Data last updated: August 2026

Tokyo, JapanSeoul, South Korea

You would need around 32.2% less money in Seoul, South Korea to maintain the same standard of living you have in Tokyo, Japan.

Overall Cost of Living

32.2%

Seoul, South Korea is cheaper than Tokyo, Japan

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A1,258 USD
City B818 USD
Difference-35.0%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A69 USD
City B83 USD
Difference+20.3%

Average Net Salary

City A2,436 USD
City B3,076 USD
Difference+26.3%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Tokyo, Japan to Seoul, South Korea? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Seoul, South Korea is 32.2% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Seoul, South Korea's center costs around 818 USD, which is a staggering 35.0% less than in Tokyo, Japan. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

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Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, South Korea is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Seoul, South Korea to maintain your current lifestyle in Tokyo, Japan.

USD

You need in Seoul, South Korea

1,653 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Tokyo, Japan to Seoul, South Korea and investing the 32% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 4.8 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Tokyo, Japan budget to local Seoul, South Korea prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing818 USD
Groceries83 USD
Utilities & Internet17 USD

Investment Planner

You save 440 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Seoul, South Korea.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~73,920 USD in 10 years.