South Korea vs United States
United States is about 40% pricier than South Korea overall, with a price level of 100.0 versus 60.3 (US = 100). The gap is widest in health and narrowest in restaurants & hotels. On quality of life, South Korea scores higher (98 vs 91 of 100).
Metric South Korea United States
Price level (US=100) 60.3 100.0
GDP / capita (PPP) $61,051 $85,810
GNI / capita (PPP) $61,930 $85,980
Inflation (YoY) 2.3% 2.9%
What's different, by category
Price levels by category (world average = 100). The cheaper of the two is highlighted.
Category South Korea United States
Housing & utilities 109 215
Food 204 117
Transport 114 116
Restaurants & hotels 142 142
Health 81 208
Communication 140 224
Category price levels: World Bank ICP 2021 (world average = 100).
Quality of life
Metric South Korea United States
Quality-of-life score 98/100 91/100
Life expectancy 84 yrs 79 yrs
Safety · homicide /100k 0.5 5.8
Internet users 98% 95%
Frequently asked
Is South Korea more expensive than United States?
United States is more expensive: about 40% pricier than South Korea overall.
What would a $100,000 lifestyle cost in United States?
Living the way $100,000 buys in South Korea would cost roughly $166,000 in United States, based on overall price levels.
Which has the better quality of life, South Korea or United States?
South Korea scores higher, 98 vs 91 out of 100.
Salary check
A $100,000 lifestyle in South Korea would cost about
$166,000
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