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
Looking for the latest rental prices in Osaka? You're in the right place.
We've gathered the most recent data on Osaka rents in 2026, from studios to family apartments, and we keep this article constantly updated.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Osaka.
Insights
- Osaka City rents are climbing 4% to 8% year-over-year in 2026, with compact apartments (30 to 60 square meters) leading the growth thanks to strong demand from young professionals and couples.
- The average rent per square meter in Osaka sits around ¥2,500 citywide, but jumps to ¥3,200 in prime wards like Kita-ku and Chuo-ku near major train stations.
- Osaka's rental vacancy rate hovers between 6% and 8% in the city center, which is much tighter than the broader prefecture where many units sit empty in less accessible areas.
- Well-priced studios in central Osaka typically rent within 14 to 28 days, while properties in outer wards can take 30 to 45 days to find a tenant.
- February through April is Osaka's busiest rental season, driven by Japan's academic year start and corporate job transfers that bring waves of new tenants.
- Landlords in Osaka pay roughly 1.7% of their property's assessed value each year in combined fixed asset tax and city planning tax.
- Furnished apartments remain rare in Osaka's long-term rental market, with most tenants expecting unfurnished units and bringing their own appliances.
- Foreign nationals and expats are increasingly concentrated in Kita-ku and Chuo-ku, where English-friendly services and short commutes make daily life easier.
What are typical rents in Osaka as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Osaka as of 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical studio apartment in Osaka (usually called 1R or 1K, around 18 to 25 square meters) rents for about ¥60,000 per month, which works out to roughly $400 USD or €375 EUR.
However, studio rents in Osaka can range quite a bit, from around ¥45,000 ($300 USD / €280 EUR) in outer neighborhoods to ¥85,000 ($565 USD / €530 EUR) or more in prime central wards like Kita-ku or Chuo-ku.
The main factors that push Osaka studio rents up or down are location (especially walking distance to a train station), building age, and whether the unit has modern features like auto-lock entry or a separate bath and toilet.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Osaka as of 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical 1-bedroom apartment in Osaka (usually a 1LDK layout, around 30 to 40 square meters) rents for about ¥85,000 per month, which equals roughly $565 USD or €530 EUR.
Depending on location and building quality, 1-bedroom rents in Osaka range from around ¥65,000 ($430 USD / €405 EUR) in quieter areas to ¥135,000 ($900 USD / €845 EUR) in the most sought-after central neighborhoods.
For the cheapest 1-bedroom options in Osaka, look toward Sumiyoshi-ku or Higashiyodogawa-ku, while the priciest 1-bedrooms cluster in Kita-ku (Umeda area), Chuo-ku (Shinsaibashi), and Nishi-ku (Horie).
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Osaka as of 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical 2-bedroom apartment in Osaka (usually a 2LDK layout, around 50 to 65 square meters) rents for about ¥130,000 per month, which equals roughly $865 USD or €815 EUR.
The realistic range for 2-bedroom rents in Osaka spans from around ¥100,000 ($665 USD / €625 EUR) in residential outer wards to ¥260,000 ($1,730 USD / €1,625 EUR) for newer buildings near major stations in the city center.
Budget-friendly 2-bedroom apartments in Osaka can be found in Sumiyoshi-ku, Abeno-ku, and Miyakojima-ku, while the most expensive 2-bedrooms are in Kita-ku, Chuo-ku, and Nishi-ku near Umeda and Namba.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Osaka.
What's the average rent per square meter in Osaka as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Osaka is around ¥2,500 per month, which equals roughly $16.65 USD or €15.60 EUR per square meter.
This figure varies significantly across Osaka neighborhoods, ranging from about ¥1,800 ($12 USD / €11.25 EUR) per square meter in outer wards to ¥3,200 ($21.30 USD / €20 EUR) or more in prime central areas like Kita-ku and Chuo-ku.
Compared to Tokyo, Osaka's rent per square meter is noticeably lower, often 20% to 30% cheaper for similar quality, which makes Osaka attractive to renters and investors seeking better value in a major Japanese city.
Properties that command above-average rent per square meter in Osaka typically have short walks to train stations, newer construction with modern security features, and are located on higher floors with good natural light.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Osaka in 2026?
As of early 2026, contracted rents in Osaka City have increased by roughly 4% to 8% compared to the same time last year, depending on apartment size and location.
