Is Sakai Expensive?

Osaka, Japan

-25% vs Osaka avg

Living in Sakai, Osaka

Sakai is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Osaka, with a cost of living index of 47.1 — that is -25% compared to the Osaka average. Ranked #19 of 20, it offers some of the lowest costs in the city. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around ¥116,182/month, compared to a range of ¥105,339 in Nishinari to ¥188,990 in Kita (Umeda).

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of Sakai, housing takes up roughly 22% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 20%, while transportation costs around 10%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately ¥4,647,289 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Sakai

Salaries in Sakai reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 47.1:

After tax and deductions of 26.9% in Japan, take-home pay for someone earning ¥4,647,289 would be roughly ¥3,397,168/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

47.1
COLI Index
0.75x
vs City Avg
¥116,182
Est. 1BR Rent
#19
of 20 Areas
26.9%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Sakai

Estimated annual deductions on a ¥5,472,183 salary in Sakai, Osaka (local employee).

Income Tax
12%
Health + Pension + Employment
14.8%
Total Deductions: 26.9%
Est. Take-Home: ¥3,998,099/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in Sakai would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $35,325
London GBP £30,400
Dubai AED AED 176,759

Other Neighborhoods in Osaka

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Kita (Umeda) 76.6 1.22x +22%
Chuo (Namba) 74.1 1.18x +18%
Shinsaibashi 72.2 1.15x +15%
Fukushima 69.1 1.10x +10%
Tennoji 67.8 1.08x +8%

View all 20 neighborhoods in Osaka →

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Compare Sakai

Sakai vs Nishinari Sakai vs Joto

Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Sakai:

Murfreesboro, Nashville Goodlettsville, Nashville Surrey, Vancouver Goodyear, Phoenix International City, Dubai Gresham, Portland

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sakai expensive in Osaka?

Sakai is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Osaka. It costs about -25% less than the city average, ranking #19 out of 20 neighborhoods.

How does Sakai compare to the Osaka average?

The cost of living in Sakai is well below the Osaka average. With a multiplier of 0.75x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are -25% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include Statistics Bureau of Japan · Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare · OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.