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South Korea vs Thailand
Compare cost of living, taxes, salaries and visas between South Korea and Thailand.
| South Korea | Thailand | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | ||
| Cost of living index | 84 | 56 |
| Taxes | ||
| Income tax (top rate) | 45% | 35% |
| VAT / sales tax | 10% | 7% |
| Corporate tax | 24% | 20% |
| Economy & salaries | ||
| Avg net salary | $2,500/mo | $800/mo |
| Minimum wage | $1,500/mo | $300/mo |
| GDP per capita | $35,563 | $8,057 |
| Inflation (annual) | 2.3% | -0.1% |
| Life expectancy | 84 yr | 77 yr |
| Quality of life | ||
| LGBTQ+ acceptance | Low | Moderate |
| Digital-nomad visa | Yes | Yes |
? Frequently asked questions
Is South Korea cheaper than Thailand?
Thailand is about 34% cheaper than South Korea overall — its cost-of-living index is 56 versus 84 for South Korea.
How much do you need to earn in Thailand to live like in South Korea?
To keep the same standard of living, a $75,000 salary in South Korea is worth about $49,655 in Thailand. Enter your own figure in the calculator above.
Which has lower taxes, South Korea or Thailand?
Thailand has the lower top income-tax rate — 35% versus 45% in South Korea.