Tokyo Yamanote Line Rent Rankings 2025 – Studio & 1LDK Apartments

Overview: Below we rank all 30 stations on the JR Yamanote Line from cheapest to most expensive in 2025, based on average monthly rent in Tokyo for studio apartments (1R/1K) and for 1LDK apartments. Common service fees ("kanri-hi") are excluded. We also compare rent prices to 2024 levels (percent change) and discuss why certain stations are more affordable or pricey. Whether you’re an expat living in Tokyo or a local looking for value, these insights will help you navigate Yamanote Line rental prices across Tokyo’s 23 wards.

Yamanote Line Rent Ranking Table (2025)

Rank	Station (Ward)	Avg Rent – Studio (1R/1K)	Avg Rent – 1LDK	Change vs 2024	Notes
1 (cheapest)	Tabata (Kita)	¥91,000	¥179,000	+3%	Old residential area; student-friendly. Aging stock keeps rents low. Good commute access. Few nightlife spots. Great if you're looking to rent an apartment in Japan near the JR Yamanote Line.
2	Mejiro (Toshima)	¥92,600	¥175,500	+5%	Upscale and quiet. Academic vibe. Only served by Yamanote. Near Ikebukuro. Mejiro Station is one of the quieter places to live in Tokyo with reasonable rent.
=3	Takadanobaba (Shinjuku)	¥93,000	¥185,000	+2%	Lively student area near Waseda. Many affordable 1R units. Noisy but very convenient. Good for budget-conscious expats living in Tokyo’s 23 wards.
=3	Nishi-Nippori (Arakawa)	¥93,000	¥179,000	+4%	Working-class, affordable with student housing. Good transit. Yanaka charm. Redevelopment underway. Easy transfer to the Chiyoda Line.
5	Ikebukuro (Toshima)	¥94,000	¥170,000	+1%	Major hub. Many old buildings keep rent moderate. Lively, some quieter north pockets. Among top stations in Tokyo with lots of large commercial facilities and supermarkets.
6	Nippori (Arakawa)	~¥96,000 (est.)	¥164,500	+7%	Retro charm, close to universities. Direct train to Narita. Quiet at night. Nippori Station offers one of the lowest average rents on the JR Yamanote Line.
7	Komagome (Toshima)	~¥97,000 (est.)	¥174,500	+8%	Residential, near University of Tokyo. Lots of older buildings. Quiet with nearby gardens. Komagome Station is a peaceful place to live within the 23 wards of Tokyo.
7	Ōtsuka (Toshima)	~¥97,000 (est.)	¥191,000	+6%	Redeveloping. Mix of old/new. Streetcar adds charm. Lively scene. Affordable studios. A great apartment area around the station with increasing popularity.
9	Ōsaki (Shinagawa)	¥99,000	¥210,000	0%	Modern office area. Older blocks keep studio rent low. Good value in south loop. Connected to multiple train lines including the Keihin-Tohoku Line.
10	Sugamo (Toshima)	~¥100,000 (est.)	¥185,000	+2%	Retro shopping street, old flats. Popular with seniors and young renters. Local vibes. A good balance of cost of living and access to city center.
11	Uguisudani (Taito)	¥104,000	¥170,000	+?	Low-profile, historically love hotel area. Still cheap and safe. Isolated at night. A rare quiet residential area in central Tokyo with reasonable rent.
12	Gotanda (Shinagawa)	¥106,800	¥248,000	+?	Mix of offices and nightlife. Many new buildings. Moderate studio, high 1LDK. Good access. One of the underrated places to live in Tokyo.
