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Nagoya is Japan's fourth-largest city and a major hub for manufacturing, automotive, and engineering industries, making it a practical choice for expats seeking big-city convenience without Tokyo's intensity.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data on cost of living, visas, housing, and daily life in Nagoya.
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 Nagoya.
Is Nagoya a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Nagoya in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Nagoya is on a stable-to-slightly-improving trajectory, with strong infrastructure and livability but gradual cost increases tempering the overall picture.
One factor that has clearly improved in Nagoya over the past two to three years is subway and rail connectivity, with station upgrades and new accessible routes making daily commutes faster and more comfortable for residents citywide.
On the other hand, the persistent challenge in Nagoya remains rising living costs: the city's Consumer Price Index showed a year-on-year increase of about 2.1% as of late 2025, meaning rent, groceries, and utilities continue to creep upward even if slower than in some global cities.
Are hospitals good in Nagoya in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospital quality in Nagoya is comparable to Western European or North American standards, with several advanced university hospitals and clinics offering high-quality care across most specialties.
Expats in Nagoya commonly recommend Nagoya University Hospital for specialized and tertiary care, Nagoya City University Hospital for general outpatient services, and local Japanese Red Cross facilities for emergency and broad specialty coverage.
A standard doctor consultation in Nagoya in 2026 typically costs between 1,500 and 3,500 yen out-of-pocket (about 10 to 23 USD or 9 to 21 EUR) for a basic visit without extensive tests, assuming you are enrolled in Japan's national health insurance at the standard 30% copay rate.
Private health insurance is generally not necessary if you are enrolled in Japan's public system, but it can be useful for private room upgrades, smoother English-language support, and travel or evacuation coverage.
Are there any good international schools in Nagoya in 2026?
As of early 2026, Nagoya offers a small but solid selection of international schools, with at least three well-established options that follow international curricula such as the IB or American standards.
The most reputable international schools among expat families in Nagoya include Nagoya International School (NIS), which offers the full IB continuum, and International Christian Academy of Nagoya (ICAN), a smaller community-focused school.
Annual tuition at Nagoya International School in 2026 ranges from about 2,000,000 yen for preschool to over 3,000,000 yen for high school grades (roughly 13,000 to 20,000 USD or 12,000 to 18,500 EUR), with additional fees for enrollment, development, bus, and activities often adding 10 to 25% on top.
Waitlists at popular grades can be a real factor, especially for mid-year entries: NIS explicitly runs a wait-pool system when capacity is tight, so families are advised to apply six to twelve months ahead if possible. Public schools are academically strong in Japan but require Japanese fluency, making them more viable once children have language support in place.
Is Nagoya a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Nagoya is generally considered a safe city by global standards, with low violent crime rates and a strong sense of public order that is typical of Japanese urban areas.
The most common safety concerns for expats in Nagoya are property crimes, especially bicycle theft, along with occasional petty theft and nighttime nuisances in entertainment districts like Sakae.
The safest neighborhoods for expats in Nagoya tend to be well-lit residential areas close to subway stations, such as Kakuozan, Motoyama, Yagoto, and the quieter parts of Chikusa Ward, where family-friendly communities and international services cluster.
Women can generally live alone safely in Nagoya, and the most effective precautions are practical ones: choosing apartments near well-lit stations, locking bikes properly, and being cautious around late-night bar streets, particularly in central Sakae.
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How much does everyday life cost in Nagoya in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Nagoya in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person can live comfortably in Nagoya on about 280,000 to 360,000 yen per month (roughly 1,800 to 2,350 USD or 1,700 to 2,200 EUR), which covers a modern one-bedroom apartment, food, transport, and personal expenses.
For a more modest but decent lifestyle, a single person in Nagoya could get by on around 200,000 to 250,000 yen per month (about 1,300 to 1,600 USD or 1,200 to 1,500 EUR), provided they rent a smaller unit in a less central area and cook at home regularly.
A more comfortable or upscale lifestyle, including a larger apartment in a desirable neighborhood, frequent dining out, and leisure activities, typically requires 400,000 to 500,000 yen per month (about 2,600 to 3,250 USD or 2,400 to 3,050 EUR) for a single person.
