Fukuoka logs 11 frost days a year to Osaka's 6 — Osaka wins by 5. Fukuoka also leads on hot days by 12.

Fukuoka runs about $1,526/mo for a balanced lifestyle against Osaka's $1,671/mo — Fukuoka comes in $145 cheaper each month, roughly 10% less.

Fukuoka and Osaka score neck-and-neck on mobility (3.6 vs 3.8, 0–5 scale).

Osaka's culture score of 4.0 sits well above Fukuoka's 2.5, with the biggest gap on arts & culture.

Fukuoka's nature & outdoors score of 4.2 sits well above Osaka's 3.8, with the biggest gap on sea access. Osaka still holds an edge on skiing & snowboarding.

Fukuoka and Osaka score neck-and-neck on safety (5.0 vs 5.0, 0–5 scale).

Osaka's career score of 4.1 sits well above Fukuoka's 3.2, with the biggest gap on economic scale.

Fukuoka and Osaka score neck-and-neck on social & community (2.4 vs 2.6, 0–5 scale).

On food & dining, Osaka scores 3.2 vs Fukuoka's 3.0 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on vegan & vegetarian options. Fukuoka still holds an edge on restaurant variety.

On family, Osaka scores 3.5 vs Fukuoka's 3.3 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on international schools. Fukuoka still holds an edge on family amenities.

Fukuoka and Osaka score neck-and-neck on healthcare (3.4 vs 3.4, 0–5 scale).

Fukuoka averages 15.6 µg/m³ (sensitive-groups) PM2.5 annually versus Osaka's 13.9 µg/m³ (moderate) — Osaka breathes ~11% cleaner air (1.7 µg/m³ lower).

Who Thrives Here