Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Japan Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Fukuoka's property market is included in our pack
This article covers the current residential rents in Fukuoka as of January 2026, and we constantly update it to keep you informed.
Whether you're looking to rent or invest, understanding the latest rental prices in Fukuoka will help you make smarter decisions.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Fukuoka.
Insights
- Fukuoka rents jumped roughly 15% to 17% year-over-year into January 2026, which is unusually fast for a Japanese city and signals strong demand pressure in the market.
- A studio in Fukuoka City now costs around ¥59,000 per month on average, making it one of Japan's most affordable major cities for single renters despite recent increases.
- The Tenjin and Yakuin corridor in Chuo-ku commands the highest rents in Fukuoka, often 20% to 30% above the citywide average for similar unit sizes.
- Fukuoka's practical rental vacancy sits between 10% and 13%, which is tight enough to keep upward pressure on asking rents throughout 2026.
- January through March is peak rental season in Fukuoka, when properties lease faster and landlords have less room to negotiate on price.
- Landlords in Fukuoka pay about 1.7% of assessed property value annually in combined fixed asset tax and city planning tax.
- Transit access near the Kuko subway line or Hakata Station can add ¥5,000 to ¥15,000 per month to a Fukuoka apartment's rental value.
- Rent growth in Fukuoka is expected to moderate to 4% to 8% over the rest of 2026, slower than the recent surge but still positive.
What are typical rents in Fukuoka as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Fukuoka as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Fukuoka City is around ¥59,000, which works out to roughly $390 USD or €370 EUR.
Most studios in Fukuoka fall within a range of ¥52,000 to ¥70,000 per month (about $345 to $465 USD, or €325 to €440 EUR), depending on location and building quality.
The main factors that push Fukuoka studio rents higher or lower are proximity to subway stations, building age, and whether you're in a central ward like Chuo-ku or further out in areas like Higashi-ku or Jonan-ku.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Fukuoka as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment (typically a 1LDK) in Fukuoka City is around ¥94,000, which is roughly $625 USD or €590 EUR.
Most 1-bedroom apartments in Fukuoka rent between ¥82,000 and ¥115,000 per month (about $545 to $765 USD, or €515 to €720 EUR), with newer buildings near transit commanding the higher end.
The cheapest 1-bedroom rents in Fukuoka tend to be in outer wards like Higashi-ku and Jonan-ku, while the most expensive cluster around Tenjin, Yakuin, and Hakata Station in Chuo-ku and Hakata-ku.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Fukuoka as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment (usually a 2LDK) in Fukuoka City is around ¥130,000, which equals roughly $865 USD or €815 EUR.
Most 2-bedroom apartments in Fukuoka rent between ¥110,000 and ¥170,000 per month (about $730 to $1,130 USD, or €690 to €1,060 EUR), with family-friendly areas near parks and good schools at the higher end.
The most affordable 2-bedroom rents in Fukuoka are typically found in Minami-ku and parts of Nishi-ku, while premium 2-bedroom apartments around Ohori Park, Momochihama, and central Chuo-ku can reach the top of the range.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Fukuoka.
What's the average rent per square meter in Fukuoka as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the average rent per square meter in Fukuoka City is around ¥2,340 per month, which works out to roughly $15.60 USD or €14.60 EUR per square meter.
Across different Fukuoka neighborhoods, rents range from about ¥1,800 to ¥3,200 per square meter (roughly $12 to $21 USD, or €11 to €20 EUR), with central Chuo-ku at the top and outer wards at the bottom.
Compared to Tokyo, Fukuoka's rent per square meter is roughly 40% to 50% lower, and it also sits below Osaka and Nagoya, which helps explain why the city attracts so many young professionals and families from other parts of Japan.
Properties that command above-average rent per square meter in Fukuoka typically have newer construction, auto-lock security, subway access within a 5-minute walk, and higher floors with good views.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Fukuoka in 2026?
As of January 2026, asking rents in Fukuoka City have increased by roughly 15% to 17% compared to January 2025, which is unusually fast growth for a Japanese city.
The main factors driving this rent surge in Fukuoka are sustained in-migration from other parts of Japan, strong job growth in the Kyushu region, and rising replacement costs as land prices continue to climb.
This double-digit increase is notably faster than the more moderate 3% to 5% rent growth Fukuoka saw in 2023 and 2024, reflecting a market that has tightened considerably over the past year.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Fukuoka in 2026?
As of January 2026, we project Fukuoka rents will grow by 4% to 8% over the coming year, which is slower than the recent surge but still solidly positive.
The key factors likely to support continued rent growth in Fukuoka include ongoing population inflows, major redevelopment projects in central wards, and rising construction costs that make new supply expensive to build.