In Nagoya, rent is the largest single expense for most expats, often accounting for 30 to 40% of monthly spending, with central Nagoya one-bedrooms typically ranging from 70,000 to 120,000 yen and suburban options from 50,000 to 80,000 yen.
What is the average income tax rate in Nagoya in 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical middle-income earner in Nagoya with a salary of around 5 to 6 million yen per year can expect an effective combined income tax rate (national plus local) of roughly 15 to 20%, before accounting for social insurance deductions.
Japan's national income tax uses a progressive bracket system ranging from 5% on the lowest taxable income up to 45% on income above 40 million yen, while local inhabitant tax adds a flat rate of about 10% on taxable income in most municipalities, including Nagoya.
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 kind of foreigners actually live in Nagoya in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Nagoya in 2026?
As of early 2026, the largest groups of foreign residents in Nagoya come from China, South Korea, and Vietnam, followed by significant communities from Nepal, the Philippines, Brazil, and the United States.
Nagoya is home to approximately 95,000 to 100,000 registered foreign residents, representing about 4% of the city's total population of around 2.3 million, making it one of the more internationally diverse cities in Japan outside of Tokyo and Osaka.
The main reason expats from these top origin countries are drawn to Nagoya is the strong manufacturing and automotive sector: the Toyota ecosystem and its supplier network, plus engineering and logistics industries, create steady demand for skilled foreign workers.
Unlike Tokyo's finance-heavy expat scene or Osaka's mix of tourism and trade, Nagoya's foreign population is predominantly working professionals tied to industry, along with students and researchers at local universities.
Where do most expats live in Nagoya in 2026?
As of early 2026, expats in Nagoya tend to concentrate in neighborhoods with good subway access and international amenities, including Sakae and Fushimi (Naka Ward), the Nagoya Station area (Nakamura Ward), Kakuozan and Motoyama (Chikusa Ward), and Yagoto (Showa/Tenpaku area).
What makes these Nagoya neighborhoods attractive to expats is the combination of fast transport links, proximity to English-friendly clinics, restaurants, and shops, plus manageable commutes to international schools and major employers.
An emerging area starting to attract more expats in Nagoya is Meito Ward, particularly around Issha and Hongo, which offers more space and a suburban feel while still being connected to the city center by subway.
Are expats moving in or leaving Nagoya in 2026?
As of early 2026, the trend for expat migration in Nagoya shows a net inflow, with the foreign resident population at record highs following a post-pandemic recovery that has continued into 2025 and early 2026.
The main factor driving expats to move to Nagoya right now is the strong job market in manufacturing, engineering, and related industries, combined with more affordable living costs compared to Tokyo and better housing space for families.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Nagoya is the limited English-speaking social scene compared to Tokyo or Osaka, along with the challenge of building an international network outside of work in a city that is less instantly cosmopolitan.
Compared to similar destinations in Japan, Nagoya's expat population growth is steady but more specialized, driven by industry rather than the broader mix of finance, tourism, and startups that fuels Tokyo and Osaka.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Nagoya in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Nagoya in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Nagoya are work visas (especially the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services category), the Highly Skilled Professional visa for high earners, and dependent or spouse visas for accompanying family members.
For the most commonly used work visa in Nagoya, you typically need a job offer from a Japanese employer, a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) sponsored by that employer, a valid passport, and proof of relevant qualifications or experience in your field.
Japan does offer a digital nomad visa as of 2024, allowing remote workers from 49 eligible countries to stay for up to six months if they earn at least 10 million yen per year (about 65,000 USD) and carry private health insurance worth at least 10 million yen, though this visa is not renewable and does not lead to residency.
Most popular expat visas in Nagoya are initially granted for one to five years depending on the category, with renewals possible if you remain employed or meet the relevant conditions, and visa processing typically takes one to three months once documentation is complete.
How long does it take to get residency in Nagoya in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time to obtain a residence status (visa approval) in Nagoya is one to three months once all documentation is submitted, though this can vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Common factors that can delay residency applications include incomplete documentation, high application volumes at immigration offices, or unusual employment arrangements, while having a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) already in hand can significantly speed up the process.
