Seoul vs Hong Kong
Seoul runs about 45% cheaper than Hong Kong for this household, a difference of 1,072 USD a month.
Seoul
$2,363/month · South Korea
Hong Kong
$3,435/month · Hong Kong SAR
Seoul monthly
$2,363
Index 37 (NYC = 100)
Hong Kong monthly
$3,435
Index 54 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+45%
Hong Kong relative to Seoul
Rent gap
$1,300
Hong Kong costs more for a central 1-bed
By category
Where the gap actually is
SeoulHong Kong
- HousingHousing: Seoul $900, Hong Kong $2,200. Cheaper in Seoul.
- FoodFood: Seoul $881, Hong Kong $672. Cheaper in Hong Kong.
- TransportTransport: Seoul $100, Hong Kong $88. Cheaper in Hong Kong.
- UtilitiesUtilities: Seoul $165, Hong Kong $171. Cheaper in Seoul.
- HealthcareHealthcare: Seoul $16, Hong Kong $32. Cheaper in Seoul.
- LifestyleLifestyle: Seoul $193, Hong Kong $180. Cheaper in Hong Kong.
- OtherOther: Seoul $108, Hong Kong $91. Cheaper in Hong Kong.
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Full comparison
| Metric | Seoul | Hong Kong |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| Total monthly cost | 2,363 USD✓ | 3,435 USD |
| Cost index (New York = 100) | 37✓ | 54 |
| Housing | 900 USD✓ | 2,200 USD |
| Utilities | 165 USD✓ | 171 USD |
| Food | 881 USD | 672 USD✓ |
| Transport | 100 USD | 88 USD✓ |
| Healthcare | 16 USD✓ | 32 USD |
| Lifestyle | 193 USD | 180 USD✓ |
| Income & tax | ||
| Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr | 5,446 USD | 7,155 USD✓ |
| Effective tax + social rate | 34.6% | 14.1%✓ |
| Left over each month | 3,083 USD | 3,720 USD✓ |
| Average local net salary | 2,500 USD | 3,000 USD✓ |
| Housing | ||
| 1-bed rent, city centre | 900 USD✓ | 2,200 USD |
| 3-bed rent, city centre | 2,000 USD✓ | 4,600 USD |
| Buy price per m², centre | 13,000 USD✓ | 22,000 USD |
| Quality of life | ||
| Safety | 86/100 | 86/100 |
| Healthcare | 88/100✓ | 84/100 |
| Air quality | 50/100 | 52/100✓ |
| Public transport | 96/100 | 98/100✓ |
| Walkability | 88/100 | 92/100✓ |
| English proficiency | 44/100 | 72/100✓ |
| Nightlife | 92/100✓ | 84/100 |
| Family friendliness | 80/100✓ | 74/100 |
| Median broadband | 220 Mbps | 290 Mbps✓ |
| Climate | ||
| Average temperature | 13°C✓ | 24°C |
| Summer high | 29°C✓ | 31°C |
| Winter low | -6°C | 15°C✓ |
| Sunshine hours per year | 2,060 h✓ | 1,830 h |
| Annual rainfall | 1400 mm✓ | 2400 mm |
| Practicalities | ||
| Remote-work visa | Yes✓ | No |
| Beach access | 60 min | 25 min✓ |
| Currency | KRW | HKD |
| Time zone | Asia/Seoul | Asia/Hong_Kong |
Seoul runs about 45% cheaper than Hong Kong for this household, a difference of 1,072 USD a month.
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FAQ
Frequently asked
Is Seoul or Hong Kong cheaper?
Seoul runs about 45% cheaper than Hong Kong for this household, a difference of 1,072 USD a month.
What salary do you need in Hong Kong compared with Seoul?
On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,446 a month in Seoul and $7,155 in Hong Kong, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.
Which has better quality of life, Seoul or Hong Kong?
Seoul scores 86/100 on safety and 88/100 on healthcare; Hong Kong scores 86 and 84. Seoul averages 13°C against 24°C in Hong Kong.