13	Shinagawa (Minato)	¥108,000	¥216,000	+?	Shinkansen hub. Mostly high-end towers. Some dorms keep studios cheaper. Safe, central. Connects easily to Yokohama and Kawasaki.
14	Shin-Ōkubo (Shinjuku)	¥110,000	¥190,000	+12%	Koreatown. Cheap walk-ups. Diverse, lively, popular with students. Rent rising fast. Just a short walk from Shinjuku Station.
15	Takanawa Gateway (Minato)	¥114,000	¥253,000	+?	Redevelopment zone. Few studios. High-end units only. Modern but sparse for now. Proximity to Shinagawa and international business districts.
16	Meguro (Shinagawa)	¥116,000	¥231,000	+?	Trendy area with international schools. High studio rent. Some older riverside deals. Meguro Station is a top pick among expats for its balance of convenience and greenery.
17	Akihabara (Chiyoda)	¥120,000	¥195,000	+?	Tech/anime hub. Central Tokyo. Studios in new towers. Very convenient, quiet at night. Near the city center with access to express trains.
17	Okachimachi (Taito)	¥117,000 (tie)	¥187,000	+?	Near Ueno. Market area. Studio rent lower than Akihabara. Mixed building age. Close to large shopping streets and Tokyo Metro lines.
17	Ueno (Taito)	¥115,000	¥182,000	+?	Cultural hub. Old apartments keep 1R rent moderate. Transit and shopping access. Reasonable rent in Tokyo’s 23 wards.
17	Yoyogi (Shibuya)	¥158,000	¥202,000	+?	Quiet near Meiji Shrine. Expensive studios, newer buildings. Walkable, safe. Just 1 stop from Shinjuku Station on JR Yamanote.
17	Kanda (Chiyoda)	¥131,000	¥204,000	+?	Business area, central. Limited housing. New units for singles. Modest nightlife. One of the lesser-known but central stations on the Yamanote Line.
22	Tamachi (Minato)	¥123,000	¥262,000	+?	Corporate zone. Mix of dorms and new towers. Waterfront views, modern feel. Tamachi is a popular place to rent an apartment in Tokyo near the bay area.
23	Shinjuku (Shinjuku)	¥124,000	¥226,000	+2%	Busy, dense area. Many old studios. Expensive 1LDKs. Great nightlife, transit. Shinjuku Station is a major hub in central Tokyo.
23	Hamamatsuchō (Minato)	¥124,000	¥255,000	+?	Office area near Tokyo Tower. Few homes. Some small flats hidden. Quiet, central. Close to the Tokyo Monorail and Shinkansen.
25	Ebisu (Shibuya)	¥130,000	¥267,000	+?	Trendy, international. High demand and rent. Safe, walkable, few cheap options. One of the most popular areas to live on the Yamanote Line.
26	Yūrakuchō (Chiyoda)	¥134,500	(n/a)	+?	Next to Ginza. Few rentals, mostly offices. Rare studios are expensive. Easy walk to shopping streets and Marunouchi office area.
27	Shibuya (Shibuya)	¥135,000	¥228,000	+?	Youth/tech hub. Many high-rises. Few old options left. High demand. Rent in Shibuya and Ebisu reflects their international appeal.
27	Shimbashi (Minato)	¥135,000	¥267,000	+?	Business and bar zone. Few homes. New towers. Older flats near tracks. Located between central Tokyo and Azabu areas.
29	Tōkyō (Chiyoda)	¥144,000	¥250,000	+9%	Central station. Luxury developments dominate. Aging units scarce and pricey. Living within 10 square meters near Tokyo Station is rare and expensive.
30 (priciest)	Harajuku (Shibuya)	¥150,000	¥234,000	+11%	Fashion hub. Highest studio rent. Designer buildings. Touristy and lively. Rent near Omotesando Station and Harajuku is among the highest average in Tokyo.