To become eligible for permanent residency in Japan, the standard rule is ten years of continuous residence, but Highly Skilled Professional visa holders can qualify in as little as one year (with 80+ points) or three years (with 70+ points) under the fast-track system.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Japan. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Nagoya in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Nagoya in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top industries hiring in Nagoya are automotive manufacturing and its supply chain (especially around the Toyota ecosystem), industrial automation and robotics, and logistics and supply chain management.
It is realistic for expats to get hired in Nagoya without speaking Japanese if you target multinational manufacturers, engineering firms with global operations, or IT roles supporting manufacturing modernization, but client-facing roles and domestic SMEs almost always require Japanese.
The most accessible roles for foreign job seekers in Nagoya tend to be in automotive engineering, quality assurance, supply chain and procurement, and technical IT positions linked to manufacturing digitalization, especially if you have relevant industry experience.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Nagoya in 2026?
As of early 2026, expats working in Nagoya typically earn between 5 and 12 million yen per year (roughly 32,000 to 78,000 USD or 30,000 to 73,000 EUR), depending on industry, role, and experience level.
For entry-level or mid-level expat positions in Nagoya, salaries generally range from 4 to 7 million yen per year (about 26,000 to 45,000 USD or 24,000 to 42,000 EUR), which is typical for engineers, analysts, and junior managers joining Japanese firms or multinationals.
Senior or specialized expat roles in Nagoya, such as senior engineers, technical managers, or directors, can command 9 to 15 million yen per year or more (about 58,000 to 97,000 USD or 55,000 to 91,000 EUR), especially in the automotive and industrial sectors.
Large employers and multinationals in Nagoya routinely sponsor work visas for qualified foreign hires, while smaller domestic companies are less likely to sponsor unless you bring scarce expertise they cannot find locally.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Nagoya right now?
What do expats love most about living in Nagoya right now?
Expats in Nagoya consistently praise three things: the practical balance of big-city amenities with manageable commutes, the more spacious and affordable housing compared to Tokyo, and the convenient location for weekend travel to Kyoto, Osaka, and the Japanese Alps.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Nagoya is the lack of overcrowding: trains are less packed, streets are less hectic, and daily errands feel more relaxed than in Tokyo, which makes everyday life noticeably easier.
On the practical side, expats appreciate that Nagoya offers reliable infrastructure, excellent public transport, and a cost of living that is roughly 15 to 20% lower than Tokyo for comparable quality, which translates to more financial breathing room.
Culturally, expats enjoy the blend of traditional Japanese heritage (castles, shrines, local festivals) with a modern urban core, plus a food scene that includes Nagoya specialties like miso katsu and hitsumabushi that you won't find as easily elsewhere.
What do expats dislike most about life in Nagoya right now?
The top complaints from expats in Nagoya are the smaller international social scene compared to Tokyo or Osaka, the gradual but persistent rise in living costs, and the limited English-language services outside of major employers and international hubs.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats most in Nagoya is the reliance on Japanese in routine transactions: from bank visits to doctor appointments to rental contracts, paperwork and communication often require either Japanese fluency or a local helper.
The bureaucratic headache expats mention most in Nagoya is the ward-by-ward variation in rules and processes, especially for things like trash sorting, resident registration, and utility setup, which can feel confusing when you move neighborhoods.
Despite these frustrations, most expats find them manageable rather than deal-breakers, especially if you invest early in learning basic Japanese or build a network of local contacts who can help navigate the system.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Nagoya right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to Nagoya are the formality of everyday interactions (especially in business and banking), the detailed rules around trash sorting and recycling, and the quieter social atmosphere compared to Western cities.
The social norm that surprises newcomers most in Nagoya is the expectation of indirect communication and non-confrontation: people rarely say "no" directly, which can be confusing until you learn to read between the lines.
The aspect of daily routines that takes longest to adjust to in Nagoya is the early closing times for shops and restaurants outside of central areas, plus the expectation that you'll plan ahead for appointments rather than dropping in unannounced.
