Dorm vs. Apartment vs. Share House: Comparing Student Housing Costs
Student housing in Japan generally falls into three types: university dormitories, a standard rental apartment, and share houses.
Both move-in costs and monthly living costs vary a lot depending on which you choose.
Here's a breakdown by category, to help you think about what fits you.
Three ways to live, three different cost structures
| Option | Main move-in costs | Furniture & appliances | Typical monthly costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| University dormitory | Entry fee / deposit (varies by university and dorm) | Usually provided by the university | Dorm fee (like rent) + meals (if a cafeteria plan) |
| Standard apartment | Deposit, key money, agency fee, advance rent, fire insurance, guarantor company fee | You buy your own (≈ ¥100,000–200,000) | Rent + utilities + internet |
| Share house | Usually no deposit or key money, small deposit only | Usually furnished | Rent (often bundled with utilities & Wi-Fi) |
Move-in costs compared (rough, general ranges)
| Item | Dormitory | Standard apartment | Share house |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront contract cost | A few tens of thousands to low hundreds of thousands of yen (varies by dorm) | ≈ 4.5–5 months' rent | From roughly ¥30,000+ (zero deposit/key money common) |
| Furniture & appliances | Usually not needed (confirm with your dorm) | ≈ ¥100,000–200,000 | Usually not needed (furnished is standard) |
| Guarantor | Some universities have their own system | A guarantor company is typically required | Not required at most operators |
Monthly living costs compared
- Dormitory — if meals are bundled in, budgeting is simple, but curfews and house rules are common and freedom is limited. Spots are usually competitive to get and capped in how long you can stay.
- Standard apartment — you manage rent, utilities, and internet yourself. Maximum freedom, but fixed costs are entirely on you to plan.
- Share house — rent often bundles utilities and Wi-Fi, so monthly costs are predictable. Shared-space rules are set by the house.
1. Cost and comfort together: furnished apartments
Dormitory spots are competitive and not guaranteed, while a standard lease requires both move-in costs and a furniture budget upfront. A middle path many students choose is a furnished apartment: full privacy, and lower upfront costs than a standard lease. Good for anyone who doesn't want to be stuck waiting on a dormitory lottery.
オークハウス（Oakhouse）
One of Japan's largest operators of furnished housing. Private-room and apartment-type units combine low move-in costs with the comfort of your own space — no key money, no deposit at most properties.（Furnished private rooms / No guarantor）
Browse furnished rooms →
2. Lowest possible cost: share houses
If keeping move-in costs as low as possible — and keeping savings intact — is the priority, a share house is the strongest option. No deposit, no key money, and no guarantor at most houses; moving in for well under ¥100,000 is common.
オークハウス（Oakhouse）
One of Japan's largest share house operators, with houses across Tokyo and the surrounding prefectures — from private-room share houses to amenity-rich social residences. English support available.（Furnished / No guarantor）
Browse Oakhouse rooms →3. Full control over the room and area: standard leases
A standard apartment offers by far the widest selection and the most freedom. If you have specific requirements for your room or neighborhood, starting your search with a standard lease is the natural choice.
オークハウス（Oakhouse）
If standard lease costs are the hurdle, Oakhouse apartment-type units skip the deposit, key money, and agency fees — a much cheaper way to start living on your own.（No deposit / No key money / No agency fee）
Find low-cost apartments →Read next
・See typical areas near your university → Find student housing by university
・Compare areas by commute time and budget → Station rankings
・Read each option in full → Furnished studios / Share houses / Standard lease guide
*This page may contain advertisements (PR). Figures are general estimates; please confirm the latest terms and fees with each provider.
← Back to Housing Guide