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
Osaka is Japan's second-largest metropolitan area and one of the easiest big cities in the country for foreigners to enjoy daily life quickly, thanks to its dense transit network, lower costs than Tokyo, and famously friendly locals.
This expat guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Osaka in 2026, from practical costs and visa options to neighborhoods, jobs, and property buying.
We constantly update this blog post with the latest data and insights so you always have accurate information when planning your move.
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.
Is Osaka a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Osaka in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Osaka is showing mixed but slightly improving trends for most expats, with major infrastructure upgrades and urban redevelopment projects continuing to enhance the city's livability.
The factor that has improved the most over the past two to three years is Osaka's transit and urban connectivity, with the Umeda and Osaka Station area undergoing significant redevelopment and the city preparing to host World Expo 2025, which has accelerated modernization across multiple districts.
On the other hand, a persistent challenge in Osaka remains the "felt cost of living" pressure, as rent prices in central wards have been climbing while wage growth has not always kept pace, making budgeting tighter for those not in high-paying roles.
That said, Japan overall remains in the top tier globally on human development outcomes, and Osaka specifically benefits from world-class healthcare, extremely low violent crime rates, and a food culture that delivers exceptional value.
Are hospitals good in Osaka in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospitals in Osaka are among the best in Japan and meet or exceed Western European and North American standards, with multiple facilities offering advanced medical technology and explicit support for foreign patients.
The hospitals expats most commonly recommend in Osaka include The University of Osaka Hospital for its comprehensive foreign patient support program, Osaka Red Cross Hospital which holds international patient accreditation (JMIP), and Kitano Hospital which serves as a major central Osaka facility with English services.
A standard doctor consultation in Osaka typically costs between 2,000 and 6,000 yen (roughly 13 to 40 USD or 11 to 32 EUR) with public health insurance, or 8,000 to 20,000 yen (roughly 50 to 130 USD or 43 to 108 EUR) without insurance, with costs increasing if tests or imaging are added.
Private health insurance is not strictly necessary for residents enrolled in Japan's public National Health Insurance system, which covers most medical expenses with a 30% co-pay, but many expats choose supplemental private coverage for English-language concierge services, private room upgrades, or income protection while sick.
Are there any good international schools in Osaka in 2026?
As of early 2026, Osaka has a solid selection of well-established international schools, with the highest concentration located in the northern suburbs around Minoh and Senri, offering IB curriculum and English-medium instruction.
The most reputable international schools among expat families in Osaka include Osaka International School of Kwansei Gakuin (OIS) which offers the full IB continuum, Senri International School of Kwansei Gakuin (SIS) on the same campus, and Osaka YMCA International School (OYIS) in a more central location.
Typical annual tuition fees at Osaka international schools range from 1.8 to 3.2 million yen per child (roughly 11,500 to 20,400 USD or 9,700 to 17,300 EUR), not including bus fees, uniforms, extracurricular activities, or one-time enrollment fees which can add several hundred thousand yen more.
Waitlists at popular international schools in Osaka can be long, especially for early grades and mid-year transfers, so expat families are advised to apply 6 to 12 months ahead if possible, and while public schools in Osaka are generally high quality, the main barrier for expat children is that instruction is entirely in Japanese with limited language support for non-speakers.
Is Osaka a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Osaka is generally very safe by global big-city standards, with violent crime rates far lower than most Western metropolitan areas, and the main risks for residents are petty theft (especially bicycle theft) and occasional nightlife-area issues rather than serious personal safety concerns.
The most common safety concerns expats should be aware of in Osaka include bicycle theft which is endemic citywide, pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas like Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, and occasional aggressive touts or scams targeting foreigners in entertainment districts late at night.
The safest neighborhoods for expats in Osaka include the Kita ward area around Umeda and Nakatsu which is business-oriented and well-lit, the Chuo ward around Honmachi and Kitahama which is central but quieter, and the family-friendly northern suburbs of Minoh, Toyonaka, and Suita where international schools are located.
Women can generally live alone safely in Osaka, as solo female residents are very common across the city, though practical precautions include choosing well-lit station areas, preferring buildings with auto-lock entry systems, avoiding ground-floor apartments if concerned, and exercising normal caution in the Minami entertainment district late at night.
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How much does everyday life cost in Osaka in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Osaka in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person can live comfortably in Osaka on a monthly budget of around 280,000 to 380,000 yen (roughly 1,800 to 2,400 USD or 1,500 to 2,050 EUR), which covers a nice apartment in a good area, regular dining out, gym membership, and domestic travel.
For a more modest but still decent lifestyle in Osaka, a single person can manage on around 200,000 to 250,000 yen per month (roughly 1,270 to 1,590 USD or 1,080 to 1,350 EUR), though this requires more cooking at home and a smaller or less central apartment.
