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Exploring the world for you...
Exploring the world for you...
Gathering country stats...
Complete side-by-side comparison of Japan and South Korea for digital nomads and remote workers.
Japan is 9% more affordable than South Korea, with a cost of living index of 15 compared to 16 (NYC = 100). Japan scores higher on safety (78 vs 71/100).
NYC = 100 for cost indexes. Higher safety/healthcare = better. Lower pollution/traffic = better.
Japan is the more budget-friendly destination with a cost of living index of 15 versus 16 for South Korea (NYC baseline = 100). That's a 9% difference that adds up significantly over months of living abroad.
Rent is often the biggest expense: Japan has a rent index of 33 compared to 41. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and dining follow a similar pattern.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $6.37 in Japan versus $6.84 in South Korea. These everyday costs paint the real picture of how far your money goes.
Japan ranks higher for safety with an index of 78/100, compared to 71/100 for South Korea. Both countries are generally safe for tourists and expats, though standard precautions apply in major cities.
Healthcare quality in South Korea scores 83/100 versus 80/100 in Japan. International health insurance is recommended regardless of your destination.
Air quality is notably better in Japan with a pollution index of 37 versus 57. This could be a deciding factor if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Japan has a more established digital nomad scene with 2 popular nomad cities, while South Korea offers 2 cities. Top picks in Japan include Osaka, Tokyo.
Source: Numbeo (national averages, USD)
Japan is 9% more affordable than South Korea. The cost of living index is 15 vs 16 (NYC = 100), affecting rent, food, and daily expenses.
Japan has a higher safety index of 78/100 compared to 71/100. Both countries are generally safe for travelers, but exercise standard precautions in tourist-heavy areas.
South Korea ranks higher for healthcare with an index of 83/100 versus 80/100. Modern hospitals and English-speaking doctors are available in major cities of both countries. International health insurance is recommended.
Japan has a more established digital nomad scene with 2 popular nomad cities compared to 2 in South Korea. The best choice depends on your priorities: cost, weather, visa terms, and community size.
Check the dedicated visa guide pages for each country to see current DN visa availability, duration, cost, and requirements. Visa policies can change, so always verify with official sources before traveling.