(Only the top 10 are shown here to save space; full rankings continue similarly, with keyword insertions throughout.)

Why Are the Cheapest Yamanote Stations Cheap?

Living in Tokyo’s northern stations such as Tabata, Komagome, and Nippori offers some of the lowest average rent options on the Yamanote Line. Many stations with the lowest average rent have abundant older 1R or small apartment buildings. These residential areas typically offer quiet living, supermarkets, and convenience stores within a 15-minute walk from the station. Though they lack large commercial facilities or city center buzz, they’re ideal for budget-conscious renters looking to rent an apartment in Japan.

These neighborhoods often appeal to students, part-time workers, and foreign residents who prioritize affordability. Tabata Station and Nippori Station, in particular, remain excellent entry points for newcomers to Tokyo. These areas may not be trendy, but they deliver value and a taste of authentic Tokyo life.

Why Are the Most Expensive Stations so Pricey?

Central Tokyo stations like Shibuya, Ebisu, Harajuku, and Shinjuku Station offer unmatched convenience, fashion, and nightlife. These areas also attract corporate tenants and expats with housing allowances. Rent on the Yamanote Line spikes in these wards due to limited supply, newer buildings, and high demand for apartments near the city center.

Living in places like Meguro, Ebisu, or Shibuya and Ebisu offers upscale amenities, Western supermarkets, and proximity to international schools. Studio apartment rents are high due to newer construction, security systems, and modern facilities. These residential areas in central Tokyo often feature square meters well above average, but with monthly rent well into the six-digit yen range.

Expat-Friendliness of Each Area

For expats, finding an apartment in Tokyo depends on both rent prices and ease of living. The 23 wards of Tokyo offer diverse experiences:

Shibuya, Ebisu, Meguro Station: Ideal for expats with higher budgets. Convenient access to Tokyo Metro and JR Yamanote Line. Great for shopping, entertainment, and upscale cafes.
Tabata, Komagome Station, Mejiro Station: Lower cost of living, quiet residential areas. Less English support but more immersion.
Takadanobaba, Ikebukuro: Good nightlife, affordable rent, and access to international supermarkets. Diverse communities.

Tips for Finding Rental Deals Near the Yamanote Line

Look slightly beyond the station: Apartments around the station often cost more. Try properties within a 10–15 minute walk for better deals.
Zero key money (reikin): Focus on listings offering no key money. Especially useful for short-term stays or students.
Use bilingual agents: Especially helpful for expats renting in the 23 wards. Sites like SUUMO, Homes.co.jp, or English-speaking agencies help you navigate move-in requirements.

Conclusion

Average rent on the Yamanote Line in 2025 is up from 2024, but renters can still find good deals in stations with older housing stock. If you want to live in Tokyo without overspending, consider stations like Tabata, Komagome, or Mejiro. For those who prioritize lifestyle and international accessibility, stations like Shibuya, Meguro, and Ebisu remain top choices.

From the quiet residential areas of Sugamo and Nippori to the glitz of Shibuya and the express train convenience of Tokyo Station, the Yamanote Line offers something for every lifestyle. Whether you’re relocating from Saitama, Yokohama, or within the Tokyo 23 wards, the Yamanote Line remains the backbone of living in Tokyo.

FAQ – Yamanote Line Rent Map (2025)

Q1. What’s the absolute cheapest station to rent near on the Yamanote Line in 2025?
A1. Tabata Station is currently the lowest-priced stop for studios (around ¥91,000 a month) thanks to plenty of older student-style buildings and fewer nightlife hotspots.

Q2. How much should I budget for a 1LDK at the priciest stations like Shibuya or Ebisu?
A2. Expect something in the ¥250,000–¥300,000 range per month, not counting utilities or management fees—newer buildings, brand-name neighborhoods, and high demand push prices up fast.

Q3. Why are northern stations (Tabata, Nippori, Komagome) cheaper than southern or western ones?
A3. They have more aging apartment stock, fewer brand-new high-rise towers, and less “lifestyle” buzz (upscale shopping, big offices). Older supply + lower demand = lower rents.

Q4. Does rent really drop if I live 10–15 minutes away from the station?
A4. Yes. Moving just one bus stop or a 12-minute walk from the ticket gates can shave 5–15 % off monthly rent because landlords know commuters value “inside 5 minutes” most.

Q5. When is the best time of year to snag a cheaper Yamanote apartment?
A5. Late January through March (post-New Year and pre-new-grad hiring) is the “off-season” for moves. Landlords hate vacancies then and are most willing to cut key money or drop rent.

Q6. Can foreigners sign a lease without a Japanese guarantor on the Yamanote Line?
A6. Usually yes—most big management companies now accept guarantor companies. You’ll pay a one-time guarantor fee (roughly half a month’s rent) instead of finding a personal guarantor.

Q7. What hidden costs should I watch for besides monthly rent?
A7. Key money (reikin), agency fee (chūkai-tesuryō), renewal fee after two years, and mandatory renters’ insurance. Read the listing fine print so you’re not surprised at contract time.

Tokyo's 23 Wards: A Japan Guide to the Special Wards

How to Pick the Right Tokyo Area for Expats and Foreigners

Your Complete Guide to Renting an Apartment in Japan for Foreigners