Monthly Budget for a Bangladeshi Student in Tokyo: A Realistic Guide

Before coming to Tokyo, the biggest question is: how much will I spend each month? When I first set foot in Tokyo, I had the same question. Today, I'll share my own experience and what I've learned from fellow Bangladeshi students.

Main Expense Categories

1. Housing (Rent)

The biggest expense in Tokyo is rent. A one-room apartment (1K) typically costs between 50,000 and 80,000 yen per month, depending on location and condition. For instance, in cheaper wards like Adachi or Katsushika, you can find a room for under 50,000 yen. In popular areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku, rent can exceed 80,000 yen. I live in Adachi Ward and pay 55,000 yen.

2. Food and Groceries

Food costs depend on how often you cook. Eating out daily can cost 40,000–60,000 yen per month, but if you cook at home, you can reduce it to 25,000–35,000 yen. Supermarkets like Seiyu or Yorkben offer affordable vegetables, fish, and meat. Many Bangladeshi students buy in bulk together to save money.

3. Transportation

Tokyo's public transport is world-class but not cheap. A student commuter pass (teikiken) significantly reduces costs. My university pass costs about 10,000 yen per month. If you use a bicycle, transport costs can be nearly zero.

4. Utilities and Phone Bills

Electricity, gas, water, and internet together cost around 10,000–15,000 yen per month. Mobile phone plans are typically 3,000–5,000 yen, but some providers like Rakuten Mobile or LINE Mobile offer discounts.

5. Entertainment and Miscellaneous

Movies, concerts, or hanging out with friends might cost 5,000–15,000 yen. However, Tokyo has many free events and parks for entertainment.

Part-Time Work and Income

International students in Japan can work up to 28 hours per week. In Tokyo, part-time jobs pay 1,000–1,200 yen per hour. Common jobs include restaurant work, convenience store clerk, or English teaching. If you work 20 hours per week, you can earn about 80,000–96,000 yen per month, covering a large portion of your expenses.

Real Equation: Income vs. Expenses

Suppose your rent is 60,000 yen, food 30,000 yen, transport 10,000 yen, utilities 12,000 yen, and entertainment 8,000 yen. Total: 120,000 yen. If you earn 80,000 yen from part-time work, your parents need to send 40,000 yen (about 25,000 BDT) per month—a manageable amount for many Bangladeshi families.

Studying in Japan is not just about earning a degree; it's about learning to stand on your own feet in a disciplined and safe environment.

Some Honest Words

Not everything is easy. Initially, language barriers and culture shock can be tough. But with patience and learning Japanese (at least JLPT N3), life becomes much smoother. Also, Tokyo's cost of living is higher than other Japanese cities. If you want to save money, consider cities like Osaka or Fukuoka.

Final Thoughts

My advice: discuss openly with your parents and create a realistic budget before coming to Japan. Balancing study and work is crucial. We can provide more detailed information on our Contact page. Also, check our Universities and Scholarships pages to learn more about life in Japan.