Tokyo
Seoul

Tokyo

Japan
VS

Seoul

South Korea
Estimated average living costs are ~13% lower in Seoul

Tokyo

$3,400

avg. monthly cost

Population

13,960,000

Safety

86/100

Quality

80/100

Cost
82
Safety
86
Life
80

Seoul

$2,950

avg. monthly cost

Population

9,776,000

Safety

84/100

Quality

78/100

Cost
72
Safety
84
Life
78

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~13% lower in Seoul

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Tokyo

$3,400

estimated per month

Seoul

$2,950

estimated per month

Difference

-13.2%

Monthly savings

$450

Yearly savings

$5,400

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Tokyo
Seoul
06
Housing-14.7%
$1,518
$1,295
Food & Groceries-5.5%
$9
$8
Transportation-53.7%
$22
$10
Utilities-23.3%
$90
$69
Healthcare-40.0%
$35
$21
Entertainment-28.5%
$24
$17
Clothing+3.7%
$63
$65

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$65,074

-$9,926/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemTokyoSeoulDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,150.00$950.00
-17.4%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$720.00$580.00
-19.4%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$2,650.00$2,300.00
-13.2%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,550.00$1,350.00
-12.9%
ItemTokyoSeoulDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$7.50$7.00
-6.7%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$45.00$40.00
-11.1%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$6.50$6.00
-7.7%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$2.10$2.50
+19.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$2.20$3.00
+36.4%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.50$4.00
-11.1%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.80$3.50
+25.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$8.50$9.00
+5.9%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$6.50$6.00
-7.7%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.80$3.50
-7.9%
ItemTokyoSeoulDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$100.00$45.00
-55.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$1.80$1.10
-38.9%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$4.50$3.00
-33.3%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$3.20$0.75
-76.6%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.35$1.45
+7.4%
ItemTokyoSeoulDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)(per month)
$195.00$150.00
-23.1%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$35.00$35.00
0.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$40.00$22.00
-45.0%
ItemTokyoSeoulDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$35.00$18.00
-48.6%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$55.00$35.00
-36.4%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$15.00$10.00
-33.3%
ItemTokyoSeoulDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$75.00$50.00
-33.3%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$13.00$10.00
-23.1%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.20$4.50
+7.1%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$5.00$5.00
0.0%
ItemTokyoSeoulDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$65.00$70.00
+7.7%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$38.00$35.00
-7.9%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$85.00$90.00
+5.9%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.