Livability Report
SagaLivability Score
Saga·Pop. 233,301
5-axis livability scores for Saga, Saga based on Japanese government open data covering safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published: Apr 24, 2026
Overall Score
53.2
54.5
52.7
56.3
47.5* 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
Safety53.2/100Cost54.5/100Convenience52.7/100Welfare56.3/100Economy47.5/100Basic Information
Population
233,301
Prefecture
Saga
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety
Alex
How is safety in Saga? It's famous for the balloon festival.
Yuki
What are the specific crime rate numbers?
Kai
Saga's crime rate is 4.72 per 1,000 residents, with a safety score of 53.1. As a prefectural capital of about 233,000, it maintains a calm safety environment. Developed as a Saga Domain castle town, the preserved Edo-era street layout and waterways create a sense of community cohesion.
Cost of Living
Alex
Are living costs affordable in Saga?
Yuki
What are the land price and rent figures?
Kai
Saga's average land price is 73,660 yen per square meter, with average rent at 46,094 yen, giving a cost score of 54.0. For a prefectural capital, this is quite affordable, especially considering that JR Nagasaki Main Line express trains reach Hakata in about 40 minutes. The Saga Plain rice-growing region also ensures rich food options.
Convenience
Alex
How's convenience? It's close to Hakata, right?
Yuki
Is the shopping environment well-developed?
Kai
Saga's public transit usage rate is 3.3%, with a convenience score of 51.1. JR Nagasaki Main Line offers express service to Hakata in about 40 minutes, with Nagasaki Expressway Saga-Yamato IC and Saga Airport providing additional connectivity. There are 2,196 retail stores (9.41 per 1,000) and 1,316 restaurants (5.64 per 1,000) — high store density for the population. The flat terrain is ideal for cycling.
Welfare
Alex
How about healthcare and education?
Yuki
How well-equipped are the medical facilities?
Kai
Saga has 27 hospitals (1.16 per 10,000) and 237 clinics (10.16 per 10,000), with a high combined density of 11.32 per 10,000 and a welfare score of 55.0. There are 60 schools at 0.26 per 1,000 residents. Both clinic density at 10.16 and hospital density at 1.16 per 10,000 are strong, ensuring excellent healthcare accessibility.
Economy
Alex
What's Saga's economic structure like?
Yuki
What about income levels and population trends?
Kai
Saga's taxable income per capita is 3,301,740 yen, with an economy score of 47.8. Built on Saga Plain rice farming, the city has a strong commercial character with well-developed suburban shopping facilities. Net migration is -444 (rate -0.19%), a modest outflow. The annual Saga International Balloon Fiesta has elevated the city's international profile as a balloon capital.
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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 73,660 |
| avg_rent | 46,094 |
| Clinics | 237 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 10.16 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 4.72 |
| Hospitals | 27 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 1.16 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 11.32 |
| net_migration | -444 |
| net_migration_rate | -0.19 |
| Total Population | 233,301 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 3.3 |
| restaurant_count | 1,316 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 5.64 |
| retail_count | 2,196 |
| retail_per_1000 | 9.41 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 60 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.26 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 3,301,740 |
Data: 2024