Osaka

🇯🇵Japan•East Asia

City Score

"Japan's food capital — louder, friendlier, and cheaper than Tokyo, with a distinctive culture that feels like a different country."

City Metrics

Cost of Living74

Safety85

Healthcare92

Career Opportunities85

Climate68

Transport98

Air Quality77

Family Friendliness89.67

Education90

Top Neighborhoods

Namba

Umeda/Kita

Tennoji

Shin-Osaka

Housing Reality

Key money (reikin) is less common than Tokyo. 1-2 months deposit is standard. Many landlords still refuse foreign tenants — use a guarantor company (hosho gaisha).

Getting Around

Excellent rail network connecting to Kyoto (15min), Kobe (20min), and Nara. Very bikeable and flat compared to Tokyo.

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Frequently Asked Questions

▸Is Osaka a good place to live?

Osaka scores 83/100 overall. It is very affordable (cost score: 74/100), very safe (safety: 85/100), and has excellent healthcare (healthcare: 92/100). Top neighborhoods include Namba, Umeda/Kita, Tennoji.

▸What is the cost of living in Osaka?

Osaka has a cost of living score of 74/100 (higher = more affordable). Key money (reikin) is less common than Tokyo. 1-2 months deposit is standard. Many landlords still refuse foreign tenants — use a guarantor company (hosho gaisha).

▸How do I get around Osaka?

Osaka has a transport score of 98/100. Excellent rail network connecting to Kyoto (15min), Kobe (20min), and Nara. Very bikeable and flat compared to Tokyo.

▸What are the best neighborhoods in Osaka?

The most recommended neighborhoods in Osaka are Namba, Umeda/Kita, Tennoji, Shin-Osaka. Japan's food capital — louder, friendlier, and cheaper than Tokyo, with a distinctive culture that feels like a different country.

▸Is Osaka safe for expats?

Osaka has a safety score of 85/100. The city very safe and has an air quality score of 77/100.

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City Deep Dive

Is Osaka actually livable? See neighborhood rankings, real cost breakdowns, and local quality-of-life scores

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