Seoul and Tokyo are two of East Asia's most popular cities for expats and digital nomads. Both offer excellent infrastructure, safety, and culture—but how do they compare on cost? We break down the numbers using our Anchor Cost Index data.
The Big Picture
Both cities fall in the "Moderate to Expensive" range on our Anchor Cost Index. Tokyo tends to be slightly more expensive overall, but the gap has narrowed in recent years due to the weak yen. Seoul's housing costs can be deceptive due to the unique "jeonse" (key money) deposit system.
Housing
Seoul: A 1BR apartment in the city center runs $1,200/month, dropping to $650 outside the center. The jeonse system allows rent-free living with a large deposit (often $50,000-100,000+).
Tokyo: Expect $1,100-1,400 for a central 1BR apartment. Tokyo apartments are notoriously small—a "spacious" 1BR might be 25-30m². Key money and guarantor requirements add upfront costs of 3-5 months' rent.
Verdict: Seoul is slightly cheaper for monthly rent, but Tokyo offers more straightforward rental terms for foreigners.
Food & Dining
Seoul: Korean cuisine is one of the best-value food cultures globally. A hearty meal at a local restaurant costs $5-8. Korean BBQ for two runs $25-40. Grocery costs are moderate, with excellent markets like Noryangjin and Gwangjang.
Tokyo: Japan also excels in affordable dining. A ramen bowl or curry costs $6-9. Convenience store meals (konbini) offer incredible quality at $3-5. However, groceries are notably more expensive than Seoul, especially for fruits and vegetables.
Verdict: Nearly tied, with Seoul having a slight edge on grocery costs.
Transportation
Seoul: The subway system is extensive and cheap ($1.35 per ride, ~$50/month pass). Taxis are affordable at $3.50 base fare. Uber/Kakao T rides for 5km cost about $4.50.
Tokyo: The train network is world-class but pricier. Individual rides cost $1.50-3.00 depending on distance. Monthly passes run $80-120 for a specific route. Taxis are expensive at $6+ base fare.
Verdict: Seoul wins on transport costs, especially for taxis and monthly passes.
Digital Services
Both cities have blazing-fast internet. Seoul has some of the fastest average speeds globally. YouTube Premium costs $10.99 in Korea vs $11.99 in Japan. Starbucks lattes cost nearly the same ($4.80 Seoul vs $4.20 Tokyo).
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Seoul: Gym memberships run $40-60/month. Cinema tickets cost $10-12. Seoul's nightlife in Hongdae and Gangnam is vibrant and relatively affordable. Coworking spaces cost $150-250/month.
Tokyo: Gym memberships are $50-80/month. Cinema tickets cost $15-18 (among the most expensive in the world). Coworking spaces cost $200-350/month. The entertainment scene is unmatched in variety.
Who Should Choose Which?
- Choose Seoul if: You want lower overall costs, love Korean food and culture, want excellent internet and tech infrastructure, and prefer a more compact city.
- Choose Tokyo if: You want unmatched cultural experiences, don't mind slightly higher costs, love Japanese cuisine, and want access to nature (mountains, beaches within 1-2 hours).
Want to see the exact numbers? Check out our full Seoul vs Tokyo comparison with 60+ data points side by side.