Moving from to
Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.
The verdict
Japan is 7% more expensive. Tax rate goes from 15.5% to 27.9%. Quality of life improves by 1 points.
In a surprisingly close contest, Japan (QoL 66/100) and South Korea (QoL 65/100) present nearly identical quality of life metrics, with only a single point separating them. Japan maintains a slight edge in safety (93 vs 84), a 9-point difference that represents the largest gap across all indicators. Healthcare systems are also very similar, with Japan scoring 75 and South Korea 71. Climate preferences show a minor divergence, with South Korea at 48 (average 12.5°C) slightly preferred over Japan's 44 (average 16°C). The primary trade-off is economic: Japan's price level of 88 is notably higher than South Korea's 78, making the latter a more affordable option, despite Japan's marginally lower taxation score of 47 against South Korea's 49.
This is a remarkably close match, but South Korea edges out Japan due to its lower price level and comparable quality of life, offering a similar experience at a reduced cost.
Moving to Japan? NLV varies by city.
Tax Comparison
At $42,747 USD equivalent gross salary
🇰🇷 South Korea
🇯🇵 Japan
Net difference: $5,276/year in Japan.Full calculator →
What Things Actually Cost
Price Index: South Korea = 86, Japan = 92 (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 Japan depending on your goal:
Same net income (tax only)
¥7,730,759
You keep the same $36,114/yr net in both countries. But Japan taxes 14.7% more.
Same purchasing power (recommended)
¥8,270,114
Accounts for the fact that Japan is 7% more expensive than South Korea. This is the number to negotiate.
Net Life Value at $43K
🇰🇷 South Korea
64
🇯🇵 Japan
58
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 Japan: 66/100
Moving to Japan: Practicalities
Visa Openness
40/100
English Level
40/100
Expat Community
2.3%
Digital Nomad Visa
Available