Free Tool
Japan Apartment Move-in Cost Calculator
Enter your monthly rent to instantly calculate total move-in costs: security deposit, key money (礼金), agency fee, insurance, and more.
※ Results are estimates. Actual costs depend on the specific apartment and landlord conditions. Learn more about initial costs in Japan →
What this calculator covers
- Security deposit (敷金) — refundable when you move out
- Key money (礼金) — non-refundable gift to landlord, unique to Japan
- Agency fee (仲介手数料) — paid to the real estate agent
- Fire & earthquake insurance — required by most landlords
- Lock replacement fee — common additional charge
How it works
Each cost is calculated as a multiple of monthly rent (deposit, key money) or a fixed amount (insurance, lock fee). Total move-in costs in Japan typically range from 3–6× monthly rent, which can be a significant upfront expense for first-time renters.
Tips to reduce move-in costs
- Look for 礼金なし (no key money) apartments — increasingly common in 2024–2026
- Some agencies offer 仲介手数料無料 (no agency fee) — usually covered by the landlord
- Sharehouse options often require little to no initial costs
- Moving in mid-month means pro-rated first rent, slightly reducing upfront cost
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Budgeting only monthly rent and being surprised by 5× that amount on move-in day
- Not asking the agent to itemize costs — some fees are negotiable
- Confusing shikikin (refundable) with reikin (non-refundable)
- Forgetting furniture, appliances, and utility deposits after move-in