🇯🇵 Osaka vs 🇰🇷 Seoul
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇯🇵
Osaka
Japan
$2,338–$3,703/mo
¥348,955 – ¥552,687 / month (local)
🇰🇷
Seoul
South Korea
$2,400–$3,800/mo
₩3,200,000 – ₩5,066,667 / month (local)
Seoul is 3% more expensive
Osaka wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Osaka (USD) | Seoul (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,754–$2,728 | $1,800–$2,800 | 🟢 Osaka |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $926–$1,462 | $950–$1,500 | 🟢 Osaka |
| Utilities | $73–$141 | $75–$145 | 🟢 Osaka |
| Groceries | $370–$555 | $380–$570 | 🟢 Osaka |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $49–$88 | $50–$90 | 🟢 Osaka |
| Public transport (monthly) | $93–$112 | $95–$115 | 🟢 Osaka |
| Internet & Mobile | $29–$49 | $30–$50 | 🟢 Osaka |
| Gym membership | $34–$63 | $35–$65 | 🟢 Osaka |
| Cinema ticket | $14–$18 | $14–$18 | Tie |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,338–$3,703 | $2,400–$3,800 | 🟢 Osaka |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing5.4 / 10 · 4.3 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Seoul
Safety9.3 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Seoul
Healthcare9.3 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Seoul
Education8.9 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Seoul
Environment8.0 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Osaka
Seoul▲ better
Economy8.0 / 10 · 7.0 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Seoul
Culture8.6 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Seoul
Internet9.0 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Osaka▲ better
Seoul
Who should choose which city?
Choose Osaka if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Seoul
- ✓Food
- ✓Value vs Tokyo
- ✓Kansai culture
- ✓Manufacturing
Choose Seoul if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Seoul offers vs Osaka
- ✓Internet speed
- ✓Food
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Tech
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📊
Full Osaka guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Osaka →📊
Full Seoul guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Seoul →