🇰🇷 Seoul vs 🇨🇳 Shanghai
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇰🇷
Seoul
South Korea
$2,400–$3,800/mo
₩3,200,000 – ₩5,066,667 / month (local)
🇨🇳
Shanghai
China
$2,215–$3,508/mo
¥15,821 – ¥25,057 / month (local)
Seoul is 8% more expensive
Shanghai wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Seoul (USD) | Shanghai (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,800–$2,800 | $1,662–$2,585 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $950–$1,500 | $877–$1,385 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Utilities | $75–$145 | $69–$134 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Groceries | $380–$570 | $351–$526 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $50–$90 | $46–$83 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Public transport (monthly) | $95–$115 | $88–$106 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Internet & Mobile | $30–$50 | $28–$46 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Gym membership | $35–$65 | $32–$60 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Cinema ticket | $14–$18 | $13–$17 | 🟢 Shanghai |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,400–$3,800 | $2,215–$3,508 | 🟢 Shanghai |
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
Housing4.3 / 10 · 4.4 / 10
Seoul
Shanghai▲ better
Safety8.3 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Seoul
Shanghai▲ better
Healthcare8.3 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Seoul▲ better
Shanghai
Education7.9 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Seoul▲ better
Shanghai
Environment8.7 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Seoul▲ better
Shanghai
Economy7.0 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Seoul▲ better
Shanghai
Culture7.6 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Seoul▲ better
Shanghai
Internet8.0 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Seoul▲ better
Shanghai
Who should choose which city?
Choose Seoul if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Seoul offers vs Shanghai
- ✓Internet speed
- ✓Food
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Tech
Choose Shanghai if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Seoul
- ✓Business China
- ✓Transit
- ✓Food
- ✓Manufacturing
You might also like…
📊
Full Seoul guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Seoul →📊
Full Shanghai guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Shanghai →