How Much Money Does a Student Need for the First Month in Japan?
Are you planning to travel from Nepal to Japan for your studies? One of the most important things to prepare before departure is your First Month Expenses in Japan for Students.
Your expenses in Japan will include more than food and rent. You may need to pay for transportation, mobile service, utilities, daily necessities, and accommodation-related charges. If you are renting a private apartment, your initial costs could be considerably higher than your regular monthly expenses.
So, how much money should a Nepali student prepare for the first month in Japan?
The answer depends on your destination, accommodation, and which expenses you have already paid. This guide explains the main costs and shows you how to prepare a realistic budget before leaving Nepal.
1. How Much Money Does a Student Need for the First Month in Japan?
As a starting point, the official Study in Japan website reports average monthly living expenses of approximately ¥105,000, excluding tuition and other academic fees. This figure is based on the 2023 Lifestyle Survey of Privately Financed International Students.
Actual costs vary by city and personal circumstances. Students living in Tokyo may spend considerably more than students living in some regional areas. The official 2025–2026 Student Guide to Japan reports average monthly living expenses of approximately ¥130,000 for Tokyo, compared with the national average of ¥105,000.
These figures are useful planning references, not guaranteed costs for every student. Your first month may also include one-time expenses that are not part of a typical monthly budget.
For practical planning, separate your budget into three categories:
- Regular living expenses: Rent, food, utilities, transportation, and other everyday costs.
- Initial setup expenses: Bedding, household items, mobile service, and accommodation-related charges.
- Education expenses: Tuition, admission fees, textbooks, or other school payments that are still outstanding.
Official reference: Study in Japan — Living Costs and Expenses.
2. Accommodation Costs in Japan
Accommodation is often one of the largest parts of a student’s monthly budget.
Your costs depend on whether you live in a school dormitory, a shared apartment, a private apartment, or another type of accommodation.
Student dormitory
A dormitory can be a convenient option for students arriving from Nepal because the accommodation arrangements may be made before departure. Some dormitories include furniture, shared facilities, or certain utilities, while others charge separately.
The official Study in Japan website lists average monthly rent for international students at approximately ¥41,000 nationwide and ¥57,000 in Tokyo, based on the 2023 survey. These are average housing figures, not guaranteed dormitory prices.
Before accepting a dormitory offer, confirm:
- Monthly rent
- Whether utilities are included
- Whether bedding is provided
- Initial fees or deposits
- Payment deadlines
- Rules for moving out or cancelling the accommodation
Private apartment
Renting a private apartment can offer greater independence, but the initial costs may be much higher.
Depending on the property and contract, you may need to pay a security deposit, key money, an agent’s fee, rent in advance, a guarantor-related fee, and other charges. You may also need to purchase furniture and household appliances.
Ask for a written breakdown of all charges before signing a rental agreement.
For more information, read the official Study in Japan accommodation guide.
3. Food Expenses for the First Month
Food costs depend on your eating habits, location, and whether you cook at home or buy meals outside.
You can manage your budget by:
- Buying groceries and preparing simple meals
- Planning meals before shopping
- Taking advantage of affordable supermarket products
- Comparing meal prices near your school
- Limiting frequent convenience-store purchases and restaurant meals
The official Study in Japan living-cost survey gives a national average food expenditure of approximately ¥32,000 per month for international students.
Your actual food expenses may be lower or higher. Students who cook regularly and share household expenses may spend differently from those who frequently eat out.
It is sensible to include food in your budget from the day you arrive, especially if your accommodation does not provide meals.
4. Transportation Costs
You may need to pay for transportation between the airport, your accommodation, and your school.
Your first-month transport expenses can include:
- Airport train or bus fare
- Local train or bus journeys
- Travel to school
- Trips to supermarkets and other essential services
- Occasional journeys to complete registration or banking procedures
Before traveling, check the distance between your accommodation and school. A cheaper room far from campus may result in higher commuting costs.
Some students may qualify for student transportation discounts depending on their school, route, and eligibility. Ask your school or transport provider about the applicable arrangements.
5. Electricity, Gas, Water, and Internet
Utilities may be included in your rent or charged separately.
If you rent a private apartment, ask whether you need to arrange electricity, gas, water, and internet yourself. You may also need to pay a setup fee or initial charge, depending on the provider.
The official Study in Japan national living-cost breakdown estimates monthly utility expenses at approximately ¥8,000, based on the 2023 survey. Actual costs depend on the property, season, usage, and whether charges are shared.
Winter heating and summer air conditioning can increase utility expenses.
6. Mobile Phone and Internet Expenses
A working phone is useful for contacting your school, navigating Japan, arranging appointments, and communicating with family.
Your initial mobile expenses may include:
- SIM card or mobile plan charges
- Activation or setup fees, if applicable
- A compatible phone, if you need one
- Internet installation or service charges, if not included in your accommodation
Compare providers before choosing a plan. Check contract conditions, monthly fees, data limits, and whether your current phone is compatible with the Japanese network.
Do not assume that your Nepali SIM card will be an affordable option for regular use in Japan. Check roaming costs before departure.
7. Daily Necessities and Household Items
During your first few days, you may need to purchase basic items for your room and everyday life.
These may include:
- Bedding, if it is not provided
- Towels and toiletries
- Laundry detergent
- Cleaning supplies
- Kitchen utensils
- Hangers and storage items
- Basic stationery
Before shopping, find out what your accommodation already provides. Buying everything immediately can make your initial expenses unnecessarily high.
