Livability Report
KagoshimaLivability Score
Kagoshima·Pop. 593,128
5-axis livability scores for Kagoshima, Kagoshima based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, transport, education, and healthcare.
Published: Mar 7, 2026·Updated: Mar 9, 2026
Overall Score
* These scores are based on statistical analysis of public data and do not represent a definitive assessment of any area. Actual livability varies depending on individual values and lifestyle.
5-Axis Score Breakdown
Basic Information
Population
593,128
Prefecture
Kagoshima
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety

Alex
A safety score of 76.6 is impressive. What's the actual crime rate?

Yuki
Is it generally safer in regional cities?
Kai
Kagoshima's crime rate is 4.34 per 1,000 residents, resulting in a safety score of 76.6. This is a notably low crime rate, indicating a very secure living environment. Strong community bonds and high neighborhood awareness contribute to this excellent safety record. Apart from the Tenmonkan entertainment district, residential areas are remarkably quiet and peaceful. The relaxed lifestyle of southern Kyushu is one of Kagoshima's most appealing qualities.

Cost of Living

Alex
A cost score of 88.7 is very high! How affordable is the land price?

Yuki
What are the specific living cost levels in Kagoshima?
Kai
Kagoshima's average land price is 157,600 yen per square meter. The cost score of 88.7 confirms it's an extremely affordable city. The Tenmonkan area and around Kagoshima-Chuo Station are popular residential zones, yet housing costs remain very reasonable. The warm climate also helps reduce winter heating expenses, keeping overall living costs low. For anyone considering relocation, Kagoshima presents a very low financial barrier to entry.

Convenience

Alex
The transport score of 17.3 is quite low. Is it mainly a car-dependent city?

Yuki
Kagoshima has a streetcar system, right? Can you get by on public transit alone?
Kai
Kagoshima's public transit usage rate is 12.1%, giving a transport score of 17.3. The city has a streetcar (tram) network and municipal buses, but suburban areas largely require a car. On the plus side, Kagoshima-Chuo Station is the southern terminus of the Kyushu Shinkansen, reaching Hakata in about 1 hour 20 minutes. If you live in the central area, the streetcar network is quite sufficient for daily life, and the compact city center is also well suited for cycling.

Welfare

Alex
An education score of 64.0 is quite strong. Are there more schools per capita?

Yuki
That makes sense if the population is moderate but school numbers are solid.
Kai
Kagoshima has 127 schools, or 0.21 per 1,000 residents. For a city of about 593,000, this school density is favorable, resulting in an education score of 64.0. The city is home to Kagoshima University and other higher education institutions. Kagoshima Prefecture has a strong educational tradition, which shows in these numbers. While this score measures school density relative to population rather than educational quality directly, it does confirm that children's commuting environments are well established.

Economy

Alex
The healthcare score is 36.5. Kagoshima seems to have a strong hospital presence though.

Yuki
Can you share the specific medical facility numbers?
Kai
Kagoshima has 85 hospitals (1.43 per 10,000 residents) and 536 clinics (9.04 per 10,000), with a combined medical facility density of 10.47 per 10,000. The hospital density of 1.43 per 10,000 is notably high, reflecting Kagoshima's role as the medical hub for southern Kyushu. Kagoshima University Hospital and other advanced medical facilities are well established, and the city also serves as a base for remote island healthcare. This excellent medical access is a major reassurance for elderly residents and families with young children.

📊 Cities with Similar Scores
Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 157,600 |
| avg_rent | 46,424 |
| Clinics | 536 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 9.04 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 4.34 |
| Hospitals | 85 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 1.43 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 10.47 |
| net_migration | -1,064 |
| net_migration_rate | -0.18 |
| Total Population | 593,128 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 12.1 |
| restaurant_count | 2,893 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 4.88 |
| retail_count | 4,660 |
| retail_per_1000 | 7.86 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 127 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.21 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 3,229,861 |
Data: 2024