Scheduled monthly wages for workers aged 20–24 are highest in Tokyo at ¥266,200 and lowest in Gunma at ¥239,900, a difference of ¥26,300. At ages 25–29, the gap widens to ¥41,600. This article looks at what those differences mean—and what they do not mean—when young workers choose a place to work, considering both local job markets and living costs.
Wage ranking for ages 20–24 (2023, men and women combined)
| Rank | Prefecture | Monthly wage | Monthly wage × 12, approximate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tokyo | ¥266,200 | About ¥3.19 million |
| 2 | Kanagawa | ¥258,000 | About ¥3.10 million |
| 3 | Saitama | ¥255,900 | About ¥3.07 million |
| 4 | Chiba | ¥250,900 | About ¥3.01 million |
| 5 | Ibaraki | ¥243,000 | About ¥2.92 million |
| 6 | Tochigi | ¥241,300 | About ¥2.90 million |
| 7 | Gunma | ¥239,900 | About ¥2.88 million |
Wage ranking for ages 25–29 (2023, men and women combined)
| Rank | Prefecture | Monthly wage | Increase from ages 20–24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tokyo | ¥315,300 | +¥49,100 |
| 2 | Kanagawa | ¥305,200 | +¥47,200 |
| 3 | Chiba | ¥288,600 | +¥37,700 |
| 4 | Saitama | ¥288,400 | +¥32,500 |
| 5 | Tochigi | ¥282,800 | +¥41,500 |
| 6 | Ibaraki | ¥281,500 | +¥38,500 |
| 7 | Gunma | ¥273,700 | +¥33,800 |
The prefectural gap widens into the ¥40,000 range by the late 20s
For ages 20–24, the order is Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Gunma. Saitama in third place is at ¥255,900 and Chiba in fourth at ¥250,900, a difference of only ¥5,000, so the suburban prefectures of southern Kanto are relatively close.
At ages 25–29, Tokyo reaches ¥315,300 and Kanagawa ¥305,200, while the other five prefectures remain below ¥300,000. The increase from the early to late 20s also varies by workplace location: +¥49,100 in Tokyo, +¥47,200 in Kanagawa, and +¥41,500 in Tochigi, for example.
Tokyo's wage premium for young workers comes with both more job options and higher housing costs
Tokyo concentrates relatively high-paying employers and occupations even for younger workers, including finance and trading companies in Marunouchi and Otemachi, IT companies in Shibuya, and foreign-affiliated companies in Minato. Kanagawa follows with R&D jobs in places such as Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Atsugi. In northern Kanto, workers can still find above-average opportunities in specific locations, such as research jobs in Tsukuba, automotive and precision-equipment jobs in Tochigi, and SUBARU-related employment around Ota.
However, Tokyo's monthly advantage of roughly ¥20,000 to ¥40,000 does not translate directly into the same amount of extra disposable income. Housing and commuting costs can change the result. Whether someone can live with family, has access to company housing or a housing allowance, or needs a car can determine whether higher Tokyo wages or lower housing costs in northern Kanto are more advantageous.
How to read these figures
These statistics measure scheduled monthly wages and exclude bonuses and overtime pay. They are aggregate figures for all industries and both sexes, so the table alone cannot show differences in industrial composition, occupational mix, tenure, or employment status across prefectures.
What can be confirmed from the published 2023 figures is that Tokyo and Kanagawa rank at the top for both the early and late 20s, and that the prefectural gap is somewhat wider among workers aged 25–29. Industry- and employer-size data are also needed when considering the reasons behind the difference.
Summary: Workers in their 20s should compare occupations and housing costs, not just prefectural averages
Tokyo has the highest wages for young workers, but a workplace decision should not be based on the monthly wage gap alone. Tokyo's advantage is breadth of job opportunities, northern Kanto combines manufacturing and research jobs with lower housing costs, and Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba offer their own strengths as part of the metropolitan commuter region.
- The Tokyo–Gunma gap is ¥26,300 at ages 20–24
- The gap widens to ¥41,600 at ages 25–29
- Tokyo and Kanagawa exceed ¥300,000 in the late 20s
- Disposable-income comfort also depends on rent, housing allowances, commuting, and car ownership
Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Basic Survey on Wage Structure (2023)
📊 Analysis notes
- Statistics used: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Basic Survey on Wage Structure (Table ID: 0003426933, view on e-Stat)
- Area: Seven Kanto prefectures
- Year: 2023
- Data retrieved: June 6, 2026
- Notes: The article primarily organizes published statistical values. Interpreting the background also involves factors outside the table, including industrial structure, occupational mix, and employment status, so figures directly confirmed from the statistics should be distinguished from interpretation.
Figures in charts and tables were independently compiled and visualized from the statistical data above.