reduce the hassle and initial costs of moving in.
Furthermore, these areas are mostly quiet residential neighborhoods with good public safety. They offer convenient access to Shinjuku and Shibuya by train in approximately 40 to 60 minutes from the nearest station, making them ideal for commuting to work or school. This is a recommended option for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city center while securing affordable housing.
Share house with good access to central Tokyo
A shared house is a style of housing where residents share kitchens, bathrooms, and toilets, while maintaining privacy in their own rooms.
Even in areas relatively close to the city center, there are many share house properties available for under 50,000 yen. In particular, in areas with good access and relatively low rents, such as Nakano, Itabashi, and Katsushika wards, there are plenty of properties that come fully furnished with furniture, appliances, and Wi-Fi. This is a major advantage as it allows you to start living comfortably from the first day you move in.
The advantages of a shared house include the opportunity to interact with other residents in common areas and lower initial costs because there's no need for individual contracts. It's an ideal option for those who want to keep living costs down while still prioritizing easy access to the city center, or for those who enjoy socializing with others.
Properties for women only and those prioritizing security are also available.
For women starting to live alone in Tokyo, safety is a crucial factor. There are many women-only monthly apartments available for under 50,000 yen that prioritize security, with features such as automatic locks, security cameras, and on-site patrols.
"Women-only share houses" are particularly popular, with clean and well-maintained common areas and a sense of security among residents. They are often located in areas with good access to the city center, such as Nakano, Nerima, and Itabashi, and the fact that train stations, supermarkets, and convenience stores are all within walking distance is another plus.
This is a highly recommended option for those who want to balance cost-effectiveness, safety, and livability.
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Only furnished properties with appliances are listed!
Characteristics of areas where you can live for under 50,000 yen
Even within Tokyo, monthly apartments available for under 50,000 yen per month are concentrated in certain areas. In particular, West Tokyo, the Tama area, and the border areas near Saitama and Chiba prefectures have an abundance of properties with lower rents. These areas also boast convenient train lines for commuting to work or school, making them ideal for those who prioritize a balance between cost and convenience.
Here, we'll explain recommended areas and their specific characteristics.
West Tokyo area (Hachioji, Kokubunji, Tachikawa)
The western Tokyo area, including Hachioji, Kokubunji, and Tachikawa, is a prime location for finding monthly apartments under 50,000 yen. Multiple train lines, including the Chuo Line, Keio Line, and Tama Monorail, are available, providing excellent access to the city center.
The area offers plenty of furnished studio apartments suitable for students and single individuals, making it ideal for long-term stays or temporary housing. It's a recommended area for those seeking a quiet living environment and lower living costs.
Tama area (Fuchu, Chofu, Machida, etc.)
The Tama area is rich in nature and relatively safe, making it a popular choice for women living alone. In particular, Fuchu, Chofu, and Machida have many monthly apartments and shared accommodations, offering plenty of options for comfortable living for under 50,000 yen.
With easy access to central Tokyo via the Odakyu and Keio lines, and a wealth of convenient amenities, this area is ideal for those seeking a balanced lifestyle while keeping costs down.
Areas bordering Saitama and Chiba prefectures (such as Katsushika Ward, Adachi Ward, and Edogawa Ward)
Areas in eastern Tokyo, such as Katsushika, Adachi, and Edogawa wards, are adjacent to Saitama and Chiba prefectures and are relatively inexpensive compared to other parts of Tokyo.
With access to multiple transportation options including the JR Joban Line, Keisei Line, and Toei Shinjuku Line, commuting to the city center is a realistic option. Many properties are available for under 50,000 yen and come furnished with appliances, making it convenient for short-term stays or temporary housing. This area is definitely worth considering for those looking to live in Tokyo while prioritizing cost-effectiveness.
Recommended affordable monthly apartment services
If you're looking for a monthly apartment in Tokyo for under 50,000 yen, using a cost-effective specialized service is the quickest way to go. By using a company that handles properties that come furnished with appliances and utilities included, you can easily find a comfortable place to live without any hassle.