A more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Osaka, with a spacious apartment in a prime area, frequent dining at quality restaurants, and regular entertainment, typically requires 400,000 to 500,000 yen per month (roughly 2,550 to 3,180 USD or 2,160 to 2,700 EUR) for a single person.
Housing takes the largest share of most expat budgets in Osaka, typically 35 to 45 percent of monthly expenses, with rent for a decent one-bedroom apartment in central wards like Kita or Chuo ranging from 90,000 to 170,000 yen per month, while suburban locations offer significantly lower rents.
What is the average income tax rate in Osaka in 2026?
As of early 2026, the effective income tax rate for a typical middle-income employee in Osaka (earning around 5 to 8 million yen annually) works out to roughly 20 to 30 percent of gross income when combining national income tax, resident tax, and social insurance contributions.
Japan's national income tax uses progressive brackets ranging from 5 percent on the first 1.95 million yen of taxable income up to 45 percent on income above 40 million yen, while Osaka's resident tax (combining prefectural and municipal portions) adds a flat rate of approximately 10 percent on top of that, making the combined marginal rate quite significant for higher earners.
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 Osaka in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Osaka in 2026?
As of early 2026, the largest groups of foreign residents in Osaka Prefecture are from Korea (about 34 percent of the foreign population), China (about 30 percent and growing fastest), and Vietnam (about 15 percent), with smaller but notable communities from Nepal, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Western countries.
Osaka City's foreign-resident population reached approximately 6 percent of the total city population as of 2024, with over 170,000 registered foreign nationals, and this percentage has been steadily increasing from around 4 percent a decade ago.
The main reasons these communities are drawn to Osaka include its long history as a commercial hub with established Korean and Chinese communities dating back generations, its strong manufacturing and service sector jobs attracting workers from Southeast Asia, and its more affordable living costs compared to Tokyo for students and young professionals.
The expat population in Osaka is predominantly a mix of working professionals (especially in manufacturing, tech, and education), students attending language schools and universities, and long-term residents with family ties, rather than retirees or digital nomads who tend to favor other destinations.
Where do most expats live in Osaka in 2026?
As of early 2026, expats in Osaka tend to concentrate in the central Kita ward (around Umeda and Nakatsu) for young professionals, the Chuo ward (Honmachi, Kitahama, Shinsaibashi area) for those wanting walkable urban living, and the northern suburbs of Minoh, Toyonaka, and Suita for families seeking access to international schools.
What makes these neighborhoods attractive is their combination of excellent train connectivity (most are within minutes of major Osaka Metro or private rail lines), walkable urban amenities, and concentration of English-friendly services, with the northern suburbs specifically offering larger housing, quieter streets, and proximity to the cluster of international schools around Senri.
Emerging neighborhoods that are starting to attract more expats include Nishinari ward (particularly around Daikokucho) where Chinese investors have renovated older properties and improved the area significantly, and parts of Nishi ward like Horie which offer a trendy cafe culture and younger vibe at somewhat lower rents than Kita or Chuo.
Are expats moving in or leaving Osaka in 2026?
As of early 2026, Osaka is experiencing a clear net inflow of foreign residents, with the city recording Japan's highest net social population growth for two consecutive years, and foreigners accounting for over half of Osaka's new residents in 2023 alone (more than 17,000 new foreign residents that year).
The main factor driving expats to move to Osaka right now is the combination of post-pandemic economic recovery, lower living costs compared to Tokyo, and the buzz around World Expo 2025 which has accelerated job creation and urban development across the Kansai region.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Osaka is the persistent language barrier for those who cannot or do not want to learn Japanese, combined with occasional frustration over bureaucratic processes (banking, phone contracts, apartment applications) that remain difficult to navigate without Japanese ability.
Compared to other destinations in Asia, Osaka's expat growth trend is stronger than most Japanese cities outside Tokyo, and the city is gaining ground as an alternative to more expensive hubs like Singapore or Hong Kong for professionals seeking quality of life at lower cost.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Osaka in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Osaka in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Osaka are the work visa (employer-sponsored, covering various "status of residence" categories like Engineer/Specialist in Humanities), the student visa (for language school or university enrollment), and the spouse or dependent visa (for those with family ties to Japanese nationals or residents).
The most commonly used expat visa, the work visa, generally requires a job offer from a Japanese employer, a university degree or equivalent professional experience relevant to the position, and company sponsorship for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application.
Japan launched a Digital Nomad Visa in 2024 which allows remote workers to stay for up to 6 months, but it requires proof of annual income over 10 million yen (roughly 64,000 USD), private health insurance with at least 10 million yen coverage, and citizenship from one of 49 eligible countries, and importantly it cannot be renewed (you must leave for 6 months before reapplying).