Neighborhoods expected to see the strongest rent growth in Fukuoka are Tenjin, Hakata Station area, and transit-connected pockets in Sawara-ku like Nishijin, where demand consistently outpaces supply.
The main risks that could push Fukuoka rent growth below projections are a sharper-than-expected tightening by the Bank of Japan, which would cool investment demand, or a broader economic slowdown affecting job transfers to Kyushu.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Japan. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Fukuoka as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Fukuoka as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Fukuoka are Tenjin and Daimyo in Chuo-ku, Yakuin and Hirao in Chuo-ku, and the Hakata Station and Gion area in Hakata-ku, where similar units can cost 20% to 30% more than the citywide average.
These Fukuoka neighborhoods command premium rents because they offer walkability to offices, shops, and nightlife, plus excellent subway and rail access that makes commuting easy.
The typical tenant profile in these high-rent Fukuoka areas includes higher-income professionals, dual-income couples, and corporate transferees who prioritize convenience and are willing to pay for a central location.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Fukuoka.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Fukuoka right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Fukuoka are Tenjin and Imaizumi, Yakuin, and the area around Hakata Station, all of which offer easy access to offices and a lively social scene.
Young professionals in these Fukuoka neighborhoods typically pay between ¥70,000 and ¥110,000 per month (roughly $465 to $730 USD, or €440 to €690 EUR) for a studio or 1LDK apartment.
What attracts young professionals to these Fukuoka areas is the combination of short commutes, abundant cafes and restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and the ability to live centrally without Tokyo-level prices.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Fukuoka.
Where do families prefer to rent in Fukuoka right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Fukuoka are Nishijin and Momochihama in Sawara-ku, Ohashi and Takamiya in Minami-ku, and Meinohama in Nishi-ku, all of which balance space, parks, and commute times.
Families in these Fukuoka neighborhoods typically pay between ¥110,000 and ¥160,000 per month (roughly $730 to $1,065 USD, or €690 to €1,000 EUR) for a 2LDK or 3LDK apartment.
What makes these Fukuoka areas attractive to families is the access to green spaces like Ohori Park and Momochi Seaside Park, lower density than the city center, and reliable rail or subway connections for commuting parents.
Families in these neighborhoods have access to well-regarded public elementary schools and several international school options, including Fukuoka International School near Momochihama, which serves the expat community.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Fukuoka in 2026?
As of January 2026, the three areas near transit hubs or universities that rent fastest in Fukuoka are Tenjin (Nishitetsu and subway hub), Hakata Station (JR and subway hub), and stations along the Kuko subway line like Ropponmatsu and Fujisaki.
Properties in these high-demand Fukuoka areas typically stay listed for just 15 to 25 days for studios and small apartments, compared to 30 to 45 days in less connected neighborhoods.
The rent premium for being within a 5-minute walk of a major transit station in Fukuoka is typically ¥5,000 to ¥15,000 per month (roughly $35 to $100 USD, or €30 to €95 EUR), which tenants willingly pay for the commute savings.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Fukuoka right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Fukuoka are Ohori and Akasaka, Momochihama, and the Tenjin and Yakuin corridor, all of which offer a combination of amenities, English-friendly services, and central location.
Expats in these Fukuoka neighborhoods typically pay between ¥90,000 and ¥150,000 per month (roughly $600 to $1,000 USD, or €565 to €940 EUR) for apartments ranging from 1LDK to 2LDK.
What makes these neighborhoods attractive to expats in Fukuoka is proximity to international schools, import grocery stores, English-speaking medical clinics, and a walkable lifestyle with restaurants and cafes.
The expat communities most represented in these Fukuoka neighborhoods include Americans, Koreans, Chinese, and Europeans, many of whom work for multinational companies, universities, or tech startups in the city.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Fukuoka.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Fukuoka right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Fukuoka?
The three tenant profiles that dominate the rental market in Fukuoka are singles (students and early-career workers), young couples and dual-income households, and families with children seeking 2LDK or 3LDK apartments.
In Fukuoka's rental market, singles account for roughly 50% to 55% of rental demand, young couples make up about 25% to 30%, and families represent the remaining 15% to 20%.
Singles in Fukuoka typically seek studios or 1K units near transit, young couples often look for modern 1LDK apartments in central areas, and families prioritize larger 2LDK or 3LDK units near parks and schools with good commute options.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Fukuoka.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Fukuoka?
In Fukuoka, roughly 80% to 85% of tenants prefer unfurnished rentals, which is the standard in Japan, while the remaining 15% to 20% seek furnished apartments, mainly for shorter stays or corporate relocations.
