🇰🇷 Seoul vs 🇯🇵 Tokyo
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇰🇷
Seoul
South Korea
$2,400–$3,800/mo
₩3,200,000 – ₩5,066,667 / month (local)
🇯🇵
Tokyo
Japan
$2,708–$4,287/mo
¥404,179 – ¥639,851 / month (local)
Tokyo is 13% more expensive
Seoul wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Seoul (USD) | Tokyo (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,800–$2,800 | $2,031–$3,159 | 🟢 Seoul |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $950–$1,500 | $1,072–$1,692 | 🟢 Seoul |
| Utilities | $75–$145 | $85–$164 | 🟢 Seoul |
| Groceries | $380–$570 | $429–$643 | 🟢 Seoul |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $50–$90 | $56–$102 | 🟢 Seoul |
| Public transport (monthly) | $95–$115 | $107–$130 | 🟢 Seoul |
| Internet & Mobile | $30–$50 | $34–$56 | 🟢 Seoul |
| Gym membership | $35–$65 | $39–$73 | 🟢 Seoul |
| Cinema ticket | $14–$18 | $16–$20 | 🟢 Seoul |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,400–$3,800 | $2,708–$4,287 | 🟢 Seoul |
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 · 4.9 / 10
Seoul
Tokyo▲ better
Safety8.3 / 10 · 9.6 / 10
Seoul
Tokyo▲ better
Healthcare8.3 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Seoul▲ better
Tokyo
Education7.9 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Seoul▲ better
Tokyo
Environment8.7 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Seoul▲ better
Tokyo
Economy7.0 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Seoul
Tokyo▲ better
Culture7.6 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Seoul
Tokyo▲ better
Internet8.0 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Seoul▲ better
Tokyo
Who should choose which city?
Choose Seoul if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Tokyo
- ✓Internet speed
- ✓Food
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Tech
Choose Tokyo if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Tokyo offers vs Seoul
- ✓Safety
- ✓Transit
- ✓Food
- ✓Finance
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Full Seoul guide
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Explore Seoul →📊
Full Tokyo guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Tokyo →