China vs South Korea: Cost of Living, Safety & Quality of Life Comparison 2026

South Korea is ahead on the overall index (7.6/10 vs 6.9/10 for China). That headline score still hides trade-offs in specific areas.

On cost of living, China scores higher than South Korea.

Key scores at a glance

South Korea wins 13 of 16 categories we track; China wins 3.

Safety — China 8.0/10 · South Korea 8.9/10
Healthcare — China 7.8/10 · South Korea 8.8/10
Cost of living — China 6.5/10 · South Korea 6.2/10

See the full breakdown below.

Country guides: China · South Korea

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