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South Korea vs Japan · Cost of Living 2025
Cost of Living Comparison · 2025

South Korea vs Japan
Cost of Living Comparison 2025

Japan is approximately 13% cheaper than South Korea, with a cost of living index of 48 vs 55 (NYC = 100 baseline, 2025 data).

World Bank 2025GlobalCostData Research Updated April 2026NYC Index = 100
🇰🇷
South Korea
54.8
CoL Index (NYC=100)
vs
🇯🇵
Japan
47.5
CoL Index (NYC=100)
Cheaper option
Cheaper country
Japan
13% less expensive
South Korea GNI
$61.9k
per capita
Japan GNI
$55.5k
per capita
South Korea Inflation
2.3%
annual rate
Japan Inflation
2.7%
annual rate
Expat Score A
1.1
/ 10
Expat Score B
1.0
/ 10

Side-by-Side Comparison

All indices: NYC = 100 baseline · Lower cost index = cheaper · ✓ = winner per metric

South Korea Metric Japan
54.8
CoL Index ↓ lower = cheaper
47.5 ✓
22.4
Rent Index ↓ lower = cheaper
14.7 ✓
38.6
Groceries ↓ lower = cheaper
32.8 ✓
52.4 ✓
Restaurants ↓ lower = cheaper
56.8
$61.9k ✓
GNI / Capita ↑ higher = wealthier
$55.5k
2.3% ✓
Inflation Rate ↓ lower = more stable
2.7%
1.1 ✓
Expat Score ↑ higher = better
1.0
Full profile
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Frequently Asked Questions

South Korea vs Japan cost of living

Is South Korea cheaper than Japan?
No, Japan is approximately 13% cheaper than South Korea based on the Cost of Living Index (NYC = 100). South Korea scores 55 vs Japan at 48. Actual costs vary by city, lifestyle, and housing choice.
How much cheaper is Japan than South Korea?
Japan is about 13% cheaper than South Korea overall. This means a $3,000/month budget in South Korea is roughly equivalent to $2600/month in Japan in terms of purchasing power. Housing, food, and transport all tend to cost less in Japan.
How do rent costs compare between South Korea and Japan?
Japan has lower average rent costs. Rent Index: South Korea = 22.4, Japan = 14.7 (NYC = 100). City centres are significantly pricier than suburban areas in both countries. Expats typically find the best value by living slightly outside major urban cores.
Which country is better for expats, South Korea or Japan?
Both South Korea and Japan have merits for expats. South Korea edges ahead on Expat Score. The best choice depends on your priorities: Japan offers lower daily costs, while lifestyle, climate, visa requirements, language, and community size are equally important factors for long-term relocation decisions.
Can I live comfortably in Japan on $2,000/month?
With a cost of living index of 48 (NYC=100), Japan is one of the more affordable destinations globally. A $2,000/month budget can cover a comfortable lifestyle including rent, food, transport, and leisure in most cities — though major capitals may require more. See the full Japan country profile for detailed monthly budget breakdowns.

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Sources: World Bank Open Data 2025 · GlobalCostData Research 2025 · OECD Statistics. Data verified April 2026. Not financial or legal advice.