Popular areas recommended for living alone in Osaka

If you are starting to live alone in Osaka, the first thing you should consider is "which area to live in."

Within Osaka Prefecture, average rent, living environment, convenience, and public safety vary greatly depending on the area.

There are a variety of options, from locations close to business districts with easy access, to cities with many universities that are popular with students, to commercial areas with convenient shopping, to suburbs where rent is cheaper.

When searching for a rental apartment or condominium to live in alone, it is important to balance your lifestyle, convenience for commuting to work or school, and cost.

Here we will introduce five carefully selected areas in Osaka that are particularly popular for living alone.

Umeda/Kita Ward | Great access and popular with business people

Kita Ward, which includes Umeda, the center of Osaka, is densely packed with commercial facilities and office buildings and is known as one of the Kansai region's leading business areas.

It is a transportation hub where JR Osaka Station, Umeda Station, Hankyu, Hanshin, and subway lines converge, making it one of the most convenient areas for commuting in Osaka Prefecture. On holidays, you can enjoy shopping and dining at large commercial facilities such as Grand Front Osaka, Lucua, and HEP FIVE, making it ideal for people who want to live an urban lifestyle.

There are also plenty of apartments and condominiums for single people, with plenty of listings for properties with fully equipped facilities such as auto-locks, delivery boxes, and separate sinks. The average rent is on the higher side, but you can expect a life that combines security and comfort.

This is an ideal area, especially for working professionals whose lives revolve around work.

Tennoji/Abeno Ward | A good balance between shopping and commuting

Tennoji and Abeno Ward is an area in Osaka City that offers a particularly good balance between convenience and a peaceful living environment.

The area around Tennoji Station is lined with large commercial facilities such as Abeno Harukas, Tennoji Mio, and Q's Mall, making it a great place to enjoy shopping and dining out.

In addition, multiple lines, including JR, Kintetsu, and subways, are available, making it extremely convenient for commuting to work or school.

A little way from the hustle and bustle in front of the station you will find a quiet residential area with plenty of rental apartments and condominiums for single people, so by choosing the age of the building and the layout, you can ensure a comfortable living environment while keeping costs down.

This is a well-balanced option for those who want both convenient transportation and a comfortable lifestyle.

Fukushima Ward and Nishi Ward | Stylish and livable neighborhoods

Although Fukushima-ku and Nishi-ku are adjacent to central Tokyo areas such as Umeda and Namba, their calm streets and sophisticated atmosphere make them highly popular areas among young single people and creative individuals.

The area around Fukushima Station is lined with unique restaurants and cafes, making it convenient for people living alone who tend to eat out a lot.

The Horie area of Nishi Ward is full of fashion and interior shops and is popular with people who want to live a sophisticated lifestyle.

Both wards have good transportation access, and if you use the Osaka Metro or JR, you can travel to major areas such as Umeda, Honmachi, and Shinsaibashi in a short amount of time.

Although rent is slightly higher than average, there are many newly built rental apartments and highly functional properties, making this an area recommended for those who want to enjoy a high quality lifestyle.

Toyonaka/Suita | Quiet environment, popular with students and new graduates

Toyonaka City and Suita City are located in the Hokusetsu area adjacent to Osaka City, and are popular areas with quiet residential areas and lush greenery.

The area is also well-suited for students living alone as it is close to the campuses of Osaka University and Kansai University, and there are plenty of reasonably priced studio and 1K rental properties in the area.

It is also popular among new graduates and young company employees, and has good access to Umeda and Shin-Osaka via the Hankyu Line and Osaka Monorail. The relatively good public safety situation in the area also makes it a safe place to live for one.

There are also supermarkets and drugstores dotted around the area, making it extremely convenient for daily life.

This is an ideal area for those looking for a quiet and comfortable living environment while keeping costs down.

Sakai/Higashi Osaka | Low average rent and recommended for those who value value for money

Sakai City and Higashi Osaka City have relatively low average rents and are popular areas for cost-conscious single people living alone.

Sakai City is accessible via the Nankai Line and JR Hanwa Line, providing good access to areas such as Namba and Tennoji.

