[diceduckmonk]

> locals about this topic

Are the locals foreigners or Japanese? The set of housing options are different between the two. There's an implicit price premium and threshold on the units with landlords receptive to foreigners. The cheaper accommodations are not going to be available especially if tenant isn't fluent in the language.

> All the places that "matter" with reasonably fast commute are very expensive and small.

I live 3 minutes commute to Shibuya, and my rent is half my rent in an outer borough of NYC. Brand new lofty unit designed by a famous architect. Space efficiency-wise, it's equal if not greater. It's an apples-to-oranges comparison to just look at floorspace, since Japan has lots of infrastructure such as actually convenient stores which means people don't need to own as much household items.

[ryan_lane]

> Are the locals foreigners or Japanese? The set of housing options are different between the two. There's an implicit price premium and threshold on the units with landlords receptive to foreigners.

Yes, you need to bring someone who is fluent to sign papers, but if you have residence with a visa that's greater than 2 years, there's no real difference. Most foreigners have their company, or their school do the actual paperwork, as well.

If your visa is less than two (and in some cases three) years, then yeah, you're going to need a gaijin apartment, and they're a lot more expensive.

[Dracophoenix]

How much do you have to pay in monthly housing costs with the inclusion of utilities and amenities?

[TedShiller]

Then why doesn't everyone just live in Tokyo? You just got your answer.

[lmm]

Everyone does just live in Tokyo. It's the most populous city in the world, the nicest place to live, and anyone with any sense moves here.

[TedShiller]

I just checked, and I see a lot of people not living in Tokyo