Here, we introduce three recommended services that are particularly excellent in terms of "affordability," "short-term stays," and "ease of move-in."
XROSS HOUSE
" XROSS HOUSE " is a popular service that offers shared monthly rental properties mainly within Tokyo's 23 wards.
Share houses offer a variety of accommodations, combining private rooms and shared spaces, with monthly plans ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 yen including utilities and Wi-Fi. Many properties require no security deposit or key money and are available for immediate occupancy, making them particularly popular with young people, students, and those moving to Tokyo. Their flexibility, accommodating both short-term and long-term stays, is also a major draw. Furthermore, initial costs are a flat 30,000 yen, and properties come furnished with appliances, eliminating moving expenses and allowing you to start living light and unburdened. We list many share house properties, so please take a look!
Union Monthly
" Union Monthly " is a service that operates numerous furnished monthly apartments, primarily in Tokyo, for short-term stays.
The focus is on 1K to studio apartments, with many properties available for under 50,000 yen, especially in suburban areas like Hachioji, Tachikawa, and Machida. Plans include utilities (water, electricity, gas), Wi-Fi, and low initial costs, making them ideal for those on business trips or seeking temporary housing. Discount campaigns are also held regularly.
How to use Jimoty and Leopalace21
If you're looking for a cheap monthly apartment, general rental websites and bulletin boards like " Jimoty " and " Leopalace21 " are also worth using.
On Jimoty, you can sometimes find properties listed for under 50,000 yen through person-to-person transactions, and it may be possible to further reduce costs through negotiation.
Leopalace21 also offers plans for short-term rentals of furnished apartments, and during promotional periods, you may even find properties with no initial fees.
Search for a room
Only furnished properties with appliances are listed!
Tips and precautions for renting cheaply
When searching for a monthly apartment in Tokyo for under 50,000 yen, it's important to check not only the rent but also the initial costs and other detailed differences in the terms and conditions. Some properties may have separate charges for utilities (water, electricity, gas) or high contract fees.
This chapter will introduce specific points and precautions for choosing a property that will help you keep overall costs down while avoiding mistakes.
Aim for a plan with no initial fees and all utilities included.
Even if you hear "monthly rent of 50,000 yen or less," many properties actually require initial fees.
What you should aim for is a "completely fixed-rate plan" that has no security deposit, key money, or guarantee deposit, and also includes utilities and internet fees.
Services like Cross House and Union Monthly, in particular, offer a wide variety of such plans. Comparing the total costs and minimizing your burden is key to saving money.
Check back regularly for campaign information.
Affordable monthly apartments frequently offer promotions such as "half-price first month's rent," "no initial fees," and "long-term contract discounts," depending on the time of year.
By making good use of these resources, you have a chance to find housing at a much lower price than usual. Regularly checking not only official websites but also portal sites and social media will increase your chances of finding a great deal.
How to spot a "cheap and nasty" property
Properties priced at 50,000 yen or less may include "problem properties" such as older buildings, poorly maintained interiors, or inadequate facilities.
Since many monthly apartments do not allow viewings, checking photos, reviews, and ratings is essential. In particular, checking the management of common areas, the surrounding environment, and security beforehand will allow you to choose a comfortable place to live even at a low price.
summary
If you're looking for a monthly apartment in Tokyo for under 50,000 yen per month, it's important to cleverly combine conditions such as "within walking distance of the station," "utilities included," and "furnished with appliances" to find a cost-effective rental property.
A wide variety of options are available to suit your needs, including suburban studio apartments, share houses in the Tama/Tokyo border area, and women-only properties with enhanced security. We also recommend using specialized services such as Cross House and Union Monthly, as well as information websites like Jimoty and Leopalace21. Don't miss out on campaign information, and efficiently check properties using the "sitemap" on the official website to make your housing search smoother.
To achieve a comfortable lifestyle on a budget, choose your monthly apartment wisely after carefully considering the location and other conditions.