Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, is often called the “Nation’s Kitchen” for its incredible culinary scene. Known for its friendly locals, unique culture, and vibrant neighborhoods, Osaka offers digital nomads a more laid-back yet exciting alternative to Tokyo. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of living for digital nomads in Osaka.
1. Accommodation Costs in Osaka
Osaka provides a range of housing options, from affordable shared apartments to high-end city-center rentals.
- Co-Living Spaces: $300–$600/month
- Studio Apartments: $500–$1,000/month
- Mid-Range Apartments: $1,000–$2,000/month
- Luxury Apartments: $2,500–$4,000/month
Popular Areas for Digital Nomads:
- Namba: A lively area known for shopping and dining.
- Umeda: The business district with modern apartments and coworking spaces.
- Tennoji: Budget-friendly with easy access to transport.
Pro Tip: Use platforms like GaijinPot or Sakura House to find housing tailored to expats.
2. Food and Dining
Osaka is famous for its food scene, offering everything from hearty street food to fine dining experiences.
- Street Food: $1–$5 per item (e.g., takoyaki, okonomiyaki)
- Casual Dining (Local Restaurants): $6–$12 per meal
- Mid-Range Restaurants: $20–$40 per meal
- Groceries for a Month: $200–$350
Must-Try Foods: Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, and Osaka-style sushi.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss Dotonbori, Osaka’s vibrant dining district, for authentic local dishes.
3. Transportation
Getting around Osaka is simple, thanks to its efficient public transport system.
- Subway and Train Fare: $1–$3 per ride
- Monthly Metro Pass: $40–$80
- Taxis: $6–$15 per ride (short distances)
- Bike Rentals: $10–$30/month
- Car Rentals: $300–$600/month
Pro Tip: The ICOCA card makes traveling on trains, buses, and even ferries a breeze.
4. Co-Working Spaces and Internet
Osaka offers a growing number of coworking spaces catering to digital nomads and entrepreneurs.
- Coworking Memberships: $150–$300/month
- Day Pass: $20–$35/day
- Home Internet: $30–$60/month
Top Co-Working Spaces:
- WeWork Osaka
- The Hive Osaka
- Osakan Space
Pro Tip: Cafes like Starbucks and Tully’s often provide free Wi-Fi and are good for casual work sessions.
5. Entertainment and Lifestyle
Osaka offers a mix of cultural, historical, and modern attractions.
- Fitness Memberships: $50–$100/month
- Cultural Sites: $2–$10 (e.g., Osaka Castle, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine)
- Nightlife: Drinks start at $5–$10 in bars or izakayas.
- Weekend Getaways: $30–$100 (e.g., Kobe, Kyoto, Nara)
- Amusement Parks: $60–$100 (e.g., Universal Studios Japan)
Must-Do Activities:
- Explore Kuromon Ichiba Market for fresh seafood and street food.
- Visit the historic Osaka Castle and its surrounding park.
- Enjoy the nightlife and neon lights in Dotonbori.
6. Visa and Other Expenses
Japan offers digital nomads several visa options depending on the length of stay.
- Tourist Visa: Free for many nationalities (valid for 90 days)
- Long-Stay Visa: $200–$500 (e.g., Business Visa, Cultural Visa)
- Health Insurance: $50–$100/month
- Miscellaneous Expenses: $50–$200/month
Pro Tip: Refer to the Japan Visa Guide for the most accurate and up-to-date visa information.
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Osaka
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $500–$2,000 |
| Food and Dining | $200–$600 |
| Transportation | $40–$100 |
| Co-Working/Internet | $150–$300 |
| Entertainment/Lifestyle | $150–$400 |
| Miscellaneous | $100–$300 |
| Total | $1,140–$3,700 |
Why Osaka is a Great Choice for Digital Nomads
Osaka’s friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and excellent infrastructure make it an ideal city for digital nomads. With a lower cost of living than Tokyo and easy access to other major cities, Osaka offers a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Want to see the cost of living in other cities in Japan? Go back to our guide to being a digital nomad in Japan and see the full list.
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