Average Public Utility Prices in Japan – Electricity, Gas, and Water Costs

Public utilities such as electricity, gas, and water supply are basic necessities for everyday life. Here, we explain the rate structure, payment methods, and approximate average monthly costs by household size to help you budget for life in Japan.

Gas and electricity meters are checked once a month, and a “notice of consumption” showing your usage will be left in your mailbox. If you use TEPCO, please check your consumption on their website (Japanese only), as they have stopped sending paper notices. This notice indicates the amount to be billed and also serves as a receipt if you pay via automatic bank withdrawal. Please note, this notice is not a bill and cannot be used to make payments.

The monthly bill will be sent to you shortly after the meter reading, unless you have arranged automatic payment. It has a barcode, making it easy to identify. Water meters are checked once every two months. For both water and sewage, a notice of consumption will be left in your mailbox, and the bill is sent every two months accordingly.

You can arrange for utility bills to be paid automatically from a Japanese bank or post office account. Alternatively, you may pay in cash at post offices, most Japanese banks, Citibank Japan, some other foreign banks, and many convenience stores such as 7-Eleven. For further details on contracts and payment methods, please contact the respective utility companies or their local offices.

Please note that electricity and gas rates may vary monthly depending on current fuel prices and exchange rate fluctuations.

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Electricity Rates and Average Monthly Electricity Bills in Japan

Electric Rates from Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) - Standard S Rate

Contract Based on Amperage Breaker or Current-Limiting Meter (10A to 60A)

Minimum monthly charge (per contract): ¥328.08

Source: TEPCO as of June 2025

Yearly Average of Monthly Electricity Bills in Japan

The data is sourced from e-Stat, the Japanese government’s official statistics portal site. It is based on the average figures for 2024.

Source: Family Income and Expenditure Survey / Income and Expenditure Section