City Comparison · Updated May 2026
South Korea
COL index 62.4
Japan
COL index 72.4
Seoul vs Tokyo — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Seoul is 13.8% cheaper than Tokyo for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Seoul | Metric | Tokyo | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62.4 | Cost of living index | 72.4 | +16.0% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €42,770 | Net at €50,000 gross | €43,154 | +0.9% |
| €1,580 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,780 | +12.7% |
| €2,278 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,595 | +13.9% |
| €68,542 | PPP — net / COL | €59,605 | -13.0% |
| 14.5% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 13.7% | -5.3% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in South Korea = €3,564 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Tokyo, you would need roughly €57,496 gross in Japan (≈ €4,135 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Lower rent (€1,580 vs €1,780)
- +Favourable tax rate (14.5%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (44.3%)
- +Favourable tax rate (13.7%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (49.5%)
The verdict
Across the data, Tokyo delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Seoul carries a lower cost-of-living index; Tokyo has the lighter effective tax burden; Seoul wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Seoul edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Seoul cheaper than Tokyo?+
Seoul is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Seoul 62.4, Tokyo 72.4 — a 13.8% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Seoul and Tokyo?+
Seoul sits at 62.4 on our COL index, Tokyo at 72.4. That works out to roughly 13.8% — Seoul being the cheaper of the two.
Is Seoul a good place to live compared to Tokyo?+
It depends on priorities. Seoul delivers €42,770 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 14.5% effective tax rate. Tokyo delivers €43,154 at 13.7%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,580 vs €1,780.
How do salaries compare in Seoul vs Tokyo?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €42,770/year (€3,564/month) in Seoul and €43,154/year (€3,596/month) in Tokyo.
Which city has lower taxes, Seoul or Tokyo?+
Japan has the lower effective rate at €50,000: South Korea 14.5%, Japan 13.7%.