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.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Nagoya in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Nagoya in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign property ownership in Nagoya is fully allowed under Japanese law, with no legal restrictions on nationality for buying apartments, houses, or land.
The main practical constraints for foreigners buying property in Nagoya are financing and documentation: banks often require a longer visa, stable income history in Japan, and sometimes permanent residency before approving a mortgage, though the legal right to own is not restricted.
Foreigners in Nagoya can own all property types, including condominiums, detached houses, and land, with no nationality-based limitations, though some rural areas outside Nagoya have special rules for farmland or forest purchases.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Nagoya.
What is the average price per m² in Nagoya in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for residential property in central Nagoya ranges from about 600,000 to 1,100,000 yen (roughly 3,900 to 7,100 USD or 3,600 to 6,700 EUR), while good residential wards outside the core typically range from 350,000 to 750,000 yen per square meter.
Property prices in Nagoya have been on a gradual upward trend over the past two to three years, driven by steady demand, low interest rates, and limited new supply in desirable central locations, though the pace of increase is more moderate than in Tokyo.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Nagoya here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Nagoya in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Nagoya are available but limited: most banks require a stable Japan-based income, a longer remaining visa, and often permanent residency or a strong compensating factor like a large down payment.
Banks in Nagoya known to offer mortgages to foreigners include SMBC Trust Bank (Prestia), which publishes English-language housing loan products, as well as some branches of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and MUFG that work with international clients on a case-by-case basis.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Nagoya include a down payment of 10 to 30% (sometimes higher without PR), interest rates currently in the 0.5 to 1.5% range for variable loans, and maximum loan terms of 20 to 35 years depending on the borrower's age and visa status.
To qualify for a mortgage in Nagoya, foreigners typically need to provide proof of stable employment in Japan (often two or more years with the same employer), tax records, a valid residence card, and documentation of the property purchase.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Japan.
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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 Nagoya, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aichi Prefecture Statistics | Official prefectural release publishing Nagoya's CPI with methodology notes. | We used it to anchor current cost trends in Nagoya. We also tracked year-on-year inflation changes into 2026. |
| Statistics Bureau of Japan (CPI) | Japan's official national CPI series produced under the Statistics Act. | We used it to cross-check Nagoya's inflation with national trends. We also ensured local data wasn't interpreted in isolation. |
| Statistics Bureau of Japan (Household Survey) | Official monthly survey of household spending used for cost-of-living analysis. | We used it to build baseline monthly budgets. We then adjusted for Nagoya's specific rent and transport patterns. |
| Nagoya City Foreign Resident Statistics | Official city source for foreign resident counts and related datasets. | We used it to describe who lives in Nagoya as a foreign resident. We also tied neighborhood guidance to where international services cluster. |
| Immigration Services Agency (PR Guidelines) | Official guideline spelling out permanent residence requirements and exceptions. | We used it to give concrete residency timelines. We made the "how long to get PR" section precise rather than vague. |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Working Visa) | Japan's official visa information listing work visa categories and requirements. | We used it to list mainstream visa routes expats use. We kept paperwork details grounded in official requirements. |
| National Tax Agency | Official tax authority guidance and annual withholding tables. | We used it to ground income tax discussion in how payroll works. We justified effective tax estimates rather than guessing. |
| Ministry of Health (Copayment Overview) | Official document explaining copayment structure by age and income. | We used it to quantify typical out-of-pocket costs at clinics. We also assessed when private insurance is optional versus useful. |
| Nagoya International School (Tuition) | School's own published fee schedule for 2025-26. | We used it to give real, current tuition numbers. We anchored the international school budget section in a verifiable document. |
| Aichi Prefectural Police (Crime Data) | Prefectural police's official crime dataset publication. | We used it to ground safety claims in real incident data. We highlighted relevant urban risks for everyday expat life. |
| MLIT (Land Market Value) | Japan's official annual land price publication and methodology. | We used it to anchor price-per-square-meter with official benchmarks. We kept the property section tied to government valuation. |
| SMBC Trust Bank (Housing Loans) | Major bank's official product page for housing loans including international clients. | We used it to support the claim that mortgages are possible for foreigners. We pointed to a real lender rather than generic advice. |
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.
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