Is Nakano Expensive?

Tokyo, Japan

-8% vs Tokyo avg

Living in Nakano, Tokyo

Nakano is a relatively affordable area in Tokyo, with a cost of living index of 71.1 — that is -8% compared to the Tokyo average. At #18 of 30, it is below the city average in cost. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around ¥213,775/month, compared to a range of ¥167,302 in Katsushika to ¥313,692 in Chiyoda (Marunouchi).

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of Nakano, housing takes up roughly 34% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 18%, while transportation costs around 9%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately ¥8,551,012 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Nakano

Salaries in Nakano reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 71.1:

After tax and deductions of 30.1% in Japan, take-home pay for someone earning ¥8,551,012 would be roughly ¥5,977,157/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

71.1
COLI Index
0.92x
vs City Avg
¥213,775
Est. 1BR Rent
#18
of 30 Areas
30.1%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Nakano

Estimated annual deductions on a ¥8,260,556 salary in Nakano, Tokyo (local employee).

Income Tax
15%
Health + Pension + Employment
14.8%
Total Deductions: 30.1%
Est. Take-Home: ¥5,778,196/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in Nakano would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $53,325
London GBP £45,891
Dubai AED AED 266,827

Other Neighborhoods in Tokyo

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Chiyoda (Marunouchi) 104.4 1.35x +35%
Azabu 104.4 1.35x +35%
Minato (Roppongi) 100.5 1.30x +30%
Daikanyama 98.9 1.28x +28%
Shibuya 96.6 1.25x +25%

View all 30 neighborhoods in Tokyo →

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Tokyo City Comparisons

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Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Nakano:

Poway, San Diego Mission Valley, San Diego Dublin 7 (Phibsborough), Dublin Chatswood, Sydney Yad Eliyahu, Tel Aviv Columbia City, Seattle

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nakano expensive in Tokyo?

Nakano is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Tokyo. It costs about -8% less than the city average, ranking #18 out of 30 neighborhoods.

How does Nakano compare to the Tokyo average?

The cost of living in Nakano is below the Tokyo average. With a multiplier of 0.92x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are -8% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include Statistics Bureau of Japan · Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare · OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.