Livability Report
Kanazawa
Ishikawa·Pop. 463,254·Data: 2024·Updated Mar 2026
4-axis livability scores for Kanazawa based on Japanese government open data (e-Stat).
Overall Score
/ 100
5-Axis Score Breakdown
Basic Information
Population
463,254
Prefecture
Ishikawa
Data Year
2024
Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Clinics | 421 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 9.09 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 4.31 |
| Hospitals | 43 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.93 |
| Total Population | 463,254 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 8.9 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 88 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.19 |
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Overall
Alex
Kanazawa is famous for Kenrokuen Garden and the Hokuriku Shinkansen. How does it score on livability?
Yuki
It has a strong image as a tourist destination, but what's it like to actually live there?
Kai
Kanazawa's overall score is 53.6, placing it in the middle among our 20 cities. With a population of about 463,000, it's a mid-sized core city. Its standout feature is the safety score of 87.4 — the highest of all 20 cities. Education at 61.5 and healthcare at 57.6 are well balanced. However, the transport score is low at 8.0. The Hokuriku Shinkansen has dramatically improved Tokyo access, making Kanazawa an attractive city that blends traditional culture with modern urban functions.
Safety
Alex
A safety score of 87.4 is the top rank among 20 cities! How low is the crime rate?
Yuki
The Hokuriku region has a reputation for safety, and the data seems to confirm that.
Kai
Kanazawa's crime rate is 4.31 per 1,000 residents, the lowest level among our 20 cities. The safety score of 87.4 edges out Kagoshima (86.8) for the top spot. Ishikawa Prefecture as a whole tends to have low crime rates, and factors like strong community bonds and reduced outdoor activity during snowy winters may contribute. This safe living environment is one of Kanazawa's greatest strengths.
Cost of Living
Alex
The cost score is null. What are typical rents in Kanazawa?
Yuki
Have property prices gone up since the Shinkansen opened?
Kai
The cost score is currently null because land price data collection is incomplete. As a general guide, a studio apartment in central Kanazawa runs about 40,000-55,000 yen per month, and a family-sized 2LDK is around 60,000-90,000 yen. Land prices near Kanazawa Station have been rising since the Hokuriku Shinkansen opened, but nationally speaking they remain reasonable. The Korinbo-Katamachi area and Musashi area are popular residential zones. Do note that heating costs tend to be higher during the snowy winter months.
Transport
Alex
The transport score of 8.0 is very low despite having Shinkansen access. Why?
Yuki
Is a car essential for getting around the city?
Kai
Kanazawa's public transit usage rate is 8.9%, among the lowest in our 20-city comparison, which drives the transport score of 8.0. While the Hokuriku Shinkansen provides excellent long-distance access to Tokyo in about 2.5 hours, local public transit relies mainly on buses with limited rail lines within the city. The Hokutetsu Bus network covers the area, but suburban residents depend heavily on cars. That said, the city center is compact enough that cycling is a viable option for many daily trips.
Education
Alex
An education score of 61.5 puts it in the upper-middle range. How are the schools?
Yuki
Kanazawa has a reputation as an academic and cultural city, doesn't it?
Kai
Kanazawa has 88 schools, or 0.19 per 1,000 residents. For a city of about 463,000, this ratio places it in the upper-middle range among our 20 cities. The city is home to distinctive higher education institutions including Kanazawa University, Kanazawa College of Art, and Kanazawa Institute of Technology. Its cultural heritage as a castle town of the Kaga Domain fostered a tradition of valuing scholarship, contributing to Kanazawa's strong educational character. Note that this score is a relative measure based on school-to-population ratios across 20 cities.
Healthcare
Alex
The healthcare score of 57.6 is mid-range. How's the balance between hospitals and clinics?
Yuki
Is the medical infrastructure adequate for a city of 460,000?
Kai
Kanazawa has 43 hospitals (0.93 per 10,000 residents) and 421 clinics (9.09 per 10,000). The clinic density of 9.09 per 10,000 is among the highest in our comparison, ensuring good everyday medical access. The hospital ratio of 0.93 also exceeds the national average. Kanazawa University Hospital serves as an advanced medical center, and the city functions as the healthcare hub for the Hokuriku region. While the healthcare score of 57.6 looks modest compared to Kagoshima's perfect 100.0, Kanazawa offers a well-balanced medical environment overall.