Cost of Living in Osaka, Japan
Japan · Asia
$2,900
Monthly Cost
avg/person
80
Cost Index
NYC=100
62
Rent Index
NYC=100
85
Quality of Life
Excellent
88
Safety Index
Excellent
2.7M
Population
JPY
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $9 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $45 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $6.5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $4.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $5.5 |
| Cappuccino | $4.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.8 |
| Water (0.33L) | $1.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.4 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.9 |
| Rice (1kg) | $3.2 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.3 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $7.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $18 |
| Apples (1kg) | $4.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $3.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $1.3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $1.8 |
| Monthly Pass | $90 |
| Taxi 1km | $3.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.5 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $29000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $21000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $165 |
| Mobile Plan | $50 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $33 |
| Fitness Club/month | $65 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,500/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,000/mo |
| 3BR Center | $3,500/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $2,100/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $10,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $6,000/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $2700 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 1.2% |
Cost of Living in Osaka — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Osaka, Japan is approximately $2,900 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Osaka has a cost index of 80, making it around 20% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Osaka costs around $1,000/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,500/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $3,500/month. The rent index is 62 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Osaka scores 85/100 on the quality of life index and 88/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 90/100. The climate index is 66/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Osaka is approximately $2,700/month. With a purchasing power index of 72/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is JPY, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Osaka
The average monthly salary in Osaka is approximately $2,700. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $2,900, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 72/100.
Healthcare Costs in Osaka
Healthcare quality in Osaka is rated 90/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Osaka
Osaka has a quality of life score of 85/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Osaka
Students living in Osaka should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Osaka
Expats moving to Osaka often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Osaka, Japan is approximately $2,900 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 80 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Osaka
Living in Osaka offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 80 and a quality of life score of 85/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $2,700 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Osaka provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Japan and around the world.
Key Facts About Osaka
- Average Monthly Cost: $2,900
- Cost Index: 80
- Rent Index: 62
- Average Salary: $2,700
- Quality of Life: 85/100
- Safety Score: 88/100
- Country: Japan
- Currency: JPY
Is Osaka Expensive?
Osaka has a cost index of 80 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Osaka compare to other cities?
Osaka is located in Asia with a population of approximately 2.7M. At a cost index of 80 (NYC = 100), it is a mid-range city in terms of global cost of living. Use the free comparison tool to see how Osaka stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Osaka?
The average cost of living in Osaka, Japan is approximately $2,900 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 80 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Osaka?
Rent in Osaka varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 62 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Osaka alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Osaka expensive to live in?
Osaka has a cost index of 80 compared to New York City (100). At 80, Osaka is on the more expensive side globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $2,900.
What is the quality of life in Osaka?
Osaka has a quality of life index of 85/100 and a safety index of 88/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a excellent quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Osaka compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Osaka with any city worldwide. Osaka's cost index is 80 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Osaka?
Many residents live comfortably in Osaka with a monthly budget of around $2,900 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Osaka good for expats?
Osaka is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Osaka?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $2,900 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Osaka.
Is Osaka cheaper than New York?
Yes, Osaka has a cost index of 80 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Osaka?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Osaka.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Osaka
Cheapest Ways to Live in Osaka
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Osaka typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $1,000/month compared to $1,500/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Osaka, Japan.
Is Osaka Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 72/100 and a quality of life score of 85/100, Osaka is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 80 relative to New York City, Osaka remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Japan has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Osaka Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Osaka", "Osaka monthly expenses 2026", and "is Osaka affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $2,900, a safety score of 88/100, and healthcare rated 90/100, Osaka offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Japan.
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Last reviewed: 7/4/2026