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Kobe, Japan
Capital City

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,000
Retiree Score
86.0
Safety Index
80.2
Healthcare
342 facilities

With a population of over 1.5 million, Kobe is Japan's seventh-largest city and a bustling port metropolis. While the city boasts a cosmopolitan flair and a reputation for high-end shopping, the 1995 earthquake that devastated parts of Kobe serves as a sobering reminder of the natural disaster risks. The tax burden is heavy, with the city contributing 34% of Hyogo Prefecture's GDP. Additionally, the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache for foreign residents. Kobe may appeal to those drawn to its Westernized culture and amenities, but it's not for the faint of heart.

Can I afford Kobe?

$

Kobe

You could save

1,000/mo

Savings Rate33%

Monthly Costs

Rent $950
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,050

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
33/100
Retiree Score
(i)
86/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
53/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
80
Safety
342
Healthcare
100
Walkability
80
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$3
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$5
Chicken (1kg) *$6

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$8
Meal (Mid-range) $44
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $116
Mobile Plan (mo) $23
Gym (mo) *$44
Cinema Ticket $11

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $950
1BR Outside (mo) *$364
3BR Center (mo) $1,900
3BR Outside (mo) *$729

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
Sannomiya, Kitano, Nada
Best For
families, teachers

Expat Life Notes

Kobe is a cosmopolitan port city with a historic foreign settlement and high quality of life for families.

Pros

  • ✓ Beautiful harbor and mountain setting
  • ✓ International history
  • ✓ Great food scene (Kobe beef)

Cons

  • ✗ Tight housing market in popular areas
  • ✗ Humid summers
  • ✗ Limited high-paying international jobs

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
3°C°C - 31°C°C
Annual Rainfall
1588 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Oct

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Kobe

Click any question to expand the answer.

Kobe has a population of approximately 1,544,200 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $2,375 per month in Kobe, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $950/month.

The nearest airport to Kobe is UKB, approximately 7km away.

Kobe is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 80.2. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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