The typical rent premium for a furnished apartment in Fukuoka is about ¥10,000 to ¥25,000 per month (roughly $65 to $165 USD, or €60 to €155 EUR) above an equivalent unfurnished unit.
Tenant profiles that prefer furnished rentals in Fukuoka include international expats, corporate transferees on temporary assignments, and students from other cities or countries who want a turnkey living situation.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Fukuoka?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Fukuoka are proximity to subway or JR stations (within 5 minutes walk), auto-lock entry systems, newer construction (built within the last 10 years), higher floors with good views, and dedicated parking spaces.
In Fukuoka, subway proximity can add ¥5,000 to ¥15,000 per month ($35 to $100 USD), auto-lock adds ¥3,000 to ¥8,000 ($20 to $55 USD), newer buildings command ¥5,000 to ¥12,000 more ($35 to $80 USD), higher floors add ¥2,000 to ¥5,000 ($15 to $35 USD), and parking adds ¥8,000 to ¥15,000 ($55 to $100 USD).
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Fukuoka, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Fukuoka?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Fukuoka are kitchen and bath refreshes, modern air conditioning installation, auto-lock and intercom security upgrades, improved storage and closet systems, and updated flooring.
A kitchen and bath refresh in Fukuoka typically costs ¥300,000 to ¥800,000 ($2,000 to $5,300 USD) and can increase rent by ¥5,000 to ¥15,000 per month; security upgrades cost ¥100,000 to ¥300,000 ($665 to $2,000 USD) and add ¥3,000 to ¥8,000 monthly; new flooring costs ¥150,000 to ¥400,000 ($1,000 to $2,665 USD) and adds ¥2,000 to ¥5,000 monthly.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI for Fukuoka landlords include luxury finishes that exceed neighborhood norms, structural changes that don't add rentable space, and high-end appliances that tenants don't value enough to pay extra for.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Japan versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How strong is rental demand in Fukuoka as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Fukuoka as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the practical rental vacancy rate in Fukuoka City is estimated at 10% to 13%, which reflects rentable, market-active units rather than all empty homes.
Vacancy rates across Fukuoka neighborhoods vary from as low as 6% to 8% in high-demand central areas like Chuo-ku and Hakata-ku, to 15% or higher in outer wards with older building stock and less transit access.
This current vacancy rate in Fukuoka is slightly below the historical average for the city, which helps explain why asking rents have been rising so quickly over the past year.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Fukuoka.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Fukuoka as of 2026?
As of January 2026, rentals in Fukuoka City stay listed for an average of 20 to 35 days before being rented, though this varies significantly by property type and location.
Studios and 1K apartments in central Fukuoka wards like Chuo-ku and Hakata-ku often lease in just 15 to 25 days, while larger family units and properties in outer wards may take 35 to 50 days.
Compared to one year ago, days-on-market in Fukuoka has shortened by roughly 5 to 10 days on average, reflecting the tighter market conditions and strong tenant demand driving recent rent increases.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Fukuoka?
The peak months for tenant demand in Fukuoka are January, February, and March, with February and March seeing the most intense activity as new hires and students prepare for April move-ins.
The main factors driving this seasonal pattern in Fukuoka are Japan's fiscal and academic year starting in April, which means job transfers, university admissions, and new graduates all concentrate their moves in the preceding months.
The lowest tenant demand in Fukuoka typically occurs from May through August and again in November through early December, when fewer people are relocating and landlords have more room to negotiate on rent.
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What will my monthly costs be in Fukuoka as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Fukuoka as of 2026?
As of January 2026, landlords in Fukuoka should expect to pay roughly 1.7% of their property's assessed value annually in combined property taxes, which for a ¥20 million assessed property works out to about ¥340,000 per year ($2,265 USD or €2,125 EUR).
The range of annual property taxes in Fukuoka varies from around ¥150,000 ($1,000 USD) for smaller or lower-value properties to ¥600,000 or more ($4,000 USD) for premium central properties, depending on assessed value and location.
Property taxes in Fukuoka are calculated using two components: a 1.4% fixed asset tax and a 0.3% city planning tax, both applied to the assessed value, which is typically lower than market value.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Fukuoka, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Fukuoka right now?
A realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical rental property in Fukuoka is ¥250,000 to ¥500,000 ($1,665 to $3,330 USD, or €1,560 to €3,125 EUR) for a condominium, covering building fees, reserves, and minor repairs.
The range of annual maintenance costs in Fukuoka varies from about ¥150,000 ($1,000 USD) for newer, smaller units with low building fees to ¥700,000 or more ($4,665 USD) for older buildings with higher reserves or detached houses requiring more upkeep.
