Seoul vs Tokyo: cost of living for digital nomads
Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Seoul is about 21% cheaper than Tokyo for a month of nomad living ($2,200 vs $2,800).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,000 in Seoul against $1,300 in Tokyo.
- Tokyo scores higher on safety (10/10 vs 9/10).
- Internet is faster in Seoul: 250 Mbps typical against 230 Mbps.
- Seoul is continental; Tokyo is temperate.
Seoul wins 6 of the measured lines; Tokyo wins 1.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Seoul or Tokyo?
Seoul is cheaper: about $2,200/month against $2,800/month in Tokyo, roughly 21% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Seoul or Tokyo?
Tokyo scores higher on safety: 10/10 against 9/10 for Seoul.
Which has faster internet, Seoul or Tokyo?
Seoul has faster typical internet: 250 Mbps against 230 Mbps in Tokyo.
| Line | Seoul | Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $2,200 | $2,800 |
| Rent | $1,000 | $1,300 |
| Food | $550 | $650 |
| Transport | $80 | $120 |
| Coworking | $170 | $200 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 250 | 230 |
| Climate | continental | temperate |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | inland | coast |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 7/10 |
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Seoul November 10, 2026, Tokyo November 11, 2026.