The main drivers of Osaka's rent growth in 2026 are strong inbound migration (including foreign workers and students), limited new supply in central wards, and sustained demand from young professionals seeking transit-connected apartments.
This year's rent growth in Osaka continues the upward trend from 2025, though asking rents on listing portals often show even higher increases (7% to 12%) because landlords are testing higher prices in a competitive market.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Osaka in 2026?
As of early 2026, Osaka City rents are projected to grow by 3% to 6% over the course of the year, with the possibility of higher growth if migration stays strong and new supply remains tight.
The key factors supporting Osaka's rent growth outlook include a high share of renter households, net migration from other parts of Japan and abroad, and major infrastructure projects like Expo 2025 boosting the city's economic profile.
Neighborhoods expected to see the strongest rent growth in Osaka during 2026 are Kita-ku (Umeda area), Chuo-ku (Namba and Shinsaibashi), and Fukushima-ku, all of which combine excellent transit access with limited available units.
The main risks that could slow Osaka's rent growth include a broader economic slowdown in Japan, higher-than-expected completions of new apartment buildings, or any significant disruption to inbound migration patterns.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Japan. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Osaka as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Osaka as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Osaka are Kita-ku (Umeda area), Chuo-ku (Shinsaibashi and Honmachi), and Nishi-ku (Horie and Shinmachi), where typical rents run 20% to 40% above the citywide average.
These Osaka neighborhoods command premium rents because they offer direct access to major train stations, modern high-rise buildings with security features, and walkable streets filled with restaurants, shops, and offices.
The typical tenant profile in these high-rent Osaka neighborhoods includes young professionals, corporate relocations, dual-income couples, and expats who prioritize short commutes and urban convenience over space.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Osaka.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Osaka right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Osaka are Umeda/Nakatsu in Kita-ku, Fukushima in Fukushima-ku, and Horie/Shinmachi in Nishi-ku.
Young professionals in these Osaka neighborhoods typically pay between ¥70,000 and ¥100,000 ($465 to $665 USD / €440 to €625 EUR) per month for a studio or compact 1LDK apartment.
What attracts young professionals to these Osaka neighborhoods is the combination of trendy dining and nightlife, quick commutes to business districts, modern apartment buildings, and a vibrant street-level atmosphere.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Osaka.
Where do families prefer to rent in Osaka right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Osaka are Tennoji-ku (Uehommachi area), Abeno-ku, and Sumiyoshi-ku, all offering more space at reasonable prices while staying well-connected to central Osaka.
Families in these Osaka neighborhoods typically pay between ¥120,000 and ¥180,000 ($800 to $1,200 USD / €750 to €1,125 EUR) per month for a 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom apartment.
What makes these neighborhoods attractive to families in Osaka is the combination of quieter residential streets, larger apartment layouts, good public schools, parks, and reliable train access to central business areas.
Top-rated schools near these family-friendly Osaka neighborhoods include several well-regarded public elementary and junior high schools, plus private options, and the areas benefit from proximity to Tennoji's educational and cultural facilities.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Osaka in 2026?
As of early 2026, the areas that rent fastest in Osaka are around Umeda/Osaka Station, Namba/Shinsaibashi, and near Osaka Metropolitan University's Sugimoto campus in Sumiyoshi-ku.
In these high-demand Osaka areas, well-priced rental properties typically stay listed for just 14 to 21 days before being snapped up by tenants, compared to 30 to 45 days in less transit-connected neighborhoods.
Properties within a 5-minute walk of major Osaka train stations or university gates often command a rent premium of ¥5,000 to ¥15,000 ($33 to $100 USD / €31 to €94 EUR) per month compared to similar units further away.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Osaka right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Osaka are Kita-ku (Umeda and Nakatsu), Chuo-ku (Honmachi and Shinsaibashi), and Nishi-ku (Horie).
Expats in these Osaka neighborhoods typically pay between ¥80,000 and ¥150,000 ($530 to $1,000 USD / €500 to €940 EUR) per month, depending on apartment size and building quality.
What draws expats to these Osaka neighborhoods is the availability of English-friendly services, international restaurants, modern apartments with security features, and very short commutes to major employers.
The expat communities most represented in these Osaka neighborhoods include professionals from China, South Korea, the United States, and various Southeast Asian countries, many working in tech, finance, or education.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Osaka.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Osaka
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
Who rents, and what do tenants want in Osaka right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Osaka?