Landlords in Fukuoka typically set aside 5% to 10% of their annual rental income for maintenance, though properties over 20 years old often require closer to 10% to 15% to stay competitive.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Fukuoka right now?
In Fukuoka, landlords most commonly pay for common-area electricity, elevator maintenance, and building cleaning, which are typically bundled into the monthly management fee charged to tenants.
These landlord-covered building costs in Fukuoka usually run ¥5,000 to ¥15,000 per month ($35 to $100 USD, or €30 to €95 EUR) per unit, depending on building size and amenities, and are passed through via the management fee.
The common practice in Fukuoka is that tenants pay their own electricity, gas, water, and internet directly, while the landlord or building association handles shared costs, though some smaller buildings include water in the rent.
How is rental income taxed in Fukuoka as of 2026?
As of January 2026, rental income in Fukuoka is taxed as ordinary income under Japan's progressive tax system, with rates ranging from 5% to 45% depending on your total income bracket, plus local inhabitant taxes of around 10%.
The main deductions landlords can claim against rental income in Fukuoka include depreciation on the building, property taxes, insurance, management fees, repair costs, mortgage interest, and professional fees like accounting.
A common tax mistake specific to Fukuoka landlords is underreporting income from short-term rentals or failing to properly register rental income when renting to foreign tenants, which can trigger audits given Fukuoka's growing international tenant base.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Fukuoka.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Japan compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Fukuoka, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| LIFULL HOME'S Market Report | HOME'S is one of Japan's largest rental portals and publishes consistent monthly asking-rent data. | We used it to anchor Fukuoka City asking-rent levels and recent rent growth from real listing data. We then converted single and family averages into studio, 1BR, and 2BR estimates using typical unit sizes. |
| LIFULL HOME'S Fukuoka Ward Rents | It's the same major portal but organized by ward, making neighborhood comparisons easy with consistent filters. | We used it to identify which wards have the highest rents and validate that our citywide averages make sense spatially. We then translated ward patterns into specific neighborhood names renters actually search for. |
| At Home Rent Map | At Home is another major Japanese property marketplace with a broad listing base and long track record. | We used it as an independent check on rent levels across Fukuoka's wards. We also used it to verify the rent gap between central and suburban neighborhoods. |
| Statistics Bureau of Japan Housing Survey | This is Japan's official national housing survey run by the government with defined methodology. | We used it for the official framework around vacancy and rent measurement concepts. We then paired it with city-level Fukuoka data to tailor the analysis locally. |
| Fukuoka City Housing Survey Results | It's the municipality publishing official survey tables specifically for Fukuoka City. | We used it to reference city-level housing stock and vacancy table links. We then triangulated with the city's empty homes policy page for plain-language numbers. |
| Fukuoka City Empty Homes Data | It's a city government page summarizing official Housing and Land Survey results for residents. | We used its headline counts of total and market empty homes to estimate practical rental vacancy. We then cross-checked that estimate against the tight rent growth in listing data. |
| Fukuoka City Property Tax Q&A | It's the local authority that actually levies these taxes, stating the rates directly. | We used it to quantify annual property tax expectations for landlords in Fukuoka. We then translated the rates into practical annual cost examples anyone can understand. |
| National Tax Agency Japan | This is the official national tax authority explaining how rental income is treated for tax purposes. | We used it to ground the section on how rental income is taxed, especially basics and withholding. We then simplified it into practical guidance on what you pay and what you can deduct. |
| JETRO Taxes in Japan Guide | JETRO is a government-related organization widely used by investors for standardized guidance. | We used it to verify we're describing Japan's property tax landscape correctly. We then localized the exact Fukuoka rates using the city's own official page. |
| Bank of Japan Regional Economic Report | The BOJ is Japan's central bank and this report is its official view of regional economic conditions. | We used it to frame why demand stays firm in Kyushu and Fukuoka despite interest rate changes. We then used that context to shape a rent-growth outlook rather than guessing blindly. |
| Fukuoka Facts Land Price Data | It's operated by Fukuoka City and explicitly cites MLIT's official Publicized Land Prices. | We used it as a locally focused gateway to land-price trends that influence rents via investor demand. We then connected land-price momentum to rent pressure in central wards. |
| At Home Rental Timing Guide | At Home is a major national platform and this guidance aligns with Japan's well-known moving cycle. | We used it to justify why January through March behaves differently with faster leasing. We then used that seasonality to project November 2025 listing rents forward to January 2026. |
| SUUMO Market Timing Guide | SUUMO is a major national housing brand from Recruit and is widely referenced in Japan's rental market. | We used it as independent confirmation of the January through March turnover dynamic. We then tailored the best months to list and fastest-renting stock sections to Fukuoka specifically. |
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