Japan can be extremely cheap. (Well, it's all relative) Downtown Tokyo, like Aoyama or Roppongi are expensive, just like Upper West Side Manhattan is expensive

Japan can be extremely cheap. (Well, it's all relative) Downtown Tokyo, like Aoyama or Roppongi are expensive, just like Upper West Side Manhattan is expensive. Move out to Saitama/Chiba/Kanagawa (20-30 minute commute to downtown tokyo) and it gets cheap (3bed room apartment for $1000) Even in Tokyo just shortly out it can get cheap quick. I have friends living in Sangenjaya (2 train stops from Shibuya) and paying $1500 for 3bedroom apartment. Friends living in Kyoto have huge places for the price but again it depends on where. Popular areas are expensive. So, I'm pretty sure Japan and Tokyo in particular are cheaper than NYC, LA, SF, Paris, and London. Still, likely your place will be smaller than you're used to. What makes it expensive for most foreigners is they don't speak the language and they don't know the area so their options are super limited to the expensive options targeting foreigners. You'll likely want to live downtown, and close to a station, both of which will jack up the cost.