What is the average cost of gas and electricity?

What is the cost for electricity, water and gas in Tokyo?

• I'm about to apply for a student exchange programme in a university in Toshima ward in Tokyo. I need to support my own living expenses. I'm doing a budget now about the expenses there. I would like to know if I rented a place (that will be suitable with my status as a student), what will the average cost for electricity, water and gas (seperately) per month. Hope anyone living there can help me. Thanks a lot.

• Answer:

  I generally agree with the first answerer, but the gas will be more variable depending upon your cooking habits. I lived in Tokyo (Nezu, Bunkyo-ku) for one year in a single room apartment. Electricity was usually around 6000, water 2500, and gas was often negligible (under 1000), since it only covered my water heat. Many grocery items are more expensive in Tokyo that in the US, and with only one stove-top burner and no oven, your ability to make meals will be limited, but with the abundance of inexpensive meal options, you likely won't be cooking very often. Be sure to find an "Origin Bento" in your neighborhood - they cook up meals for 500 to 700 yen, and there's a fresh food buffet section, and Oden in the wintertime. In Toshima, you can always visit Ikebukuro. The station is full of decent food at good prices, and outside of the station are some of the best ramen options around. (East Exit, turn right, pass "Parco" and on a right corner is a delicious place that usually has a line outside) Also, ask anyone about "Taishoken", and you'll have possibly the best Tsukemen of your life. Also, there's Ichiran, and Santouka nearby for other great ramen. You can expect to pay about 70,000 per month in rent for a one-room apartment. Be ready for the surprise of "key money" though... it'll be in the range of 200,000 to be able to move in initially unless you go with a Sakura House (foreigner apartment), which is more per month, but if you're staying for only a semester or so, it might be the best and more flexible option. Enjoy Tokyo!