What is the average rent in Osaka?

Last updated on August 26, 2025

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Japan Property Pack

Yes, the analysis of Osaka's property market is included in our pack

Average monthly rents in Osaka range from JPY 45,000 for studios in suburban areas to JPY 200,000 for family-sized apartments in central districts like Namba and Umeda.

As of September 2025, central Osaka neighborhoods like Kita-ku and Chuo-ku command the highest rents, while peripheral areas offer significantly lower prices. The Osaka rental market shows strong demand from students, expats, and young professionals, with rental yields averaging 4.47% across the city.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Japan, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

Quick Summary:

Studios in central Osaka average JPY 55,000-56,000 monthly, while suburban areas drop to JPY 39,000-42,000.

Total monthly costs including utilities and maintenance range from JPY 63,000-83,000 for single-person apartments in central areas.

Property Type	Central Areas (Namba/Umeda)	Suburban Areas
Studio (1R)	JPY 55,000-56,000	JPY 39,000-42,000
1K/1DK (1-bedroom)	JPY 59,000-63,000	JPY 46,000-50,000
1LDK/2K/2DK	JPY 90,000-95,000	JPY 58,000-70,000
2LDK/3LDK (Family)	JPY 120,000-200,000	JPY 70,000-120,000
Price per sqm	JPY 2,800-3,300	JPY 2,200-2,800
Gross Rental Yield	4.0-4.5%	3.5-4.0%
Vacancy Rate	3.1-4.9%	5-7%

Who is the author of this content?

BAMBOOROUTES

A team specialized in real estate investing in APAC countries (Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, etc.).

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Osaka. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At BambooRoutes, we explore the Japanese real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Osaka, Tokyo, and Kyoto. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What are the average monthly rents in Osaka by property type?

Studio apartments (1R) in central Osaka cost JPY 55,000-56,000 per month, while suburban areas offer studios for JPY 39,000-42,000.

One-bedroom apartments (1K/1DK) average JPY 59,000-63,000 monthly in central wards like Chuo-ku and Kita-ku. In outer areas, these same units rent for JPY 46,000-50,000.

Small family apartments (1LDK/2K/2DK) command JPY 90,000-95,000 in top central locations like Namba and Umeda. Suburban versions of these units typically rent for JPY 58,000-70,000.

Larger family units (2LDK/3LDK) range from JPY 120,000-200,000 monthly in central Osaka, depending on exact location and building quality.

It's something we develop in our Japan property pack.

How do rents vary across Osaka neighborhoods?

Central business districts like Namba (Chuo-ku) and Umeda (Kita-ku) represent the premium rental market in Osaka.

Namba area studios cost JPY 55,000-56,000, with 1K apartments at JPY 63,000 and 2DK+ units reaching JPY 95,000. Umeda shows similar pricing with studios at JPY 56,000 and 1K units at JPY 63,000.

Tennoji, another central area, offers slightly lower rents with studios at JPY 51,000, 1K apartments at JPY 58,000, and 2DK+ units at JPY 86,000.

Suburban areas like Higashiyodogawa and Yodogawa show substantial savings. Studios rent for JPY 42,000-49,000, 1K apartments for JPY 46,000-54,000, and 2DK+ units for JPY 62,000-74,000.

Outlying municipalities like Moriguchi offer the lowest rents, with studios as low as JPY 38,000, 1K apartments at JPY 42,000, and 2DK units at JPY 57,000.

What is the typical price per square meter for rentals?

Osaka apartments average JPY 2,800-3,300 per square meter monthly in central areas.

This pricing is significantly lower than Tokyo's JPY 4,237 per square meter, making Osaka an attractive alternative for renters.

Family-sized units (1LDK-3LDK) typically cost slightly less per square meter due to economies of scale. Studios command a premium at JPY 3,300-3,600 per square meter due to the "small apartment premium" effect.

Suburban areas see prices drop to JPY 2,200-2,800 per square meter, reflecting the distance from central business districts.

What is the total monthly cost including utilities and fees?

Cost Component	Single Person (Studio/1K)	Family (2-3LDK)
Base Rent	JPY 50,000-63,000	JPY 120,000-180,000
Maintenance Fees	JPY 7,000-12,000	JPY 12,000-18,000
Utilities	JPY 8,000-12,000	JPY 15,000-22,000
Municipal Taxes/Insurance	JPY 1,000-2,000	JPY 2,000-3,000
Total Monthly Cost	JPY 66,000-89,000	JPY 149,000-223,000

How do mortgage costs compare with current rents?

A new 70-square-meter condominium in central Osaka costs JPY 55-57 million to purchase.

With a typical mortgage (20% down payment, 35-year term at 1.2% interest), monthly payments reach JPY 130,000-140,000, excluding property taxes and maintenance fees.

An equivalent rental property costs JPY 120,000-200,000 monthly depending on location and building quality.

