Real Cost of Living in Japan for Nepali Students and Workers

यो पोस्ट नेपालीमा पढ्न यहाँ क्लिक गर्नुहोस्।

If you’re a Nepali planning to move to Japan for study or work, one of the biggest questions in your mind is:
“Japan mah kati kharcha huncha ta?”
In this blog, we’ll give you a realistic breakdown of monthly living costs for Nepali students and SSW workers, both in big cities like Tokyo and smaller cities like Gifu or Fukuoka.

For Nepali Students

Living in a Big City (e.g., Tokyo, Osaka)

Category	Monthly Cost
Rent (Shared Room)	¥40,000 – ¥60,000
Food	¥25,000 – ¥35,000
Transport (Train Pass)	¥7,000 – ¥12,000
Phone + Internet	¥4,000 – ¥6,000
Utilities	¥7,000 – ¥10,000
National Insurance	¥2,000 – ¥3,000
Total	¥85,000 – ¥120,000

💬 Life in Tokyo is exciting, but crowded and expensive. Students often share rooms to save money.

Living in a Smaller City (e.g., Nagano, Gifu, Okayama)

Category	Monthly Cost
Rent	¥20,000 – ¥35,000
Food	¥20,000 – ¥30,000
Transport	¥3,000 – ¥5,000 (or free if you walk/bike)
Phone + Internet	¥4,000 – ¥6,000
Utilities	¥4,000 – ¥8,000
National Insurance	¥2,000 – ¥3,000
Total	¥55,000 – ¥80,000

💬 Smaller cities are peaceful, cheaper, and better for focused study. Many students bike or walk.

For SSW/Skilled Workers (Tokutei Ginou)

Many Nepalis are coming to Japan through the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa. Here’s what their monthly expenses might look like:

Big City with Dorm Provided by Employer

Category	Monthly Cost
Dorm Rent	¥10,000 – ¥25,000
Food	¥25,000 – ¥35,000
Transport	¥5,000 – ¥10,000
Phone + Internet	¥4,000 – ¥6,000
Utilities	Sometimes included
Insurance + Pension	¥15,000 – ¥18,000
Total	¥60,000 – ¥90,000

Small City with Dorm

Category	Monthly Cost
Dorm Rent	¥5,000 – ¥15,000
Food	¥20,000 – ¥30,000
Transport	¥2,000 – ¥5,000
Phone + Internet	¥4,000 – ¥6,000
Utilities	Included or very low
Insurance + Pension	¥15,000 – ¥18,000
Total	¥45,000 – ¥70,000

💬 Many small-town employers offer cheap dorms and even free work lunch!

Tips to Save Money in Japan

🍳 Cook at home instead of eating out
🛒 Shop at discount stores like Don Quijote, Gyomu Super
🚲 Use bicycles or live close to school/work
🏘️ Share rooms or live in smaller cities for cheaper rent
✅ Learn Japanese — it helps you avoid getting scammed or overcharged

Final Thoughts

Japan is expensive — but it’s manageable if you plan smart. Whether you’re heading to Tokyo or a peaceful countryside town, knowing your monthly cost in advance will help you prepare mentally and financially.