Seoul vs Tokyo
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Seoul
Tokyo
The Verdict
Seoul is 0.0% less expensive than Tokyo overall. A household earning $75,000 in Seoul would need approximately $75,000 in Tokyo to maintain the same standard of living.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Seoul has the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tokyo.
Conversely, $75,000 in Tokyo equals $75,000 in Seoul.
Living in Seoul vs Tokyo
Housing Costs
Seoul's housing index of 115 is higher Tokyo's 98, translating to median home prices of $520,000 vs $450,000. The $70,000 difference in home prices means roughly $4,548 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,100/mo in Seoul compared to $1,225/mo in Tokyo, a monthly difference of $125.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 88 in Seoul and 88 in Tokyo. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $418/month in Seoul vs $418/month in Tokyo. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 68 in Seoul and 85 in Tokyo. Monthly utility bills average approximately $272 in Seoul vs $340 in Tokyo. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 52 in Seoul and 62 in Tokyo. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 10-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $38,000 in Seoul and $42,000 in Tokyo. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $46,341 and $51,220 respectively. Tokyo residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $887/month to housing in Seoul vs $980/month in Tokyo. In Seoul, median rent of $1,100/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Tokyo, median rent of $1,225/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 17 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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