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Osaka vs Seoul

Osaka runs about 7% cheaper than Seoul for this household, a difference of 161 USD a month.

A view of the skyline of Osaka from Abeno Harukas on 5 May 2026. Focal length of this picture is 23 mm.
Osaka
$2,202/month · Japan
Loggieloggie · CC0
Hangang Park
Seoul
$2,363/month · South Korea
Wpcpey · CC BY 4.0
Osaka monthly
$2,202
Index 35 (NYC = 100)
Seoul monthly
$2,363
Index 37 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+7%
Seoul relative to Osaka
Rent gap
$150
Seoul costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

OsakaSeoul
  • Housing
    Housing: Osaka $750, Seoul $900. Cheaper in Osaka.
  • Food
    Food: Osaka $734, Seoul $881. Cheaper in Osaka.
  • Transport
    Transport: Osaka $218, Seoul $100. Cheaper in Seoul.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Osaka $210, Seoul $165. Cheaper in Seoul.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Osaka $16, Seoul $16. Cheaper in Seoul.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Osaka $167, Seoul $193. Cheaper in Osaka.
  • Other
    Other: Osaka $108, Seoul $108. Cheaper in Osaka.
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

MetricOsakaSeoul
Cost
Total monthly cost2,202 USD✓2,363 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)35✓37
Housing750 USD✓900 USD
Utilities210 USD165 USD✓
Food734 USD✓881 USD
Transport218 USD100 USD✓
Healthcare16 USD16 USD✓
Lifestyle167 USD✓193 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr4,509 USD5,446 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate45.9%34.6%✓
Left over each month2,307 USD3,083 USD✓
Average local net salary2,200 USD2,500 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre750 USD✓900 USD
3-bed rent, city centre1,700 USD✓2,000 USD
Buy price per m², centre7,000 USD✓13,000 USD
Quality of life
Safety92/100✓86/100
Healthcare86/10088/100✓
Air quality68/100✓50/100
Public transport94/10096/100✓
Walkability86/10088/100✓
English proficiency26/10044/100✓
Nightlife86/10092/100✓
Family friendliness82/100✓80/100
Median broadband265 Mbps✓220 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature17°C13°C✓
Summer high33°C29°C✓
Winter low3°C✓-6°C
Sunshine hours per year2,050 h2,060 h✓
Annual rainfall1400 mm1400 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaYesYes
Beach access40 min✓60 min
CurrencyJPYKRW
Time zoneAsia/TokyoAsia/Seoul

Osaka runs about 7% cheaper than Seoul for this household, a difference of 161 USD a month.

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Go deeper

Cost of living in OsakaCost of living in SeoulConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
Osaka vs TaipeiOsaka vs TokyoOsaka vs Hong Kong
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Osaka or Seoul cheaper?

Osaka runs about 7% cheaper than Seoul for this household, a difference of 161 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Seoul compared with Osaka?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $4,509 a month in Osaka and $5,446 in Seoul, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Osaka or Seoul?

Osaka scores 92/100 on safety and 86/100 on healthcare; Seoul scores 86 and 88. Osaka averages 17°C against 13°C in Seoul.