Higashi Osaka City is well served by the Kintetsu Nara Line and Osaka Line, and is within easy commuting distance to Osaka City.

These areas tend to have many older rental apartments and condominiums, and it is relatively easy to find one-room properties for under 50,000 yen.

Additionally, prices in the surrounding area are reasonably low, and there are supermarkets, restaurants and other facilities necessary for daily life available, making the overall cost of living low.

For students and new workers who are living alone for the first time or who have limited income, this is a realistic and easy-to-live option.

Rent market price and points to consider when choosing a property

When starting to live alone in Osaka, the two things you will be most concerned about are "rent" and "what type of property to choose."

The average rent varies greatly depending on the area, and it is not uncommon for there to be a difference of 10,000 to 20,000 yen per month between living in the city center and in the suburbs. In addition, the layout, age of the building, and whether or not it has facilities also have a big impact on the rent and comfort of living.

To choose a property that suits your lifestyle and budget, it is important to understand the approximate rent, then carefully consider which floor plan is suitable, how much the initial costs will be, and what facilities are necessary.

In this chapter, we will compare the average rent prices for living alone in Osaka and provide detailed explanations on what to consider when choosing a property.

Comparison of average rent prices in Osaka city and suburbs

When living alone in Osaka, the average rent varies greatly depending on the area.

For example, in the center of Osaka City (Kita-ku, Chuo-ku, Nishi-ku, etc.), the average monthly rent for a studio or 1K apartment is around 70,000 to 80,000 yen. On the other hand, in Tennoji-ku and Yodogawa-ku, the price is a little lower, with some properties available for around 60,000 yen.

In contrast, in suburban areas such as Toyonaka, Suita, Higashiosaka, and Sakai, there are many properties with similar floor plans that cost around 40,000 to 60,000 yen. The buildings in the suburbs may be slightly older, but the rent tends to be lower. New buildings and those close to stations tend to have higher rents.

The key to choosing an area is finding the right balance between rent and convenience, while also considering the distance and time it takes to commute to work or school. It's important to have an accurate understanding of market prices in order to maintain a reasonable household budget.

What is the best layout for living alone? (Studio, 1K, 1DK, 1LDK)

The floor plans chosen for people living alone mainly include one room, 1K, 1DK, and 1LDK.

• Studio apartment: This is the most compact type of apartment, with the kitchen and living room integrated, making it ideal for people who want to keep their rent low or who only need a minimal amount of living space.
• 1K: The kitchen is separate and recommended for those who are concerned about smells and noise.
• 1DK: Ideal for those who want to separate the dining room and bedroom, this apartment offers a slightly larger space.
• 1LDK: The living room, dining room, and bedroom are clearly separated, making it easy to accommodate working from home or living with two people.

Naturally, the larger the floor plan, the higher the rent tends to be.

It's important to determine how much space you need based on your lifestyle and budget.

Estimated initial costs and savings points

When renting a property in Osaka Prefecture, you will need to pay a lump sum of initial costs in addition to the rent.

The general guideline for initial costs is "3 to 5 months' rent." For example, for a room that costs 60,000 yen per month, you can expect to pay around 180,000 to 300,000 yen.

The breakdown is as follows: deposit, key money (one month's each), agency fee (one month's plus tax), advance rent, fire insurance fee, key replacement fee, etc.

Tips for saving money include choosing properties with no deposit or key money, no agent fees, or properties that are running campaigns. Also, if you choose a property that comes with furniture and appliances, you can reduce expenses right after moving in.

When choosing a property, the first step to a smart start to living alone is to compare not only the monthly rent but also the initial costs at the time of moving in.

Popular facilities (separate bathroom and toilet, free internet, security equipment, etc.)

When it comes to rental properties for single people, the type of facilities available will greatly affect how comfortable your life will be.

Among the most popular are properties with separate bathrooms and toilets, with many people listing these as a desired condition due to their cleanliness and ease of use.

Recently, the number of properties offering "free internet" has also increased, which is a major benefit for those who want to keep their monthly communication costs down.

In terms of security, features such as an auto-lock, security cameras, and an intercom with a TV monitor will give you a greater sense of security.

Additionally, convenient facilities such as delivery lockers, bathroom dryers, and separate sinks are also popular.

