Livability Report
KyotoLivability Score
Kyoto·Pop. 1,430,062
5-axis livability scores for Kyoto, Kyoto based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, transport, education, and healthcare.
Published 2026-03-07 · Data updated 2026-10-20
Where in Japan
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 scores
Basic Information
Population
1,430,062
Prefecture
Kyoto
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
This article's text predates the October 2026 data and scoring revision and is being rewritten.
Safety

Alex
How safe is Kyoto? I'd imagine more tourists means more crime.

Yuki
A safety score of 73.1 is pretty good. What's the actual crime rate?
Kai
Kyoto's crime rate is 4.69 per 1,000 residents, giving it a safety score of 73.1. Despite the large tourist population, the numbers remain relatively calm. The Shijo-Kawaramachi area and Kyoto Station get busy and require awareness, but residential neighborhoods in Kita-ku, Sakyo-ku, and Yamashina-ku are quieter and popular with families.

Cost of Living

Alex
How much does it cost to live in Kyoto? Being a tourist city, land prices must be high.

Yuki
The cost score of 48.4 seems a bit low. What are the actual land price figures?
Kai
Kyoto's average land price is 539,941 yen per square meter, earning a cost score of 48.4. The preservation of historic cityscapes and tourism demand contribute to the somewhat elevated land prices. Central Nakagyo-ku and Shimogyo-ku are particularly expensive, while suburban areas like Fushimi-ku and Nishikyo-ku offer lower price ranges. Choosing the right neighborhood significantly impacts living costs in this city.

Convenience

Alex
Is public transit in Kyoto convenient? I hear the buses get really crowded.

Yuki
How about the transport score of 45.6? Tell us about the train lines too.
Kai
Kyoto's public transit usage rate is 31.9%, with a transport score of 45.6. The subway has two lines — Karasuma and Tozai — plus JR, Hankyu, Keihan, and Kintetsu railways serve the city. Limited subway coverage means heavy reliance on city buses, which get crowded during tourist seasons, requiring some planning for commuters. Cycling is also popular given the flat city center.

Welfare

Alex
Kyoto has tons of universities, but what about K-12 schools?

Yuki
An education score of 48.0 seems low for a city known for academia.
Kai
Kyoto has 255 schools at a density of 0.17 per 1,000 residents, giving an education score of 48.0. With numerous universities and colleges, higher education is outstanding, but this score measures K-12 school density, so the large population of 1.46 million brings the ratio down. Historically, Kyoto is known for its strong emphasis on education, and the quality of schooling is highly regarded.

Economy

Alex
What's the healthcare situation in Kyoto? Are there many large hospitals?

Yuki
The healthcare score is 44.8. What are the actual facility numbers?
Kai
Kyoto has 95 hospitals (0.65 per 10,000 residents) and 1,621 clinics (11.07 per 10,000), totaling 11.72 medical facilities per 10,000 people. While the healthcare score is 44.8, the clinic density of 11.07 is very strong. With Kyoto University Hospital and other advanced medical institutions, healthcare access — from everyday family doctors to specialist treatment — is quite comprehensive.

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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 5.84 | 2025 |
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 247,682 | 2026 |
| Avg. Rent (¥) | 60,466 | 2023 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 31.9 | 2020 |
| Retail Establishments | 12,214 | 2021 |
| Retail Establishments (per 1,000) | 8.54 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments | 9,042 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments (per 1,000) | 6.32 | 2021 |
| Residency Rate (%, census ÷ resident register) | 104.4 | 2025 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 12.01 | 2023 |
| Hospitals | 95 | 2023 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.66 | 2023 |
| Clinics | 1,622 | 2023 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 11.34 | 2023 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 309 | 2024 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.216 | 2024 |
| Schools (per habitable km²) | 1.415 | 2024 |
| Taxable Income per Capita (¥) | 4,118,116 | 2025 |
| Net Migration | -810 | 2025 |
| Net Migration Rate (%) | -0.06 | 2025 |
| Total Population | 1,430,062 | 2025 |
| crime_count | 8,353 | 2025 |
| crime_count_pref | 12,398 | 2025 |
| crime_rate_pref_per_1000 | 5 | 2025 |
| habitable_area_km2 | 218 | 2024 |
| resident_registry_population | 1,369,750 | 2026 |
Data sources
| Indicator | Source | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 2025 Population CensusStatistics Bureau of Japan | 2025 | |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | Reported penal code offenses by municipalityKyoto Prefectural Police | 2025 | Counted where offenses occur; per 1,000 uses the 2025 census population |
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | Official land prices (National Land Numerical Information L01)Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism | 2026 | Residential sites only; simple average of sites |
| Avg. Rent (¥) | 2023 Housing and Land SurveyStatistics Bureau of Japan | 2023 | Monthly rent of rented housing; next survey in 2028 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 2020 Population Census (means of commuting)Statistics Bureau of Japan | 2020 | To be updated when the 2025 census commuting tables are published |
| Retail Establishments (per 1,000) | 2021 Economic Census for Business ActivityMIC and METI | 2021 | Next survey in 2026 |
| Restaurant Establishments (per 1,000) | 2021 Economic Census for Business ActivityMIC and METI | 2021 | Next survey in 2026 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | Survey of Medical Institutions (System of Social and Demographic Statistics)Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare | 2023 | Hospitals and clinics combined |
| Schools (per habitable km²) | School Basic Survey and habitable area (System of Social and Demographic Statistics)MEXT and Statistics Bureau of Japan | 2024 | Elementary, junior high and high schools per habitable km² |
| Taxable Income per Capita (¥) | Survey on municipal tax assessmentMinistry of Internal Affairs and Communications | 2025 | Taxable income per taxpayer |
| Net Migration Rate (%) | Report on Internal MigrationStatistics Bureau of Japan | 2025 | |
| Residency Rate (%, census ÷ resident register) | Census population ÷ resident register populationMinistry of Internal Affairs and Communications | 2025 | Resident register population as of January 1, 2026 |
Data years: mainly 2025 (2020–2026 by indicator)
Published 2026-03-07 · Data updated 2026-10-20