If you’re planning to move to Japan as a couple, one question matters most:
How much does it cost per month for two people to live comfortably?
Short answer:
👉 ¥400,000–¥550,000 per month ($2,700–$3,700 USD) depending on location.
In Tokyo, expect the higher end.
Let’s break it down clearly.
💱 Monthly Cost in USD (2026 Exchange Rate)
At ¥150 = $1:
- ¥400,000 ≈ $2,700
- ¥500,000 ≈ $3,300
- ¥550,000 ≈ $3,700
This allows a stable, moderate lifestyle for two adults.
📊 Average Monthly Budget for a Couple
🏙 Regional Cities
| Category | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1LDK–2DK) | $700–1,000 |
| Food | $500–650 |
| Utilities | $150–200 |
| Transportation | $150–200 |
| National Health Insurance | $200–250 |
| Phone & Internet | $80–120 |
| Entertainment & Misc | $250–400 |
| Total | $2,200–2,800 |
This often allows savings if both partners earn income.
🗼 Tokyo Area
Rent increases significantly.
| Category | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1LDK–2LDK) | $1,200–1,800 |
| Other expenses | Similar to above |
| Total | $2,800–3,700 |
Living on under $2,500/month as a couple in Tokyo is difficult without compromises.
🏠 What Lifestyle Can a Couple Expect?
With around $3,000/month in regional Japan:
✔ Comfortable apartment
✔ Regular dining out
✔ Domestic travel
✔ Some savings
Japan’s predictable healthcare and transportation costs make budgeting easier than in many Western countries.
💱 The Weak Yen Advantage (2026)
With the yen remaining relatively weak, foreign income stretches further.
Many couples earning in USD or EUR find Japan more affordable than expected — especially outside central Tokyo.
🧠 Is Japan Affordable for Couples?
Compared to major U.S. cities:
- Rent is often lower
- Healthcare is dramatically cheaper
- Transportation is efficient and affordable
Japan is no longer “cheap,”
but it is stable and manageable for two-income households.
🔎 Related Cost Questions
- Cost of living in Japan for a single person
- What salary do you need to live comfortably in Japan?
- Is $2000 enough to live in Japan?
🏁 Final Answer
For a couple living in Japan in 2026:
✔ Regional cities: $2,700–$3,000/month is comfortable
✔ Tokyo: $3,000–$3,700/month is safer
❌ Below $2,500/month will feel tight
Japan remains a realistic option for couples — especially outside major city centers.