City Comparison
Tokyo vs Seoul
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Tokyo is ~16% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Tokyo
Japan
COL+Rent
41.5
Rent Index
22.3
Groceries
61.4
Restaurant
47.4
Seoul
South Korea
COL+Rent
49.5
Rent Index
23.8
Groceries
94.6
Restaurant
46.5
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Tokyo | Seoul | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $988 | $1,014 | $26 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $638 | $733 | $95 |
| Groceries | $354 | $586 | $232 |
| Restaurant Meal | $10 | $12 | $2 |
| Transit Pass | $71 | $55 | +$16 |
| Utilities | $202 | $156 | +$46 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Tokyo | Seoul |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,199/mo | $1,402/mo |
| Typical | $1,765/mo | $1,991/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,134/mo | $2,440/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Tokyo | ≈ in Seoul | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,789/mo | +$289 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,386/mo | +$386 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,578/mo | +$578 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tokyo or Seoul cheaper to live in?
Tokyo is approximately 16% cheaper overall. Tokyo's COL+Rent Index is 41.5 vs Seoul's 49.5 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Tokyo vs Seoul?
A 1BR in Tokyo city center costs ~$988/mo vs $1,014/mo in Seoul. Outside the center: $638 vs $733.
What is $2,000/month in Tokyo worth in Seoul?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Tokyo has the purchasing power of approximately $2,386/month in Seoul.
Are groceries cheaper in Tokyo or Seoul?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $354 in Tokyo vs $586 in Seoul. Groceries Index: 61.4 vs 94.6 (NYC = 100).