Livability Report
NaraLivability Score
Nara·Pop. 354,630
5-axis livability scores for Nara, Nara based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published: Mar 16, 2026
Overall Score
54.5
46
50.7
55.8
57.6* 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
Safety54.5/100Cost46/100Convenience50.7/100Welfare55.8/100Economy57.6/100Basic Information
Population
354,630
Prefecture
Nara
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety
Alex
Nara is an ancient capital with many tourists — how safe is it?
Yuki
What are the specific crime rate figures?
Kai
Nara's crime rate is 4.52 per 1,000 residents, with a safety score of 54.3. For an international tourism city welcoming about 14 million visitors annually, this is a stable level. While the Nara Park area around Todaiji and Kasuga Shrine bustles with tourists, residential areas like Gakuenmae maintain a quiet, peaceful environment.
Cost of Living
Alex
Nara is also an Osaka commuter town — how are living costs?
Yuki
What are the specific land price and rent levels?
Kai
Nara's average land price is 150,947 yen per square meter, with average rent at 54,078 yen, giving a cost score of 47.2. The convenient Kintetsu rail connections to Osaka and Kyoto are reflected in land prices. Rent at about 54,000 yen is somewhat elevated for a Kansai prefectural capital. However, considering the quality of residential and educational environments in areas like Gakuenmae, the pricing is reasonable.
Convenience
Alex
Nara seems well-connected to Osaka and Kyoto.
Yuki
How about public transit usage and in-city convenience?
Kai
Nara's convenience score is 50.9. Public transit usage is 36.8%, a very high rate. Kintetsu's Nara, Kyoto, and Keihanna lines plus JR's Yamatoji Line provide direct connections to Osaka and Kyoto. Retail density is 6.29 per 1,000 residents and restaurants 3.97 per 1,000 — commercial facilities outside tourist areas are modest, reflecting its bedroom community structure oriented toward Osaka commuters.
Welfare
Alex
How are Nara's healthcare and education facilities?
Yuki
What are the specific numbers?
Kai
Nara has 22 hospitals and 393 clinics, with a combined medical facility density of 11.70 per 10,000 residents. The welfare score is 55.0. Clinic density at 11.08 per 10,000 ensures excellent primary care access. There are 78 schools at 0.22 per 1,000 residents. Nara Medical University provides advanced healthcare, covering everything from routine to specialized treatment.
Economy
Alex
How strong is Nara's economy beyond tourism?
Yuki
What about income levels and population trends?
Kai
Nara's economy score is 56.2. Taxable income per capita is about 3.87 million yen — quite high, reflecting the bedroom community economy with many Osaka commuters. The net migration rate is +0.06%, a modest annual gain of 216 people. Beyond tourism and services, traditional industries like brush and ink manufacturing, plus southern manufacturing facilities, support the economic base.
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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 150,947 |
| avg_rent | 54,078 |
| Clinics | 393 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 11.08 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 4.52 |
| Hospitals | 22 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.62 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 11.7 |
| net_migration | 216 |
| net_migration_rate | 0.06 |
| Total Population | 354,630 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 36.8 |
| restaurant_count | 1,409 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 3.97 |
| retail_count | 2,230 |
| retail_per_1000 | 6.29 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 78 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.22 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 3,873,754 |
Data: 2024