The top three tenant profiles that dominate Osaka's rental market are single-person households (young workers and students), couples and dual-income households without children, and families with children seeking larger apartments.
In Osaka City, single-person households make up the largest share of renters (roughly 50% to 55%), followed by couples (around 25% to 30%), and families (around 15% to 20%).
Single tenants in Osaka typically seek studios or 1K apartments near train stations, couples look for 1LDK to 2LDK units in central wards, and families prioritize 2LDK to 3LDK apartments in quieter neighborhoods with good schools.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Osaka.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Osaka?
In Osaka's long-term rental market, the vast majority of tenants (around 85% to 90%) rent unfurnished apartments, which is the standard practice across Japan.
When furnished apartments are available in Osaka, they typically command a rent premium of ¥10,000 to ¥30,000 ($65 to $200 USD / €60 to €190 EUR) per month compared to similar unfurnished units.
The tenant profiles who prefer furnished rentals in Osaka are mainly expats on short-term assignments, corporate relocations, and students who want a move-in-ready option without the hassle of buying appliances.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Osaka?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Osaka are proximity to a train station (under 5 minutes walk), auto-lock entry systems, newer building age (under 10 years), separate bath and toilet, and in-unit washer hookups.
Each of these amenities can add ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 ($20 to $100 USD / €19 to €94 EUR) per month to Osaka rents, with station proximity and building age having the largest impact, often adding 10% to 20% to the base rent.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Osaka, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Osaka?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for Osaka rental properties are kitchen and bath fixture upgrades, fresh paint and flooring, improved lighting, modern air conditioning units, and enhanced security (smart locks or intercom systems).
These renovations typically cost between ¥100,000 and ¥500,000 ($665 to $3,330 USD / €625 to €3,125 EUR) each and can increase monthly rent by ¥3,000 to ¥10,000 ($20 to $65 USD / €19 to €63 EUR), often paying for themselves within 2 to 4 years.
Renovations with poor ROI that Osaka landlords should avoid include overly luxury finishes that exceed neighborhood expectations, major structural changes in older buildings, and amenities tenants don't prioritize like bathtub upgrades when a shower is sufficient.
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.
How strong is rental demand in Osaka as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Osaka as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the vacancy rate for rental properties in central Osaka City is estimated at 6% to 8%, which indicates a fairly healthy market with steady tenant demand.
Vacancy rates vary across Osaka neighborhoods, ranging from as low as 4% to 5% in high-demand central wards like Kita-ku and Chuo-ku, to 10% or higher in outer residential areas with weaker transit connections.
Osaka's current vacancy rate is slightly lower than its historical average, reflecting strong migration into the city and sustained demand from young professionals, students, and foreign nationals moving to Osaka for work.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Osaka.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Osaka as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental properties in Osaka stay listed for an average of 21 to 35 days before being rented, though this varies significantly by location and property type.
In central Osaka wards like Kita-ku and Chuo-ku, well-priced studios and 1LDKs near train stations often rent within 14 to 21 days, while properties in outer wards or with less competitive pricing can take 30 to 45 days or longer.
Compared to one year ago, days-on-market in Osaka have stayed relatively stable or even shortened slightly in the most popular neighborhoods, reflecting continued strong demand from tenants seeking central, transit-connected apartments.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Osaka?
The peak months for tenant demand in Osaka are February through April, when the majority of lease signings happen as new employees start jobs and students begin the academic year.
This seasonal pattern in Osaka is driven by Japan's April fiscal and academic year start, which triggers a wave of corporate transfers, university enrollments, and job relocations all concentrated in early spring.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Osaka are typically June through August and November through December, when fewer people are relocating and landlords may need to be more flexible on pricing to fill vacancies.
Buying real estate in Osaka can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What will my monthly costs be in Osaka as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Osaka as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Osaka should expect to pay roughly 1.7% of their property's assessed taxable value per year in combined property taxes, which for a typical ¥20 million condo works out to about ¥340,000 ($2,265 USD / €2,125 EUR) annually.
The realistic range of annual property taxes in Osaka spans from around ¥100,000 ($665 USD / €625 EUR) for smaller, older units in outer wards to ¥500,000 ($3,330 USD / €3,125 EUR) or more for larger, higher-value properties in central locations.
Property taxes in Osaka are calculated based on the assessed value of land and building (which is often lower than market price), with a 1.4% fixed asset tax and an additional 0.3% city planning tax applied in urban areas.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Osaka, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Osaka right now?
