NLVNet Life Value

Moving from
to

Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.

The verdict

Cost of living is similar. Tax rate goes from 29.8% to 14.8%. Quality of life improves by 2 points.

Comparing Italy and South Korea reveals a nuanced quality of life landscape, with South Korea marginally ahead at 65/100 versus Italy's 63/100. The most significant divergence lies in taxation, where South Korea scores a robust 49 against Italy's low 26, indicating a substantially lower tax burden for residents in the East Asian nation. Conversely, Italy boasts a considerably more appealing climate with a score of 63 (average 14°C) compared to South Korea's 48 (average 12.5°C), a 15-point difference that reflects a more temperate environment. While Italy maintains a higher cost of living score at 66 versus South Korea's 52, both countries offer high safety (Italy 85, South Korea 84) and reasonable healthcare, though South Korea's 71 surpasses Italy's 62.

South Korea edges ahead due to its more favorable taxation environment and superior healthcare system, despite Italy's climatic advantage.

Tax Comparison

At $37,769 USD equivalent gross salary

🇮🇹 Italy

Gross€34,650
Income Tax-€6,813
Social-€3,531
Net€24,307
Effective Rate29.8%

🇰🇷 South Korea

Gross₩51,738,356
Income Tax-₩4,867,737
Social-₩2,814,951
Net₩44,055,668
Effective Rate14.8%

Net difference: +$5,666/year in South Korea.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: Italy = 89, South Korea = 86 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$5.20→$4.20
-19%
☕

Starbucks Tall Latte

$4.20→$4.50
+7%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$6.00→$5.00
-17%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$900.00→$880.00
-2%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$12.99→$10.00
-23%
⛽

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.90→$1.45
-24%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$2.00→$1.10
-45%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$85.00→$70.00
-18%
See all 30 products →

What Salary to Ask For

If you earn €34,650 gross in Italy ($37,769USD), here's what you need in South Korea depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

₩41,949,715

You keep the same $26,494/yr net in both countries. South Korea taxes 16.2% less.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

₩40,535,680

Accounts for the fact that prices are similar in both countries. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $38K

🇮🇹 Italy

51

+10

🇰🇷 South Korea

61

NLV combines net income, cost of living, and quality of life into one score. Moving to South Korea improves your overall quality of life.

Calculate with your exact salary →

Quality of Life

Italy: 63/100 vs South Korea: 65/100

Cost of Living
66
52
-14
Climate
63
48
-15
Safety
85
84
-1
Healthcare
62
71
+9
Internet
73
87
+14
Taxation
26
49
+23

Moving to South Korea: Practicalities

Visa Openness

45/100

English Level

48/100

Expat Community

3.4%

Digital Nomad Visa

Available

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Italy to South Korea?▾
The effective tax rate changes from 29.8% in Italy to 14.8% in South Korea. You keep about $5,666.38 more per year in South Korea.
Is South Korea cheaper to live in than Italy?▾
Cost of living is similar between the two countries (within 5% across 30 products).
What salary do I need in South Korea to match my lifestyle in Italy?▾
Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between Italy and South Korea. As a rule of thumb: a similar gross salary should maintain your lifestyle.
Is it worth moving from Italy to South Korea?▾
It depends on your priorities. Financially, South Korea is clearly better: lower taxes and lower cost of living.

Also Consider

🇮🇹 → 🇺🇸 United States🇮🇹 → 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇮🇹 → 🇫🇷 France🇮🇹 → 🇩🇪 Germany🇮🇹 → 🇪🇸 Spain🇮🇹 → 🇵🇹 Portugal