No More Cost of Living to Cut,” Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Data Reveals!　Ranking of major cities with too cheap rent and the reality of moving to rural areas

The recent high cost of living has hit us hard, with the high price of crude oil due to the Iranian war being a no-no. Many people have reached the limit of their savings and are lamenting that there are no more living expenses, such as food and daily necessities, that they can cut back on.

Under these circumstances, the last resort is to take a scalpel to housing costs. However, in order to find an area with inexpensive rent, one must move to a rural area. Except for those who can work remotely and those who are qualified, it will be necessary to consider changing jobs or starting a business in the new location.

Over the limit!　Harsh rents in the Tokyo metropolitan area

The idea of changing jobs or starting a business may sound daunting, but first, I would like you to take a look at the extremely harsh housing conditions in the Tokyo metropolitan area. According to Mihime Hirata, who is in charge of public relations and planning at the Organization for the Promotion of Hometown Return and Emigration, it is difficult to find a place in Tokyo’s 23 wards that meets the requirements for a family of 70 square meters or more.

When we asked real estate agents, they told us that there were no properties to begin with, and that some people decide right away without even viewing the property once they find it online.

I also heard that people who used to run restaurants in Tokyo and wanted to reopen them after the COVID-19 crisis, but could not because of the high rent,” said Hirata.

Condominium prices in the Tokyo metropolitan area are soaring to an extraordinary degree. Looking at data from March of this year (all in Tokyo’s 23 wards), the average price of a newly built condominium for sale, according to a survey by the Real Estate Economic Institute, is 105.23 million yen. The average price of an existing condominium (70 square meters equivalent) surveyed by Tokyo Kantei also reached 124.25 million yen, which is not affordable for the average working person.

In the wake of skyrocketing rents, “small houses” are attracting attention in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism has set a standard of 25 square meters for singles as the basis for a healthy and cultured lifestyle, but the reality is that such an ideal is no longer valid. Recently, rental apartments of only 10 square meters or so are gaining popularity, especially among young adults in their 20s and 30s.

One-third the rent of a central Tokyo apartment? A town with extremely cheap rent

The question is whether one should endure a small room and work hard in the Tokyo metropolitan area, or move to a rural area and drastically reduce housing costs. In a rural area, there is the possibility of affordable, locally produced fresh food and a rich natural environment in which to live comfortably with your family.

So, how much are rents in major cities in Japan? Based on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ Retail Price Survey (’25), we ranked the “private rents per 3.3 square meters (2 tatami mats)” in prefectural capitals and cities with populations of 150,000 or more. The survey covered approximately 28,000 households nationwide, and the figures here are considered to be the standard level of private rents in each region.

The most expensive city in this ranking is, again, the special wards (Tokyo’s 23 wards), at 9803 yen. Conversely, the cities with the lowest rents were in the following order

• Hachinohe City: 2,914 yen
• Imabari City: 3,262 yen
• Hakodate: 3,271 yen
• Matsusaka: 3423 yen
• Saga: 3,424 yen

These are about one-third the level of the city center, and are scattered throughout the country from north to south. Expanding the criteria further, Asahikawa City and Wakayama City are also included in the list of cities with private rents of less than 3,500 yen. 34 cities, including Mito City, fall into this category if the range is expanded to less than 4,000 yen, making it easier to choose a candidate location according to regional characteristics, climate, and other personal interests.

Car Required, Snow… The Reality of Moving to a Rural Area

Finding an area of interest and researching the local conditions in detail is an effective means of finding a place to live, but it does not necessarily mean that life in the countryside is all roses. Although rent is inexpensive, the overall cost of living may not be.

The pamphlet “How to Migrate” published by the Organization for Promotion of Hometown Return and Migration Exchange points out that even if food and education costs are reduced, gasoline costs may be higher in some areas than in the city, and income itself may decrease. It is dangerous to assume that “living in a rural area will significantly improve household finances.”

As for Hachinohe City, which ranked lowest in terms of private rents, Hirata cautions as follows.

In Aomori and other prefectures, it is cold in winter, so it is better to actually visit the city. You also have to pay for kerosene for the stove.

In areas with heavy snowfall, snow removal work is essential, and in some cases, infrastructure costs such as water and gas are more expensive than in urban areas. It is not uncommon to find areas where “one car per person” is mandatory.

In addition to community association fees, there are also places where everyone is required to clean the streets and facilities. It is better to find out in advance.

You won’t regret it!　How to Successfully Migrate to a Rural Area

On the other hand, there is also information that is attractive to immigrants.

In some rural areas that are focusing on attracting immigrants, the local government may provide housing. For example, a detached house with a rent of about 50,000 yen. About 80% of recent immigration consultants prefer to live in regional cities rather than in rural villages, and it is easier to find a job with a place to work.

At the Furusato Support Center operated by the organization, the overwhelming majority of consultants are thinking about changing jobs locally, rather than assuming teleworking. Recently, some people visit the center because they consulted with AI (Artificial Intelligence) beforehand and were told that the area is not suitable for them.

Mr. Hirata offers this advice on how to prepare for a successful migration: “Do your research beforehand.

Do your research and see the area before you go. It is important to know about the lifestyle of the local people, and if you have children, you need to know about their educational backgrounds.

Even in a regional city, you need to make an effort to blend in, such as by greeting local people. Don’t put on the city airs. You should find people you can rely on. Don’t think of inconvenience as an inconvenience; just enjoy it.”

The endless price hikes and unusually high housing costs in the Tokyo metropolitan area. By taking advantage of this pinch and considering regional migration as an option, a new life may open up for you.