Realistic Rents • Commute Times • Living Tips for Foreigners
¥45k–¥65k
Typical 1K/1DK Rent (cheap areas)
20–35 min
To Umeda/Namba (train)
Low Upfront
Key money optional in many units
About prices
Rents are realistic ranges for 1K/1DK single-occupancy units near stations (as of 2025). Actual prices vary by building age, distance to station, and move-in month.
Top 8 Affordable Areas in/near Osaka
1) Joto Ward (Imafuku-tsurumi / Shiginonishi)
Peaceful residential pockets with good value older stock. Easy access to Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line.
Rent: ¥48k–¥68k
To Umeda: ~25–30 min
2) Higashiyodogawa (Awaji / Zuiko)
Convenient for JR Kyoto Line & Hankyu. Lots of student-friendly units and supermarkets.
Rent: ¥50k–¥70k
To Umeda: ~15–20 min
3) Nishinari (Tengachaya / Kishinosato)
Osaka’s classic budget zone. Newer builds & renovated units appear around main stations. Check building security.
Rent: ¥40k–¥60k
To Namba: ~8–12 min
4) Ikuno (Tsuruhashi side streets)
Lively markets, multicultural food, and lots of older apartments at fair prices. Quick ride to Namba.
Rent: ¥45k–¥65k
To Namba: ~10–15 min
5) Taisho
Underrated bay-side area with affordable stock and direct access to JR Osaka Loop Line.
Rent: ¥45k–¥62k
To Namba: ~12–16 min
6) Sumiyoshi (Abiko / Sumiyoshitaisha)
Quiet southern neighborhoods with parks and trams. Good for value seekers who don’t mind longer rides.
Rent: ¥43k–¥60k
To Namba: ~20–30 min
7) Moriguchi / Kadoma (Suburban value)
Border cities with cheaper, larger rooms. Keihan Line gives smooth access to central Osaka/Kyoto.
Rent: ¥40k–¥58k
To Yodoyabashi: ~20–30 min
8) Sakai City (Sakai-higashi / Mikunigaoka)
Big suburban city with wide choice and competitive rents. Great if you commute south or want space.
Rent: ¥42k–¥60k
To Namba: ~15–25 min
Realistic Monthly Budgets (Single Occupancy)
Bare-Bones
Rent (1K older)¥45k–¥55k
Utilities (PGE/Wi-Fi)¥10k–¥13k
Food (home/konbini)¥20k–¥28k
Transit (IC)¥5k–¥8k
Monthly Total¥80k–¥104k
Balanced
Most Popular
Rent (1K/1DK)¥55k–¥70k
Utilities/Wi-Fi¥12k–¥15k
Food (mix)¥30k–¥40k
Transit¥7k–¥12k
Fun/Other¥8k–¥15k
Monthly Total¥112k–¥152k
Comfortable
Rent (newer 1DK/1LDK)¥75k–¥110k
Utilities/Wi-Fi¥15k–¥18k
Food (eat out)¥40k–¥55k
Transit¥10k–¥16k
Fun/Other¥15k–¥25k
Monthly Total¥155k–¥224k
Typical Initial Costs (Move-in)
What you might pay
• First Month Rent: ¥45k–¥80k
• Deposit (shikikin): 0–1 mo
• Key Money (reikin): 0–1 mo (often 0 in cheap areas)
• Agency Fee: 0.5–1 mo
• Guarantor/Company: ¥10k–¥30k
• Locks/Insurance: ¥15k–¥25k
How to reduce
• Filter for no key money & no deposit
• Choose buildings 15–30 years old near sub-centers
• Move in off-season (May–Jan)
• Consider UR / corporate-managed / furnished micro units
Commute & Airport Access (Realistic Costs)
Daily Commute Examples
Nishinari → Namba¥180–230 / 8–12 min
Awaji → Umeda¥230–280 / 15–20 min
Moriguchi → Yodoyabashi¥270–330 / 20–30 min
Sakai → Namba¥280–350 / 15–25 min
* Fares vary by route/operator. IC card prices shown as ballpark.
From Airports to Central Osaka
Kansai Int’l (KIX) → Namba/Umeda
• Nankai Airport Express: ~¥1,000 / 45–50 min
• Nankai Rapi:t (reserved): ~¥1,450 / ~38 min
• JR Haruka (to Tennoji/Osaka): ~¥1,800–2,400 / ~35–50 min
• Limousine Bus: ~¥1,600–2,000 / 45–70 min
• Taxi: ¥16,000+ (time- & toll-dependent)
Itami (ITM) → Umeda
• Limousine Bus: ~¥670–¥760 / ~25–35 min
• Monorail + Hankyu: ~¥600–¥700 / ~30–35 min
• Taxi: ~¥5,000–¥7,000
* Prices are realistic 2025 figures; operators may revise.
Foreigners’ Renting Tips in Osaka
Do’s
• Prepare ID, residence card (when applicable), income proof
• Ask for no key money options
• Confirm noise rules & trash schedule
• Check flood/earthquake maps if ground floor
Don’ts
• Don’t skip reading building rules (bikes, pets, musical instruments)
• Don’t ignore guarantor company fees/renewals
• Don’t sign without checking move-out fees
Good to Know
• Many cheap units are unit-bath & compact kitchens
• Internet may be building-provided (ask speed/fees)
• Older buildings can have thin walls—view at night if possible