Work visas are typically issued for 1, 3, or 5 years depending on the applicant's profile and employer, and renewal involves resubmitting documentation to prove continued employment and meeting visa conditions, with the process generally taking 2 to 4 weeks if paperwork is in order.
How long does it take to get residency in Osaka in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time to obtain initial residency in Japan (via a Certificate of Eligibility and subsequent visa) ranges from about 1 to 3 months for the COE stage plus a few days to a few weeks for visa issuance abroad, with actual entry and resident registration in Osaka happening within your first week of arrival.
Common factors that can delay the process include incomplete documentation, high application volumes during peak seasons (like April for new fiscal year hires), employer inexperience with immigration paperwork, or applications for less common visa categories that require additional scrutiny.
To become eligible for permanent residency in Japan, an expat must generally live in the country for 10 continuous years (including 5 years on a work visa), demonstrate stable income and tax compliance, and show good conduct, though highly skilled professionals can qualify in as few as 1 to 3 years under the points-based accelerated pathway.
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 Osaka in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Osaka in 2026?
As of early 2026, the industries hiring the most in Osaka include manufacturing and supply chain (reflecting Kansai's strong industrial base with companies like Panasonic and Sharp), technology and IT (especially software engineering roles at startups and established firms), and tourism and hospitality (boosted by Expo 2025 preparations and the ongoing tourism recovery).
It is realistic for expats to get hired in Osaka without speaking Japanese, but this significantly narrows opportunities to specific roles such as IT engineering, multinational corporate functions, English teaching, and international school positions, while most local companies and customer-facing roles still require business-level Japanese.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Osaka include software and web development (where technical skills can outweigh language requirements), ALT and private English teaching positions (abundant but lower-paying), international sales or business development at export-oriented manufacturers, and academic positions at universities or research institutes.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Osaka in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical salary range for expats working in Osaka spans from about 4 million yen for entry-level positions up to 14 million yen or more for senior specialists and managers (roughly 25,500 to 89,000 USD or 21,600 to 75,700 EUR annually).
Entry-level and mid-level expat positions in Osaka typically pay between 4 million and 7 million yen per year (roughly 25,500 to 44,600 USD or 21,600 to 37,800 EUR), covering roles like junior engineers, assistant language teachers, entry-level corporate positions, and early-career specialists.
Senior or specialized expat roles in Osaka, such as experienced software engineers, managers, finance professionals, or those with niche technical expertise, typically command salaries between 8 million and 14 million yen or higher (roughly 51,000 to 89,000 USD or 43,200 to 75,700 EUR), with executive-level positions potentially exceeding these ranges.
Employers in Osaka do commonly sponsor work visas for foreign hires when the role requires skills in genuine shortage, particularly in engineering, IT, and specialized corporate functions, though sponsorship is much less common for generalist roles where qualified local candidates are readily available.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Osaka right now?
What do expats love most about living in Osaka right now?
The top things expats love about Osaka are the incredible everyday food scene (from street food to high-end dining, all at better value than Tokyo), the efficient and affordable public transit system, and the easy weekend access to Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, and natural escapes like Lake Biwa and Wakayama.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats is Osaka's laid-back, friendly atmosphere, with locals known for being more openly chatty, humorous, and willing to "meet foreigners halfway" compared to the more reserved culture of other Japanese cities.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most is the cost-to-convenience ratio, as Osaka offers world-class urban amenities, extremely safe streets, and excellent healthcare at living costs significantly lower than Tokyo, Singapore, or Hong Kong.
Culturally, expats enjoy Osaka's distinct identity as Japan's "kitchen" with its focus on food enjoyment over formality, the more direct communication style of locals, and the vibrant entertainment districts that feel energetic without being overwhelming.
What do expats dislike most about life in Osaka right now?
The top complaints expats have about Osaka include the paperwork friction when dealing with banks, phone contracts, and government offices without strong Japanese ability, the small apartment sizes and poor insulation in older buildings, and the intense summer humidity that runs from June through September.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats most is the cash-heavy nature of many local shops, restaurants, and services, as while Japan is improving with contactless payments, many Osaka establishments (especially smaller ones) still operate primarily on cash.
The bureaucratic issue causing the most headaches is opening a bank account as a new resident, which often requires waiting 6 months after arrival, providing extensive documentation, and navigating Japanese-only application processes at most major banks.
Most expats find these frustrations manageable rather than deal-breaking, as the quality of life advantages generally outweigh the inconveniences, and many of the paperwork challenges become easier after the first year of residence once bank accounts, phone contracts, and address proof are established.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Osaka right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to Osaka include the strict quietness expected on trains (no phone calls, minimal conversation), the elaborate garbage sorting system with different collection days for different waste types, and the indirect "polite no" communication style where explicit refusals are rare.
The social norm that surprises newcomers most is the concept of "reading the air" (kuuki wo yomu), where understanding unspoken expectations and avoiding causing inconvenience to others is highly valued, which can feel confusing for those from more direct communication cultures.
