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

Japan and South Korea sit close on our overall quality of life index (Japan 7.7/10, South Korea 7.6/10). The winner depends on which categories matter most to you.

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

Key scores at a glance

Japan wins 10 of 16 categories we track; South Korea wins 4, with 2 tied.

Safety — Japan 9.4/10 · South Korea 8.9/10
Healthcare — Japan 9.3/10 · South Korea 8.8/10
Cost of living — Japan 6.8/10 · South Korea 6.2/10

See the full breakdown below.

Country guides: Japan · South Korea

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💡 Comparison Tips

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