Choosing a property with facilities that suit your lifestyle can make a big difference in the satisfaction you feel in your daily life.

How to choose a property based on your lifestyle

When starting to live alone in Osaka, it is important to choose a property that suits your lifestyle, in addition to the rent and location.

For example, students and new graduates should consider the ease of commuting to school or work while keeping an eye on the budget, while people who are being transferred or living away from their family will need to consider short-term occupancy, convenient access, and ease of relocating.

Additionally, when women live alone, the level of security facilities and the safety of the city are also important factors to consider.

As you can see, even if people are all living alone, the conditions that they prioritize vary greatly from person to person.

Below, we will explain in detail the recommended areas, floor plans, facilities, etc. based on typical lifestyles.

Areas and property types recommended for students and new graduates

When students or new graduates start living alone in Osaka, three things are particularly important: low rent, easy access to school or work, and good public safety.

There are many university-based apartments for rent in Toyonaka, Suita, and the surrounding Tennoji ward, and the rent is relatively reasonable.

For new graduates, Yodogawa Ward, Fukushima Ward, and Higashiyodogawa Ward are popular areas with easy access to Umeda and Honmachi, and there are plenty of studio and 1K properties available. Choosing a property close to the station or within cycling distance will make your commute comfortable while keeping costs down with the bare minimum of amenities.

Also, if you choose a property that has been renovated, even if it is old, the interior will be nice and the value for money will be good.

The first step to living alone for a long time is to stabilize your lifestyle by setting a reasonable rent.

Properties with a focus on location and accessibility for those transferring or working away from home

If you are moving to Osaka for work or are relocating alone, it is important to have both convenient commuting and a comfortable living environment.

Areas with good access to the major business districts of Umeda, Honmachi, Yodoyabashi, and Shin-Osaka, such as Kita-ku, Fukushima-ku, Chuo-ku, and Nishi-ku, are particularly popular. The area around Shin-Osaka Station is also convenient for taking the Shinkansen, making it an ideal location for people who travel a lot around the country.

In addition, there are many properties for those who are relocating away from home, including those with furniture and appliances and those with monthly plans, so you can start living there right away. Even in compact rooms such as one-room apartments and one-bedroom apartments, there are many properties that are fully equipped with amenities such as separate bathrooms and toilets, indoor washing machine spaces, and free internet.

The property you choose will depend on whether you plan to live there for a long or short period of time, so it's important to pay careful attention to the contract terms when making your selection.

A property with emphasis on security, perfect for women living alone

When a woman decides to live alone, the biggest criterion for her decision is whether she can live there safely, more than rent or location.

Areas in Osaka city that are popular with women include Tennoji Ward, Chuo Ward, Nishi Ward, Suita City, and Toyonaka City. All of these areas have relatively good public safety and are rich in women-only properties and properties with enhanced security.

When choosing a property, you can feel more secure if it has an auto-lock, an intercom with a TV monitor, security cameras, a room on the second floor or higher, etc. Find what you need from the many pieces of information available when searching for your own room.

Other points to check include whether the property is located on a road with many streetlights and whether it is close to the nearest station. Whether or not the property has a delivery box is also important from a crime prevention perspective.

It is important to choose a home where you can live comfortably for a long time, while also searching for information on portal sites that feature rental properties aimed at women.

Summary | Find the Osaka lifestyle that suits you

When starting to live alone in Osaka, it is important to take into consideration many factors, such as choosing an area, average rent, floor plan, and facilities.

Central areas such as Umeda/Kita Ward and Tennoji/Abeno Ward are highly convenient and popular among working adults.

On the other hand, Toyonaka, Suita, Sakai and other areas have lower rent prices and are suitable for students and those who are cost-conscious.

When choosing a property, understanding the characteristics of each floor plan and choosing the size and structure that suits your lifestyle will lead to a comfortable life. Also, checking information such as initial costs and popular facilities in advance and clarifying the necessary conditions will help you avoid unnecessary expenses.

Furthermore, by knowing the areas and property types that are suitable for your lifestyle, you can achieve a more secure and satisfying life.

Use this article as a reference and get started on your ideal life living alone in Osaka.