Start with essential items and purchase additional belongings as needed.
8. Health Insurance and Medical Expenses
International students should understand the health insurance and registration requirements that apply to their residence in Japan.
Depending on your status and circumstances, you may need to complete municipal registration and enroll in the appropriate public health insurance scheme. Your exact responsibilities and timing should be confirmed with your school and local municipality.
Include potential insurance contributions and a reasonable amount for unexpected medical or health-related expenses in your financial plan.
Do not assume that all medical expenses will be covered automatically from the day you arrive.
9. One-Time Costs That Can Make the First Month More Expensive
Your first month can cost substantially more than later months if you need to pay initial accommodation charges or purchase household essentials.
Possible additional costs include:
- Apartment security deposit
- Key money or other contract fees
- Real estate agent’s commission
- Guarantor company fees
- Advance rent
- Furniture and appliances
- Bedding
- Temporary accommodation while waiting for a permanent room
- School fees or tuition payments that are still outstanding
These expenses vary considerably. For example, a student moving into a furnished dormitory with prepaid rent may have fewer initial costs than a student renting an unfurnished private apartment.
This is why it is important to ask your school or accommodation provider for an itemized estimate before departure.
10. Sample First-Month Budget for a Nepali Student
The following is an illustrative budget for a student who has arranged accommodation and is planning for regular living expenses. It is not an official price list or a guarantee of what you will spend.
| Expense | Illustrative monthly amount ( average 2023 Based) |
|---|---|
| Rent | ¥41,000 |
| Food | ¥32,000 |
| Utilities | ¥8,000 |
| Transportation | ¥4,000 |
| Insurance and medical expenses | ¥3,000 |
| Personal and daily expenses | ¥17,000 |
| Estimated total | ¥105,000 |
The amounts above reflect the approximate national average living-cost breakdown published by Study in Japan, with some categories combined for easier budgeting.
Your personal budget will vary. In particular, this estimate does not include tuition, air tickets, visa expenses, large accommodation deposits, furniture purchases, or other substantial one-time costs.
For Tokyo or other higher-cost locations, plan for a higher monthly budget where appropriate.
11. How Much Extra Money Should You Keep for Emergencies?
It is sensible to keep some money available beyond your expected monthly expenses.
An emergency reserve can help with unexpected transport costs, delayed access to funds, urgent household purchases, or other unforeseen expenses.
The amount you need depends on your financial circumstances and how quickly you can access additional money from an authorized source.
Before leaving Nepal:
- Calculate your expected first-month costs.
- Confirm which expenses have already been paid.
- Identify any large payments due immediately after arrival.
- Keep sufficient money accessible for unexpected expenses.
- Arrange a safe way to access additional funds if required.
Do not rely on finding a part-time job immediately after arriving to cover essential expenses. Employment is not guaranteed, and students must follow Japan’s applicable rules before undertaking paid work.
12. How Can Nepali Students Reduce Their First-Month Expenses?
Planning ahead can make the transition to Japan more manageable.
Choose accommodation carefully
Compare rent, location, utilities, initial charges, and commuting costs rather than looking only at the advertised monthly rent.
Prepare a realistic food budget
Learn where to buy groceries and plan simple meals that fit your budget.
Avoid unnecessary shopping
Buy essential items first. You can purchase additional clothes, furniture, and household products after settling in.
Check what your school provides
Some schools offer dormitory arrangements, airport guidance, orientation, or information about affordable services. Confirm what is included before spending money.
Keep education and living expenses separate
Tuition and admission fees can be substantial. Do not count money needed for an upcoming school payment as money available for daily living.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much money does a student need for the first month in Japan?
The amount depends on your city, accommodation, and outstanding payments. The official national average living-cost estimate is approximately ¥105,000 per month, excluding tuition and other academic fees. Initial accommodation charges and household purchases can increase the first month’s total.
2. Is ¥100,000 enough for the first month in Japan?
It may cover some or much of a student’s regular living expenses, depending on rent and lifestyle. However, it may not cover large initial housing fees, tuition, furniture, or other one-time costs.
3. Is Tokyo more expensive for international students?
Generally, yes. The official Study in Japan guide reports average monthly living expenses of approximately ¥130,000 for Tokyo compared with a national average of ¥105,000, excluding tuition and academic fees.
4. Are tuition fees included in Japan’s average monthly living costs?
No. The official monthly living-cost estimates exclude tuition and other academic fees. Students should budget for education payments separately.
5. Do students need to pay a deposit before moving into accommodation?
It depends on the accommodation. Some dormitories require an initial fee or deposit, while private apartments may involve deposits, key money, advance rent, and agent fees. Confirm the exact amount with your accommodation provider before signing a contract.
6. Should Nepali students depend on part-time work to pay first-month expenses?
It is safer to prepare enough funds for essential expenses before departure. Finding a job can take time, and international students must obtain the necessary permission and follow the applicable work restrictions before working.
Plan Your Japan Study Budget Before Departure
Understanding your first-month expenses can help you avoid financial stress after arriving in Japan. Estimate rent, food, transport, utilities, and daily necessities, and remember to account for one-time accommodation costs and outstanding education fees.
Global Peace Int’l Education Academy Pvt. Ltd. encourages students to prepare a realistic financial plan, confirm accommodation charges in advance, and make arrangements for their essential expenses before traveling.
A clear budget can help you focus on your studies and settle into life in Japan with greater confidence.