The aspect of daily routines that takes longest to adjust to is the seasonal rhythm of Japanese life, including the oppressive summer heat requiring different clothing and hydration habits, the fiscal year starting in April (affecting everything from job hunting to school enrollment), and the cultural expectation of participating in workplace end-of-year parties (bonenkai) and other social obligations.
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 Osaka in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Osaka in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally own property in Japan including Osaka, with no restrictions on foreign ownership of apartments, houses, or land, making Japan one of the most open real estate markets in Asia for international buyers.
The main condition that applies to foreigners buying property in Osaka is compliance with the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA), which requires notification and reporting for certain transactions involving funds from abroad, though this is a procedural requirement rather than a restriction on ownership itself.
Foreigners in Osaka can own all property types including condominium apartments (mansion), detached houses, land, and commercial buildings, with no special limitations compared to Japanese citizens, and ownership rights are fully protected under Japanese law.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Osaka.
What is the average price per m² in Osaka in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for residential condominiums in Osaka ranges from about 350,000 yen in outer areas to 1,300,000 yen in prime central wards (roughly 2,200 to 8,300 USD or 1,900 to 7,000 EUR per sqm), with the core Kita, Chuo, and Nishi wards commanding the highest premiums.
Property prices in Osaka have been trending upward over the past two to three years, driven by strong domestic and international investment demand, infrastructure improvements related to World Expo 2025, and the city's growing appeal as an alternative to increasingly expensive Tokyo.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Osaka here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Osaka in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages are available to foreigners in Osaka but with stricter conditions than for Japanese nationals, with permanent residents finding approval relatively straightforward while non-permanent residents face higher down payment requirements and more limited lender options.
The banks in Osaka known to offer mortgages to foreigners include SMBC Prestia (SMBC Trust Bank) which is considered the most foreigner-friendly and offers English support, SBI Shinsei Bank which accepts non-permanent residents with valid residence cards, and Suruga Bank which has a dedicated program for foreign residents.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Osaka include down payments of 20 to 30 percent (compared to 10 to 20 percent for Japanese buyers), interest rates ranging from about 0.5 to 1.5 percent for variable rates, and maximum loan terms of 25 to 35 years depending on the lender and applicant profile.
To qualify for a mortgage, foreigners typically need a valid residence card with at least 1 to 3 years remaining, stable employment history in Japan (usually 2 or more years), annual income above 4 to 6 million yen depending on the bank, and the ability to understand contract details in Japanese or bring a qualified interpreter.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Japan.
Buying real estate in Osaka can be risky
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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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Osaka Prefectural Government - Internationalization Statistics | Official government data on foreign residents with detailed nationality breakdowns. | We used it to determine the size and composition of Osaka's foreign-resident population. We identified the largest nationality groups and growth trends. |
| MLIT - Official Land Price (Koji Chika) | Japan's official annual benchmark for land values, published by the government. | We used it to anchor per-square-meter price estimates for Osaka real estate. We triangulated with transaction data for realistic market pricing. |
| Kinki REINS | Government-designated network aggregating actual property transaction data in Kansai. | We used it to verify Osaka condo prices based on real completed sales. We avoided relying solely on asking prices from property portals. |
| Osaka City - National Health Insurance Guide | Official Osaka City document explaining the public healthcare system in English. | We used it to confirm co-payment structures and coverage rules for residents. We converted these into practical out-of-pocket cost estimates. |
| MHLW - Monthly Labour Survey | Japan's national authority for wage and employment statistics. | We used it to assess whether purchasing power is keeping pace with living costs. We treated it as our macro reality check for quality-of-life trends. |
| National Tax Agency - Withholding Tax Guide | Official source for income tax rules and employer withholding in Japan. | We used it to ground our income tax estimates for employees in Osaka. We converted gross-to-net pay calculations using official tax brackets. |
| Osaka Prefectural Police - Crime Statistics | Official police data on recorded crime by type and location in Osaka. | We used it to provide evidence-based safety assessments rather than anecdotes. We identified which crime types are most common and where risk concentrates. |
| Immigration Services Agency - Immigration Control Report | Primary Japanese government source for immigration and residency statistics. | We used it to confirm foreign-resident inflow trends and visa category breakdowns. We avoided media summaries when underlying official data was available. |
| Savills - Osaka Residential Spotlight | Established global real estate research firm with transparent methodology. | We used it to understand Osaka's renter-heavy market structure and rent trends. We translated market commentary into practical guidance for newcomers. |
| UNDP - Human Development Report 2023/24 | Flagship international dataset for benchmarking living standards globally. | We used it to confirm Japan's top-tier ranking on human development outcomes. We applied it as context rather than a substitute for Osaka-specific data. |
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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