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 15.5% to 31.6%. Quality of life drops 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.
Moving to Italy? NLV varies by city.
Tax Comparison
At $42,747 USD equivalent gross salary
🇰🇷 South Korea
🇮🇹 Italy
Net difference: $6,891/year in Italy.Full calculator →
What Things Actually Cost
Price Index: South Korea = 86, Italy = 89 (US = 100)
Big Mac
Starbucks Tall Latte
Beer 500ml (bar)
iPhone 16 128GB
Netflix Standard (monthly)
1L Gasoline (95)
Single Transit Ticket
Airbnb Studio (city center)
What Salary to Ask For
If you earn ₩58,557,534 gross in South Korea ($42,747USD), here's what you need in Italy depending on your goal:
Same net income (tax only)
€50,851
You keep the same $36,114/yr net in both countries. But Italy taxes 19.4% more.
Same purchasing power (recommended)
€52,625
Accounts for the fact that prices are similar in both countries. This is the number to negotiate.
Net Life Value at $43K
🇰🇷 South Korea
64
🇮🇹 Italy
53
NLV combines net income, cost of living, and quality of life into one score. Your overall quality of life may decrease — but other factors (visa, climate, lifestyle) might compensate.
Quality of Life
South Korea: 65/100 vs Italy: 63/100
Moving to Italy: Practicalities
Visa Openness
55/100
English Level
48/100
Expat Community
10.5%
Digital Nomad Visa
Available