Japan vs South Korea
Japan is about 5% pricier than South Korea overall, with a price level of 63.4 versus 60.3 (US = 100). The gap is widest in housing & utilities and narrowest in restaurants & hotels. On quality of life, South Korea scores higher (98 vs 96 of 100).
Metric Japan South Korea
Price level (US=100) 63.4 60.3
GDP / capita (PPP) $52,039 $61,051
GNI / capita (PPP) $55,490 $61,930
Inflation (YoY) 2.7% 2.3%
What's different, by category
Price levels by category (world average = 100). The cheaper of the two is highlighted.
Category Japan South Korea
Housing & utilities 177 109
Food 191 204
Transport 150 114
Restaurants & hotels 148 142
Health 97 81
Communication 227 140
Category price levels: World Bank ICP 2021 (world average = 100).
Quality of life
Metric Japan South Korea
Quality-of-life score 96/100 98/100
Life expectancy 84 yrs 84 yrs
Safety · homicide /100k 0.2 0.5
Internet users 86% 98%
Frequently asked
Is Japan more expensive than South Korea?
Japan is more expensive: about 5% pricier than South Korea overall.
What would a $100,000 lifestyle cost in South Korea?
Living the way $100,000 buys in Japan would cost roughly $95,000 in South Korea, based on overall price levels.
Which has the better quality of life, Japan or South Korea?
South Korea scores higher, 98 vs 96 out of 100.
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A $100,000 lifestyle in Japan would cost about
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