✦ Compare countries
Japan vs South Korea
Compare cost of living, taxes, salaries and visas between Japan and South Korea.
| Japan | South Korea | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | ||
| Cost of living index | 108 | 84 |
| Taxes | ||
| Income tax (top rate) | 45% | 45% |
| VAT / sales tax | 10% | 10% |
| Corporate tax | 30% | 24% |
| Capital gains | 20.3% | — |
| Economy & salaries | ||
| Avg net salary | $2,600/mo | $2,500/mo |
| Minimum wage | $1,300/mo | $1,500/mo |
| GDP per capita | $35,951 | $35,563 |
| Inflation (annual) | 3.2% | 2.3% |
| Life expectancy | 84 yr | 84 yr |
| Quality of life | ||
| LGBTQ+ acceptance | Moderate | Low |
| Digital-nomad visa | Yes | Yes |
? Frequently asked questions
Is Japan cheaper than South Korea?
South Korea is about 22% cheaper than Japan overall — its cost-of-living index is 84 versus 108 for Japan.
How much do you need to earn in South Korea to live like in Japan?
To keep the same standard of living, a $75,000 salary in Japan is worth about $58,403 in South Korea. Enter your own figure in the calculator above.