If you’re about to visit Japan for the first time, the cost of the city might be something you’re worried about.
A lot of people think, or have been told, that Tokyo is a very expensive city. This isn’t true, though!
Tokyo is actually more affordable than the majority of large cities in the United States. So, if you want to see the sights and enjoy your time in Tokyo, the expense of travel is not something to worry about.
That isn’t to say that it’s not possible to spend ludicrous amounts of money while you’re there!
In fact, you can spend a lot more than you bargain for if you choose to immerse yourself into the high-end lifestyle.
However, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a good time, and it’s way more affordable than you might initially think.
To find out how Tokyo compares to one of the most famous cities in the US – keep reading! We’ll cover everything you need to know.
Is It Expensive To Travel Around In Tokyo?
We will cover all the important things in the sections below. This includes transport prices in Tokyo vs New York City, data plans and internet, food, accommodation, and sightseeing.
If you’re going to spend time in either city, these are all necessary things to consider, so let’s get into it!
Please bear in mind that these statistics will likely change with time. As we have been in a pandemic, there is little evidence to give for newer numbers from 2020 and onwards.
At the time of writing this article, the exchange rate is 146.64 Japanese Yen to one 1 USD. Please note that prices may vary, as exchange rates are constantly changing.
Transport – Tokyo VS New York City
Arguably one of the most important things to consider, transport will make or break a trip! Let’s take a look at the average prices you can expect if you were to visit Tokyo compared to New York City.
It’s worth noting that Japan actually has the best transport system in the world. This especially applies to trains, which you can always expect to be safe, punctual, frequent, clean and affordable.
Trains
Tokyo trains have high expectations, and they never disappoint. Fares will depend on the distance you’re going, but will usually start at $1.65USD, which is 180 yen.
Make sure you have an IC card to make the most of transport in Tokyo! You can also get a Japan Rail Pass to make traveling easy.
Let’s take a look at the average train fare numbers below:
New York (subway fare) – $2.75
Tokyo (median metro fare) – $2.25
Taxis
Taxis are expensive no matter where you go. There aren’t usually ride-share apps like Uber, but drivers are honest. Don’t let that fool you, though! Prices will vary depending on the distance and time of day.
Comparing prices between Tokyo and NYC is difficult for this one, so this is the best we can do in terms of comparison:
New York (JFK to Manhattan) 25 km – $63 or $2.50/km
Tokyo (Narita Airport to Shinjuku) 77 km – $220 or $2.85/km
Which Is More Affordable?
Trains are more affordable in Tokyo, but taxis are cheaper in NYC!
However, since you’re in Tokyo, there’s a good chance that you will be on the train a lot, so Tokyo is arguably going to be the cheaper option.
Data Plan And Internet– Tokyo VS New York City
Traveling is difficult without a data plan, and unfortunately both countries are expensive in this department. However, one still comes out on top! Any guesses?
For a prepaid 21-day tourist data plan, the numbers are as follows:
New York City (T-Mobile) – $30 for 2 GB LTE speed (unlimited data is slower)
Japan is more affordable! It’s worth noting that free Wi-Fi isn’t commonplace in Japan. As such, data plans are a necessity, especially if you need to use apps like Google Translate and Maps!
Accommodation– Tokyo VS New York City
In Tokyo, there are two primary accommodation types: hotels (including capsule hotels) and Ryokans.
Prices can vary a lot depending on the time of year, as prices will rise and fall with tourism. However, you can typically expect Tokyo hotels to be up to 55% cheaper than those compared to similar NYC hotels.
Below are some comparisons for standard double rooms:
Hotel rates during the peak season
New York (September 2018) – $270 per night
Tokyo (April 2019) – $149 per night
Hotel rates during the slow season
New York (February 2019) – $149 per night
Tokyo (June 2019) – $95 per night
Hostel price comparison between New York and Tokyo
New York (6 bed hostel located in Brooklyn) – $50 per night
Tokyo (6 bed hostel located in Shinjuku) – $30 per night
Which Is More Affordable?
Tokyo is considerably more affordable! The average price of a hotel in Tokyo during the peak season is the same price as one in New York in the slow season.
That tells you everything you need to know.
Sightseeing– Tokyo VS New York City
In both New York City and Tokyo, there’s plenty to see. However, one is actually considerably more affordable than the other?
You can check out the observation decks in Tokyo and New York and get amazing views.
Here are two of the most famous observation decks in the cities and their admittance fee:
In both sightseeing categories, Tokyo comes out on top! You can see and experience a lot more in Japan than you can in many other countries.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Tokyo is a more affordable location to visit than plenty of other places, New York City included! You can get more bang for your buck, and see and experience so much more.
Not to mention, there are less expensive cities near Tokyo, such as Osaka, where you can enjoy even more.
So, if expenses were worrying you, there’s no need to be concerned. Tokyo is affordable, and even traveling around the region is more affordable than many other countries.
It’s also worth noting that tipping is not expected at any point in Japan. This includes for taxi rides, hotels, and meals out.
Trying to tip someone in this position would be unusual in Japan, so avoid it!
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
