Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities in the world—but living in the city center can be expensive. For foreigners moving to Japan, choosing a nearby city with affordable rent and good transportation can make life much easier. In this guide, we introduce 5 budget-friendly cities near Tokyo perfect for expats and digital nomads.
5 budget-friendly cities
🏠 1. Tachikawa (Tokyo Metropolis)
- Rent: Around ¥60,000/month for 1K apartments
- Commute: 25 min to Shinjuku via JR Chuo Line
- Why Live Here:
- Affordable rent compared to central Tokyo
- Huge park (Showa Kinen Park), shopping, and international vibe
- Easy to settle for newcomers
👉 Read More: Living in Tachikawa Guide
🛏️ Hotel option (if visiting first):
Hotel Nikko Tachikawa Tokyo – Book on Klook
🏙 2. Yokohama (Kanagawa Prefecture)
- Rent: ¥65,000–75,000/month
- Commute: 30 min to Shinagawa / Tokyo via JR Keihin-Tohoku Line
- Why Live Here:
- Big international community
- Easy access to Tokyo and Haneda Airport
- Great for daily life: shopping malls, cafes, bay area
👉 New article : Living in Yokohama for Foreigners
🎎 3. Kawagoe (Saitama Prefecture)
- Rent: Around ¥50,000/month
- Commute: 45–50 min to Ikebukuro
- Why Live Here:
- Charming Edo-style streets
- Quiet and historic atmosphere
- Lower rent and peaceful lifestyle
🛫 4. Narita / Sakura (Chiba Prefecture)
- Rent: ¥40,000–50,000/month
- Commute: ~1 hour to Tokyo via Keisei Line
- Why Live Here:
- Close to Narita Airport
- Quiet, local feel and lower cost of living
- Perfect for frequent travelers or remote workers
✈️ Already writing about this? Link to:
👉 How to Get from Narita Airport to Tokyo
🏢 5. Kawasaki (Kanagawa Prefecture)
- Rent: ¥55,000–65,000/month
- Commute: 20–30 min to Shinagawa/Shibuya
- Why Live Here:
- Urban vibe with cheaper rent than Tokyo core
- Good shopping, nightlife, and foreigner-friendly housing
- Convenient access to both Tokyo and Yokohama
✅ Summary: Which City is Right for You?
| City | Best For | Rent (1K) | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tachikawa | Balanced, green life | ¥60,000 | 25 min |
| Yokohama | City + seaside life | ¥70,000 | 30 min |
| Kawagoe | Historic & quiet | ¥50,000 | 45–50 min |
| Narita/Sakura | Travel & peace | ¥45,000 | ~1 hr |
| Kawasaki | City on a budget | ¥60,000 | 30 min |
🚀 Bonus: How to Find Your Apartment in Japan
Finding housing can be tough, especially in a new country. Here’s how to get started:
- Use multilingual agents like Village House, GajinPot Housing, or SUUMO
- Be aware of key money, guarantors, and contract fees
- Consider shared housing for short stays
👉 Read: Moving to Japan – Foreigner’s Starter Guide
✉️ CTA：Want More Tips?
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