“¥1,000,000 a Month Barely Covers Rent in London.” So lamented a Hong Kong-born family currently living in London.
For the global affluent, a monthly budget of ¥1,000,000 is far from extravagant. And yet — how far that same amount stretches in Japan might surprise you.
In this article, we compare major global cities to illustrate what a real ¥1,000,000-per-month lifestyle looks like in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
■ What ¥1,000,000 (Approx. USD 6,500) Affords You Monthly: A Global Comparison
| City | Lifestyle at ¥1,000,000/month |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | 2LDK rental in Minato or Shibuya (¥400K), private international school tuition (¥200K), dining out four times a week, and budget for domestic travel |
| Singapore | 1LDK in central area (¥500K), international school or tutoring fees, dining out and transportation included but budget stretches thin |
| Hong Kong | Mid-floor unit in Kowloon (¥600K), private school fees require separate budgeting, little room for extras |
| London | 2-bedroom flat in Zone 2 (¥500K), very limited flexibility once transport, food, and education are factored in |
| Bangkok | Luxury tower residence, private driver, ample dining and enrichment options — though infrastructure differs from developed nations |
→ Among developed countries, Japan — and especially Tokyo — offers one of the most cost-effective high-quality lifestyles for global families.
■ A Closer Look at the “¥1,000,000 Life” in Tokyo
▶ Residence: 2LDK in Minato or Meguro (¥400K–¥450K/month)
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Secure, full-service properties with 24-hour management and parcel lockers
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Option of high-rise tower living or low-rise luxury residences
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Spacious Western-style kitchens, private parking, and panoramic views — often larger than comparable homes in Western capitals
▶ Education: International School (Approx. ¥2.5M annually / ¥200K monthly)
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Offers globally recognized curricula such as IB or IGCSE
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Small class sizes with personalized instruction
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Integration of Japanese cultural education and values
▶ Dining and Services
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Enjoy high-quality Japanese, sushi, or French cuisine 3–4 times a week — all for under ¥100,000/month
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Even with expenditures on housekeeping, private transportation, and premium online services, there remains significant budget flexibility
▶ Families can opt for monthly domestic travel (to Hakone, Kyoto, etc.) or regular visits to luxury aesthetic clinics
→ In essence, a ¥1,000,000/month lifestyle in Tokyo means living richly, without restrictions.
■ What Sets Tokyo Apart? It’s Not the Price — It’s the Quality and Reliability
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Exceptional safety makes Tokyo a reassuring environment for raising children
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Precise timekeeping across transportation and services minimizes stress in both daily life and business
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World-class food quality ensures even frequent dining out remains healthy and diverse
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Healthcare, education, and public infrastructure are consistently reliable and future-proof
→ In Tokyo, what you gain for ¥1,000,000 per month isn’t just a lifestyle — it’s peace of mind, longevity of quality, and daily satisfaction.
■ Real Voices from Global High-Net-Worth Individuals
Singaporean Family Office Principal (Long-Term Tokyo Stay):
“With the same budget, both children and parents live more peacefully in Tokyo. The emotional atmosphere is remarkably calm.”
Hong Kong Tech Founder:
“Only Tokyo delivers a fully integrated, high-quality lifestyle — all within a ¥1,000,000 monthly spend.”
Thai Executive Based in Bangkok (Considering Relocation):
“It’s not about drivers or domestic help — it’s the feeling that the entire society is seamlessly structured and functioning.”
■ Japan: The Country Where Disposable Income Feels Richest
Japan — and particularly Tokyo — stands out as a place where ¥1,000,000 per month translates into a life of comfort, confidence, and calm.
It’s not about how much money you have, but how much satisfaction, freedom, and peace of mind that money affords.
Viewed through this lens, Japan ranks among the world’s most cost-effective nations for high-quality living — and for affluent individuals, it represents a rare and strategic relocation opportunity.