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London vs Seoul

Seoul runs about 42% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,687 USD a month.

Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge as seen from the south bank of the River Thames.
London
$4,050/month · United Kingdom
Terry Ott from Washington, DC Metro Area, United States of America · CC BY 2.0
Hangang Park
Seoul
$2,363/month · South Korea
Wpcpey · CC BY 4.0
London monthly
$4,050
Index 63 (NYC = 100)
Seoul monthly
$2,363
Index 37 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-42%
Seoul relative to London
Rent gap
$1,700
London costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

LondonSeoul
  • Housing
    Housing: London $2,600, Seoul $900. Cheaper in Seoul.
  • Food
    Food: London $617, Seoul $881. Cheaper in London.
  • Transport
    Transport: London $282, Seoul $100. Cheaper in Seoul.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: London $267, Seoul $165. Cheaper in Seoul.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: London $8.03, Seoul $16. Cheaper in London.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: London $169, Seoul $193. Cheaper in London.
  • Other
    Other: London $107, Seoul $108. Cheaper in London.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricLondonSeoul
Cost
Total monthly cost4,050 USD2,363 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)6337✓
Housing2,600 USD900 USD✓
Utilities267 USD165 USD✓
Food617 USD✓881 USD
Transport282 USD100 USD✓
Healthcare8 USD✓16 USD
Lifestyle169 USD✓193 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,953 USD✓5,446 USD
Effective tax + social rate28.6%✓34.6%
Left over each month1,902 USD3,083 USD✓
Average local net salary3,600 USD✓2,500 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,600 USD900 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre5,200 USD2,000 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre15,000 USD13,000 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety66/10086/100✓
Healthcare84/10088/100✓
Air quality60/100✓50/100
Public transport92/10096/100✓
Walkability90/100✓88/100
English proficiency100/100✓44/100
Nightlife94/100✓92/100
Family friendliness72/10080/100✓
Median broadband90 Mbps220 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature12°C✓13°C
Summer high23°C✓29°C
Winter low3°C✓-6°C
Sunshine hours per year1,480 h2,060 h✓
Annual rainfall600 mm✓1400 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoYes✓
Beach access90 min60 min✓
CurrencyGBPKRW
Time zoneEurope/LondonAsia/Seoul

Seoul runs about 42% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,687 USD a month.

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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is London or Seoul cheaper?

Seoul runs about 42% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,687 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Seoul compared with London?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,953 a month in London and $5,446 in Seoul, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, London or Seoul?

London scores 66/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Seoul scores 86 and 88. London averages 12°C against 13°C in Seoul.