Thursday, December 1, 2011

Can a normal person afford this (Tokyo apartment)?

Question:


If you are living and working in Tokyo, would 220,000 - 340,000 yen be payable rent between two working people if all amenities are included - including water, electricity, heating/air conditioning and internet? Or can only a super rich person afford that?

Already asked this, but I think my question wasn't very clear. Still kinda vague, I'm sorry.

Answer:


No.
It's way too expensive.

The average annual income of early 20's are something around 2,500,000 YEN, that of early 30's are less than 4,000,000 Yen, give or take. Average income around Tokyo area may be higher, but not that much. Plus many people cannot even get full time job these days.
In general, it is said that apartment payment should be less than about 1/3 of monthly income.

If your apartment locate very good place in Tokyo, 220,000 - 340,000 yen is understandable price range, but average Japanese person with average income cannot pay for that, even by two. Only rich people or people whose rent would be payed by companies consider to rent in good locations in Tokyo. That price range is just slightly cheaper than staying in middle classed hotels for a month in Tokyo.
Tokyo has very good public transportation, so you could commute to the center even from outside of Tokyo. Even in cheaper neighborhood, Japan is safe and comfortable place to live. That's the way most of "average" people do.

I roughly guess average rent for one young person is something less than 80,000 Yen. Average rent for a family is not more than 200,000 Yen. Amenities are usually not included for these apartment and these are not usually furnished, however: it's even cheaper to purchase all furniture and appliances and whatsoever you like, rather than living 340,000 Yen apartment.

I'm not sure your expected income, but I guess you should start with 150,000 Yen or less for two working people?
Japanese rent contract is usually valid for 2 years.
You could move to other place 2 years later, if you wanted something better.

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