Cost of Living in Osaka, Japan
Osaka is a city in Japan, where a single person can expect to spend about $1,301 per month including rent, food, and local transport. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $722 per month, or $542 outside the centre. Internet is fast at around 230 Mbps median download speed, and Japan offers a digital nomad visa. On safety, Osaka scores 82/100 — very safe for residents and visitors. Expect summer highs near 90°F and winter highs around 48°F, with roughly 193 sunny days a year.
How Osaka Ranks Among 340 Cities
Of the 340 cities Voyica tracks, Osaka ranks in the top 1% for food scene, but sits in the bottom 12% for air quality. It is cheaper than 61% of them.
| Metric | Osaka | World rank | Rank in Asia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $1,301 | #130 of 340 | #54 of 65 |
| Safety | 82/100 | #35 of 340 | #11 of 65 |
| Healthcare | 79/100 | #90 of 340 | #9 of 65 |
| Internet speed | 230 Mbps | #107 of 340 | #13 of 65 |
| Walkability | 82/100 | #15 of 340 | #3 of 65 |
| Public transit | 90/100 | #4 of 340 | #4 of 65 |
| Food scene | 98/100 | #1 of 340 | #1 of 65 |
| Air quality | 63/100 | #301 of 340 | #44 of 65 |
Rank 1 = most affordable, safest, and so on. Computed across every city in Voyica's dataset (June 2026 snapshot); ties share a rank.
Cheaper Alternatives to Osaka
Cities with a similar mix of safety, food, culture, walkability and climate that cost at least 15% less per month than Osaka.
- Kaohsiung, Taiwan — $1,056/mo, 19% cheaper, safety 85/100
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — $1,019/mo, 22% cheaper, safety 78/100
- Dalat, Vietnam — $520/mo, 60% cheaper, safety 78/100
- Penang, Malaysia — $790/mo, 39% cheaper, safety 82/100
Everyday Prices in Osaka, Compared
| Item | Osaka | Against other cities |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent, city centre | $722/mo | Cheaper than 65% |
| 1BR rent, outside centre | $542/mo | Cheaper than 61% |
| Utilities | $133/mo | Cheaper than 59% |
| Home internet | $28/mo | Cheaper than 68% |
| Transit pass | $33/mo | Cheaper than 66% |
| Gym membership | $57/mo | Pricier than 69% |
| Cheap restaurant meal | $6.45 | Cheaper than 73% |
| Cappuccino | $3.03 | Cheaper than 50% |
| Local beer at a bar | $2.74 | Cheaper than 72% |
Compared with every other city in Voyica's price data that reports the same item.
Lifestyle & Quality of Life in Osaka
Neighborhoods in Osaka
Namba · Shinsekai · Umeda · Amerikamura
Osaka FAQ
How much does it cost to live in Osaka?
A single person should budget around $1,301 per month in Osaka, covering rent, groceries, transport, and basic lifestyle costs. A family of four typically needs about $2,748 per month excluding rent.
How much is rent in Osaka?
A one-bedroom apartment in central Osaka averages $722 per month, dropping to about $542 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,674.
Is Osaka safe?
Osaka scores 82/100 on safety, which is very safe. Tourist safety is rated 90/100.
How fast is the internet in Osaka?
Median download speeds in Osaka are around 230 Mbps — fast for remote work and video calls. There are roughly 45 coworking spaces in the city.
Does Japan offer a digital nomad visa?
Yes — Japan offers a digital nomad visa. US passport holders can typically stay 90 days visa-free before applying.
What is the weather like in Osaka?
Osaka sees summer highs around 90°F and winter highs near 48°F, with about 193 mostly sunny days a year and at least 1 mm of rain on about 98 days.
Osaka in our travel guides
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