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South Korea vs United States
Compare cost of living, taxes, salaries and visas between South Korea and United States.
| South Korea | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | ||
| Cost of living index | 84 | 105 |
| Taxes | ||
| Income tax (top rate) | 45% | 37% |
| VAT / sales tax | 10% | 0% |
| Social security (employee) | — | 7.7% |
| Corporate tax | 24% | 21% |
| Capital gains | — | 20% |
| Economy & salaries | ||
| Avg net salary | $2,500/mo | $4,300/mo |
| Minimum wage | $1,500/mo | $1,257/mo |
| GDP per capita | $35,563 | $90,027 |
| Inflation (annual) | 2.3% | — |
| Life expectancy | 84 yr | 79 yr |
| Quality of life | ||
| LGBTQ+ acceptance | Low | High |
| Digital-nomad visa | Yes | No |
? Frequently asked questions
Is South Korea cheaper than United States?
United States is about 24% more expensive than South Korea overall — its cost-of-living index is 105 versus 84 for South Korea.
How much do you need to earn in United States to live like in South Korea?
To keep the same standard of living, a $75,000 salary in South Korea is worth about $93,311 in United States. Enter your own figure in the calculator above.
Which has lower taxes, South Korea or United States?
United States has the lower top income-tax rate — 37% versus 45% in South Korea.