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Livability Report

KobeLivability Score

Hyogo·Pop. 1,525,152

5-axis livability scores for Kobe, Hyogo based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, transport, education, and healthcare.

Published: Mar 7, 2026·Updated: Mar 9, 2026

Overall Score

48.9
B
Safety38.9Cost39.1Convenience57.8Welfare53.7Economy55

* 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

SafetySafety38.9/100
CostCost39.1/100
ConvenienceConvenience57.8/100
WelfareWelfare53.7/100
EconomyEconomy55/100

Basic Information

Population

1,525,152

Prefecture

Hyogo

Q&A with Kai

Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.

Safety

Alex

Alex

The safety score is 50.6. What do the actual crime numbers show?

Yuki

Yuki

I'd like to see the specific crime rate data. How does it break down?

Kai

Kobe's crime rate is 6.94 per 1,000 residents, with a safety score of 50.6. As a major designated city with busy entertainment and commercial districts, these areas contribute to the overall figure. There is a notable difference in perceived safety between the Sannomiya-Motomachi area and quieter residential neighborhoods like Higashinada and Nada wards, so location choice significantly affects one's experience.

Kai

Cost of Living

Alex

Alex

How much does it cost to live in Kobe? What does the data say?

Yuki

Yuki

A cost score of 77.7 is quite high. Give us the specifics.

Kai

Kobe's average land price is 262,268 yen per square meter, earning a cost score of 77.7. For a designated city with 1.5 million people, this represents a relatively affordable price level. Central areas near Sannomiya are pricier, while residential neighborhoods in Higashinada and Nada wards and suburban areas in Nishi-ku and Kita-ku offer more affordable options. Within the Keihanshin metropolitan area, Kobe is a cost-effective choice.

Kai

Convenience

Alex

Alex

A transport score of 65.6 is solid. What kind of transit network does Kobe have?

Yuki

Yuki

I'd like to know about commuting access to Osaka as well.

Kai

Kobe's public transit usage rate is 45.9%, earning a transport score of 65.6. Three major rail lines — JR Kobe Line, Hankyu Kobe Line, and Hanshin Main Line — provide access toward Osaka, and within the city, the Kobe Municipal Subway and Port Liner also operate. The 45.9% transit usage rate is a stable figure for a large city, and the location makes commuting to Osaka convenient.

Kai

Welfare

Alex

Alex

The education score of 52.0 is moderate. Are there enough schools?

Yuki

Yuki

What is the school density per capita?

Kai

Kobe has 270 schools at a density of 0.18 per 1,000 residents, giving an education score of 52.0. This represents a well-balanced school density for a major city. The 270 schools are distributed across the city's wards, and a variety of national and private institutions provide diverse educational options for families.

Kai

Economy

Alex

Alex

The healthcare score is 43.4. Kobe is known as a medical city too, isn't it?

Yuki

Yuki

Can you give us numbers for both hospitals and clinics?

Kai

Kobe has 110 hospitals (0.72 per 10,000 residents) and 1,645 clinics (10.79 per 10,000), totaling 11.51 medical facilities per 10,000 people. While the healthcare score is 43.4, the clinic density of 10.79 is very strong. Port Island hosts advanced biomedical research facilities, providing access to both everyday care and cutting-edge medical treatment.

Kai

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Detailed Data

IndicatorValue
Avg. Land Price (¥/m²)262,268
avg_rent56,628
Clinics1,645
Clinics (per 10,000)10.79
Crime Rate (per 1,000)6.94
Hospitals110
Hospitals (per 10,000)0.72
Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics)11.51
net_migration-2,013
net_migration_rate-0.13
Total Population1,525,152
Public Transit Usage (%)45.9
restaurant_count8,579
restaurant_per_10005.63
retail_count10,626
retail_per_10006.97
Schools (elementary + junior high + high)270
Schools (per 1,000)0.18
taxable_income_per_capita3,873,347

Data: 2024