In standard long-term Osaka rentals, landlords most commonly pay building management fees and repair reserve contributions (for condominiums), while tenants pay electricity, gas, water, sewerage, and internet directly.
For condo landlords in Osaka, monthly management fees plus repair reserves typically range from ¥10,000 to ¥25,000 ($65 to $165 USD / €60 to €155 EUR), depending on building size, age, and amenities.
The common practice in Osaka is for tenants to handle all usage-based utilities in their own name, while landlords only cover utilities if they're specifically bundling them into a furnished or corporate lease arrangement.
How is rental income taxed in Osaka as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Osaka is taxed at the national level as ordinary income, with rates ranging from 5% to 45% depending on your total taxable income, plus local inhabitant taxes of about 10% for residents.
Landlords in Osaka can deduct expenses like property taxes, management fees, repair costs, depreciation, and interest on loans from their rental income before calculating taxable profit.
A common tax mistake specific to Osaka (and Japan broadly) is failing to properly document expenses or misunderstanding how depreciation works, which can lead to paying more tax than necessary or triggering issues during audits.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Osaka.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Japan compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Osaka, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| At Home × SMTRI Mansion Rent Index | It's a widely cited Japanese rent index built from executed contracts and quality-adjusted statistically. | We used the Osaka City year-over-year rent change by size band to anchor real-world rent growth. We then translated its size bands into studio, 1-bed, and 2-bed categories with Osaka-typical floor areas. |
| LIFULL HOME'S Kinki Rental Report | LIFULL HOME'S is one of Japan's biggest housing portals and publishes transparent market snapshots from its own platform data. | We used it to understand asking rents, typical sizes, and what tenants actually click on as a demand signal. We used its Osaka sub-area breakdowns to ground neighborhood patterns. |
| Savills Japan Osaka Residential Spotlight | Savills is a major global real estate consultancy with a dedicated research team and clear methodology. | We used it to explain who rents in Osaka, including renter share, migration, and foreign nationals. We used its qualitative analysis to support our 2026 outlook narrative. |
| Osaka Prefecture Housing Survey Summary | It's an official prefectural publication compiled from Japan's national Housing and Land Survey results. | We used it for the stock vacancy context and the count of vacant dwellings for rent in Osaka Prefecture. We used those figures to set a realistic vacancy range for Osaka City versus the broader prefecture. |
| Statistics Bureau of Japan Housing & Land Survey | This is the official national statistics agency page for Japan's housing stock survey. | We used it to validate that the Housing and Land Survey is the correct official dataset. We used it as the primary source behind Osaka's vacancy statistics. |
| e-Stat Government Statistics Portal | e-Stat is Japan's official one-stop portal for government statistics tables and metadata. | We used it to cross-check survey timing and publication schedules. We also used it as the canonical place readers can verify official tables. |
| Osaka City Fixed Asset Tax Overview | It's Osaka City's official explanation of how local property taxes are calculated and billed. | We used it for the tax rates (1.4% and 0.3%), the valuation basis, and payment schedule. We then turned that into a simple landlord estimate of what you'll pay. |
| National Tax Agency Japan | The NTA is Japan's tax authority, and this page explains how rental income is treated for non-residents. | We used it to explain withholding and filing requirements for non-resident landlords. We kept it practical and clearly separated national income tax from local taxes. |
| Osaka City Sewerage Charges | It's an official city page showing the sewerage charge scheme with a standard household example. | We used the standard household volume and bill example to ground utility costs. We then explained which party typically pays utilities in long-term rentals. |
| Osaka Gas Rate Notice | It's straight from the utility provider and gives a concrete standard household monthly bill. | We used it to anchor a realistic monthly gas cost in Osaka. We paired it with the city sewerage example to avoid hand-wavy utility estimates. |
| MLIT Private Rental Housing Resources | MLIT is Japan's national housing ministry and publishes the standard guidance landlords and tenants rely on. | We used it to frame what's standard practice in Japanese residential leases, including contracts and move-out rules. We used it to avoid giving advice based only on portal anecdotes. |
| SMTRI Index Landing Page | It's the research institute behind the hedonic rent index methodology used with At Home. | We used it to corroborate the index producer and methodology. We used it to reinforce that our rent growth numbers come from a proper research product, not portal rumors. |
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Osaka
Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.
Related blog posts