Free Tool
Key Money Calculator Japan
Enter your monthly rent to see exactly how much key money (礼金) you'd pay — and how much you save by choosing a no-key-money apartment.
※ Figures are based on the monthly rent you entered. Actual key money amounts vary by landlord and listing. Learn more about key money in Japan →
What this calculator shows
- Total key money cost for 0, 1, or 2 months
- How much you save by choosing a no-key-money apartment
- Break-even point if the zero-key-money apartment has slightly higher rent
What is key money?
Key money (礼金, reikin) is a non-refundable payment made to the landlord when signing a lease in Japan. It originated as a traditional "thank you" gift and has no equivalent in most Western countries. It typically ranges from 0 to 2 months' rent. Unlike the security deposit (敷金, shikikin), key money is never returned.
Is no-key-money worth it?
- If a no-key-money apartment costs only ¥3,000–5,000 more per month, you usually break even within 1–2 years
- Zero key money apartments (礼金なし) have become much more common in 2020s Japan
- Worth searching specifically for "礼金なし" on SUUMO, Homes, or GaijinPot Apartments
- Sharehouses and monthly apartments often have no key money at all
⚠️ Watch out for
- Confusing key money (non-refundable) with the security deposit (refundable)
- Assuming all "礼金なし" listings have no other hidden costs — check agency fees
- Paying 2 months key money for a property you might only stay in for 1–2 years