South Korea🇰🇷
At a Glance
How South Korea compares across key indices
Cost of Living
59 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
71/100
Healthcare
83/100
Quality of Life
152/200
Climate
70/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in South Korea
Cost of Living
59
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
17
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
74
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
34
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Seoul
Cheapest$1,902/mo
Safety & Crime
Low RiskHow safe residents feel in South Korea — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
71/100
Crime Index
29/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
55/100
Mixed perception
Walking Safety
9 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 1,246 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in South Korea
South Korea has 1 city with Numbeo data. Seoul has the lowest estimated monthly cost at $1,902. Seoul leads on safety, scoring 75/100. Seoul ranks highest for quality of life at 167/200.
Seoul
$1,902/mo
Seoul
75/100
Seoul
167/200
Seoul
83/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | $1,902 | 75/100 | 167/200 | 83/100 | 46 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for South Korea
Healthcare Index
83/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 227 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
ModerateAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in South Korea
Pollution Index
53/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 496 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in South Korea
Average One-Way Commute
38minutes
Average
Traffic Index
129
Moderate congestion
Inefficiency
150
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
2.3kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 234 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in South Korea, answered with data
What is the cost of living in South Korea?
South Korea has a cost of living index of 59 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,902 in Seoul.
Is South Korea safe for expats?
South Korea has a safety index of 71/100, making it very safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Seoul scores highest on safety at 75/100.
What is the best city in South Korea for expats and digital nomads?
Seoul ranks highest for quality of life in South Korea, scoring 167/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $1,902/mo for a single person.
How good is healthcare in South Korea?
South Korea scores 83/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it excellent by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is South Korea cheaper than the United States?
Yes. South Korea's cost of living is roughly 41% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 83% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for South Korea
Plan Your Move
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