WakayamaLivability Score

Kai

Wakayama's crime rate is 4.52 per 1,000 residents, with a strong safety score of 54.3. As a core city of about 357,000 people, the traditions of the Kii Tokugawa clan's castle town live on in its calm streetscapes. Historical areas spread around Wakayama Castle, along with scenic spots like Wakanoura and Kimiidera temple. Strong community ties contribute to the city's good public safety.

Kai

Wakayama's average land price is 85,592 yen per square meter, with average rent at 47,524 yen. The cost score is 52.9. Despite having expressway access to the Osaka area via the Hanwa Expressway, rent levels remain moderate. Major factories for Nippon Steel, Kao, and Mitsubishi Electric are located here, and the city holds Japan's top share in the knit industry, providing a solid industrial foundation that supports affordable living. The bright climate with 2,100.1 hours of annual sunshine is another draw.

Kai

Wakayama's public transit usage rate is 7.2%, with a convenience score of 47.4. Multiple rail lines converge here including JR Hanwa Line, Kisei Main Line, Wakayama Line, and Nankai Main and Kada lines, ensuring rail access toward Osaka. Retail density is 7.78 stores per 1,000 residents, and restaurants at 4.36 per 1,000, both quite robust. The unique Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line, famous for its cat stationmaster Tama, adds charm to the local transportation network.

Kai

Wakayama has 37 hospitals (1.04 per 10,000 residents) and 423 clinics (11.86 per 10,000), with a combined medical facility density of 12.89 per 10,000 — a very high level. This strong healthcare infrastructure is the main driver of the 58.0 welfare score. There are 78 schools at 0.22 per 1,000 residents, providing solid educational coverage. As a core city where about 40% of the prefecture's population lives, welfare and educational infrastructure are generously developed.

Kai

Wakayama's economy score is 49.5. Taxable income per capita is approximately 3.48 million yen, and the net migration rate is -0.20%, showing a slight outflow. Major factory operations by Nippon Steel, Kao, and Mitsubishi Electric support employment, and the city holds Japan's largest share in the knit industry. Ginger production is also notable, with active agriculture alongside manufacturing. The mild climate averaging 16.9 degrees Celsius and natural resources like Tomogashima island make it a comfortable place to live.