Mortgages become competitive for long-term residents planning to stay over 7-10 years, but renting offers more flexibility for shorter stays or uncertain tenure.

Don't lose money on your property in Osaka

100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.

What are the differences between short-term and long-term rental profitability?

Short-term rentals (Airbnb) generate average monthly revenue of JPY 278,000 with 83% occupancy rates.

Long-term leases for similar properties yield JPY 60,000-90,000 monthly for studio/1K units with near-full occupancy.

Airbnb properties can achieve 6-8% gross yields before compliance costs, while long-term rentals typically yield 4-5%.

However, Osaka's increasingly strict regulations on short-term rentals are making this model less attractive for individual investors. Seasonal demand fluctuations and higher management overhead add significant risk to short-term rental strategies.

Long-term leases offer stable, predictable income with lower management requirements and regulatory compliance risks.

What are current rental examples across the city?

In Umeda (Kita-ku), renters pay JPY 56,000 for studios, JPY 63,000 for 1K apartments, and JPY 90,000-120,000 for 3LDK family units.

Namba (Chuo-ku) shows similar pricing with studios at JPY 55,000, 1K units at JPY 63,000, and family apartments at JPY 95,000-140,000.

Tennoji offers moderate savings with studios at JPY 51,000, 1K apartments at JPY 58,000, and family units at JPY 86,000-130,000.

Suburban areas like Higashiyodogawa show significant cost reductions: studios at JPY 42,000, 1K units at JPY 46,000, and family apartments at JPY 62,000-74,000.

In outlying areas like Moriguchi, budget options include studios at JPY 38,000, 1K apartments at JPY 42,000, and family units at JPY 57,000.

What are the common renter profiles affecting demand?

Students represent a major demand driver, particularly near universities, with international students increasing rental pressure in campus areas.

International professionals and expats show strong demand for luxury central apartments, especially in Umeda, Namba, and Abeno districts.

Families prefer 2-3LDK units in suburban areas like Suita, Ibaraki, and Toyonaka for larger spaces and lower costs.

Single professionals and younger workers drive demand for compact central units, reflecting Japan's trend toward single-person households.

This diverse tenant base creates stable demand across different property types and price points throughout Osaka.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Japan versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

What are the current vacancy rates in Osaka?

Central Osaka Grade A apartments show a 4.9% vacancy rate as of Q4 2024, with all grades averaging 3.1%.

These historically low vacancy rates reflect strong demand for quality residential units in prime locations.

Student accommodation maintains particularly low vacancy rates due to consistent university enrollment and limited purpose-built student housing supply.

Suburban apartments show slightly higher vacancy rates but remain tight overall, typically ranging from 5-7% depending on proximity to transportation and amenities.

The tight rental market across all segments indicates sustained demand and limited new supply in the Osaka metropolitan area.

What are the average rental yields in Osaka?

Osaka city averages 4.47% gross rental yield as of Q1 2025, making it one of Japan's most attractive rental markets.

City center areas (Kita, Chuo, Tennoji) generate 4.0-4.5% yields, which exceed Tokyo's central district yields.

Suburban areas typically yield 3.5-4.0%, with higher-yield opportunities near universities or new transit stations.

Studio and 1K apartments generally produce the highest yields due to strong single-person household demand and lower per-unit purchase prices.

It's something we develop in our Japan property pack.

How have rents and yields changed over recent years?

Rents in central Osaka increased 9-13% since 2020, showing faster growth than most regional Japanese cities but less than Tokyo.

Rental yields remained stable around 4.3-4.5%, reflecting balanced growth between property values and rental income.

The COVID-19 period saw temporary dips in 2020-2021, but recovery was strong with continued growth through 2025.

Suburban yields decreased slightly as demand shifted toward urban convenience and compact units in central areas.

Year-over-year growth from 2024 to 2025 shows continued momentum with limited new supply supporting rental price increases.

What is the rental market forecast for Osaka?

Short-term outlook through 2026 anticipates continued 5-8% annual growth in rental prices, driven by Expo 2025 and major redevelopment projects.

Mid-term projections for the next five years expect growth to moderate to 3-5% annually, supported by international buyer interest and professional immigration.

Long-term forecasts through 2035 predict stable rents and steady yields, with demographic challenges offset by urbanization trends and foreign demand.

Osaka is expected to outperform other Japanese regional cities due to strong international connectivity and continued economic development.

Compared to international cities, Osaka offers higher yields than Tokyo, stronger growth potential than Fukuoka or Nagoya, and competitive returns versus similar mid-tier global markets.

It's something we develop in our Japan property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Osaka's rental market offers attractive opportunities for both tenants and investors, with central areas commanding premium rents while suburban locations provide affordable options.

The combination of stable demand, low vacancy rates, and competitive yields makes Osaka an appealing alternative to more expensive markets like Tokyo.