Livability Report
OsakaLivability Score
Osaka·Pop. 2,752,412
5-axis livability scores for Osaka, Osaka 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
2,752,412
Prefecture
Osaka
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety

Alex
A safety score of 28.5 is quite low. Is it really that concerning?

Yuki
What's the reality behind the crime rate? Does it vary by neighborhood?
Kai
Osaka's crime rate is 9.15 per 1,000 residents, yielding a safety score of 28.5. However, important context is needed. Osaka's daytime population swells to roughly 1.3 times its nighttime population as a business and tourism hub, with crime concentrated in entertainment districts like Minami and Kita. Statistics also include petty crimes against tourists such as pickpocketing. Residential areas like Tenmabashi, Abeno Ward, and Sumiyoshi Ward are relatively calm — choosing the right neighborhood ensures adequate daily safety.

Cost of Living

Alex
What about living costs in Osaka? I'd like to see the land price data.

Yuki
A cost score of 14.2 is quite low — so land prices are really high, huh?
Kai
Osaka's average land price is 865,553 yen per square meter, resulting in a cost score of 14.2. This reflects the high land prices typical of a major metropolitan area. Southeastern areas like Higashisumiyoshi and Hirano wards are more affordable. True to its reputation as Japan's food capital, dining out is both cheap and delicious, with abundant lunch options in the 500-800 yen range.

Convenience

Alex
A transport score of 61.1 is quite high. The train network must be extensive?

Yuki
Can you live without a car in Osaka?
Kai
Osaka's public transit usage rate is 42.8%, earning a transport score of 61.1. Osaka Metro operates 9 subway lines, complemented by JR lines and five major private railways — Hankyu, Hanshin, Kintetsu, Nankai, and Keihan — covering the entire city. Living without a car is entirely feasible. The major terminals at Umeda and Namba offer excellent transfer convenience, with Kyoto and Kobe just 30-40 minutes away.

Welfare

Alex
An education score of 44.0 seems a bit low — surprising for such a large city.

Yuki
What about the number and density of schools?
Kai
Osaka has 444 schools at a density of 0.16 per 1,000 residents, with an education score of 44.0. While the absolute number is high, the per-capita ratio is stretched for a city of 2.75 million. However, higher education institutions are outstanding, including Osaka University and Osaka Metropolitan University, along with numerous competitive private schools. The range of educational choices is broad, so selecting the right area and school can secure a high-quality environment.

Economy

Alex
Healthcare scores 60.4 — that's quite high! Tell us about Osaka's medical environment.

Yuki
I heard the number of clinics is impressive. What are the specific figures?
Kai
Osaka has 174 hospitals (0.63 per 10,000 residents) and 3,697 clinics (13.43 per 10,000), totaling 14.06 medical facilities per 10,000. The healthcare score is a strong 60.4. For everyday medical needs like colds or chronic conditions, finding a clinic in any neighborhood is extremely easy. Advanced facilities including Osaka University Hospital and the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center ensure comprehensive care is available.

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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 1,005,673 |
| avg_rent | 58,930 |
| Clinics | 3,697 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 13.43 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 9.15 |
| Hospitals | 174 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.63 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 14.06 |
| net_migration | 16,090 |
| net_migration_rate | 0.58 |
| Total Population | 2,752,412 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 42.8 |
| restaurant_count | 22,031 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 8 |
| retail_count | 23,299 |
| retail_per_1000 | 8.46 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 444 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.16 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 3,727,621 |
Data: 2024