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Seoul vs London

Seoul runs about 71% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,687 USD a month.

Hangang Park
Seoul
$2,363/month · South Korea
Wpcpey · CC BY 4.0
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
Seoul monthly
$2,363
Index 37 (NYC = 100)
London monthly
$4,050
Index 63 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+71%
London relative to Seoul
Rent gap
$1,700
London costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

SeoulLondon
  • Housing
    Housing: Seoul $900, London $2,600. Cheaper in Seoul.
  • Food
    Food: Seoul $881, London $617. Cheaper in London.
  • Transport
    Transport: Seoul $100, London $282. Cheaper in Seoul.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Seoul $165, London $267. Cheaper in Seoul.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Seoul $16, London $8.03. Cheaper in London.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Seoul $193, London $169. Cheaper in London.
  • Other
    Other: Seoul $108, London $107. 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

MetricSeoulLondon
Cost
Total monthly cost2,363 USD✓4,050 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)37✓63
Housing900 USD✓2,600 USD
Utilities165 USD✓267 USD
Food881 USD617 USD✓
Transport100 USD✓282 USD
Healthcare16 USD8 USD✓
Lifestyle193 USD169 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,446 USD5,953 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate34.6%28.6%✓
Left over each month3,083 USD✓1,902 USD
Average local net salary2,500 USD3,600 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre900 USD✓2,600 USD
3-bed rent, city centre2,000 USD✓5,200 USD
Buy price per m², centre13,000 USD✓15,000 USD
Quality of life
Safety86/100✓66/100
Healthcare88/100✓84/100
Air quality50/10060/100✓
Public transport96/100✓92/100
Walkability88/10090/100✓
English proficiency44/100100/100✓
Nightlife92/10094/100✓
Family friendliness80/100✓72/100
Median broadband220 Mbps✓90 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature13°C12°C✓
Summer high29°C23°C✓
Winter low-6°C3°C✓
Sunshine hours per year2,060 h✓1,480 h
Annual rainfall1400 mm600 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaYes✓No
Beach access60 min✓90 min
CurrencyKRWGBP
Time zoneAsia/SeoulEurope/London

Seoul runs about 71% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,687 USD a month.

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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Seoul or London cheaper?

Seoul runs about 71% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,687 USD a month.

What salary do you need in London compared with Seoul?

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

Which has better quality of life, Seoul or London?

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