Livability Report
MatsumotoLivability Score
Nagano·Pop. 241,145
5-axis livability scores for Matsumoto, Nagano 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
241,145
Prefecture
Nagano
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety

Alex
How safe is Matsumoto? A score of 81.2 is quite high.

Yuki
Smaller cities tend to feel safer — what's the actual crime rate?
Kai
Matsumoto's crime rate is 3.88 per 1,000 residents, earning a safety score of 81.2. Staying below 4 incidents per thousand represents a very safe level. The smaller population and strong community bonds contribute to the excellent safety. Even around Matsumoto Station, there are few issues, and walking at night is generally comfortable.

Cost of Living

Alex
A cost score of 98.3 is incredible! What's the land price like?

Yuki
I'm considering relocating — give me the specific land price figures.
Kai
Matsumoto's average land price is 66,180 yen per square meter, earning a cost score of 98.3. This is an extremely affordable level, enabling significantly lower housing costs. Even near Matsumoto Station prices remain reasonable, with suburban areas offering even more affordable residential land. However, since it's a car-dependent city, vehicle maintenance costs (parking, gas, insurance) should be factored into the living budget.

Convenience

Alex
A transport score of 6.4 is very low. Does that mean public transit is barely usable?

Yuki
Is it impossible to live without a car? Give me the specifics.
Kai
Matsumoto's public transit usage rate is just 4.5%, resulting in a transport score of 6.4. JR Shinonoi and Oito Lines plus Alpico Kotsu's Kamikochi Line and bus routes exist, but service frequency is limited for everyday use. The vast majority of residents rely on private cars. Bicycle infrastructure is being developed in the city center, but winter snowfall makes cycling seasonal. Owning a car is essentially a must.

Welfare

Alex
An education score of 76.0 is really high! What makes it so strong?

Yuki
Is it the number of schools or the density that's impressive?
Kai
Matsumoto has 58 schools at a density of 0.24 per 1,000 residents, giving an education score of 76.0. For a population of 241,000, schools are generously distributed, ensuring children can walk to school. Nagano Prefecture is historically known as an 'education prefecture,' and Matsumoto carries that tradition. Shinshu University also has a campus here, adding an academic atmosphere to the city.

Economy

Alex
What's healthcare like in Matsumoto? Fewer hospitals in smaller cities?

Yuki
The healthcare score of 35.5 is quite a drop from education's 76.0. What are the actual numbers?
Kai
Matsumoto has 16 hospitals (0.66 per 10,000 residents) and 233 clinics (9.66 per 10,000), totaling 10.33 medical facilities per 10,000 people. While the healthcare score is 35.5, Shinshu University Hospital provides advanced medical care. The clinic density of 9.66 is sufficient, so finding a family doctor for everyday needs is not an issue.

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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 66,180 |
| avg_rent | 46,734 |
| Clinics | 233 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 9.66 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 3.88 |
| Hospitals | 16 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.66 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 10.33 |
| net_migration | -88 |
| net_migration_rate | -0.04 |
| Total Population | 241,145 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 4.5 |
| restaurant_count | 1,509 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 6.26 |
| retail_count | 2,060 |
| retail_per_1000 | 8.54 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 58 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.24 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 3,523,358 |
Data: 2024