China vs South Korea
South Korea is about 17% pricier than China overall, with a price level of 60.3 versus 49.8 (US = 100). The gap is widest in restaurants & hotels and narrowest in health. On quality of life, South Korea scores higher (98 vs 91 of 100).
Metric China South Korea
Price level (US=100) 49.8 60.3
GDP / capita (PPP) $27,105 $61,051
GNI / capita (PPP) $26,920 $61,930
Inflation (YoY) 0.2% 2.3%
What's different, by category
Price levels by category (world average = 100). The cheaper of the two is highlighted.
Category China South Korea
Housing & utilities 69 109
Food 130 204
Transport 82 114
Restaurants & hotels 85 142
Health 64 81
Communication 86 140
Category price levels: World Bank ICP 2021 (world average = 100).
Quality of life
Metric China South Korea
Quality-of-life score 91/100 98/100
Life expectancy 78 yrs 84 yrs
Safety · homicide /100k 0.5 0.5
Internet users 92% 98%
Frequently asked
Is China more expensive than South Korea?
South Korea is more expensive: about 17% pricier than China overall.
What would a $100,000 lifestyle cost in South Korea?
Living the way $100,000 buys in China would cost roughly $121,000 in South Korea, based on overall price levels.
Which has the better quality of life, China or South Korea?
South Korea scores higher, 98 vs 91 out of 100.
Salary check
A $100,000 lifestyle in China would cost about
$121,000
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