⚖️ City comparison
Beijing vs Seoul
Beijing (China) and Seoul (South Korea), compared on what matters when you move from the US: cost, weather, safety, internet, visas and tax.
The short version
- Beijing is 21% cheaper: $1,617 vs $2,039 a month all-in for one person.
- Rent is lower in Seoul: $942 vs $1,030 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Beijing has more pleasant weather: 5 pleasant months a year vs 4.
- Beijing is warmer: highs average 3°F more across the year (coldest-month high 37°F vs 36°F in Seoul; hottest 94°F vs 87°F).
- Internet is faster in Beijing: 346 vs 265 Mbps median download.
- The air is cleaner in Seoul: PM2.5 of 17.9 vs 26.8 µg/m³ a year.
- China has no nomad visa; South Korea has a nomad visa ($5,162/mo).
Side by side
| Measure | 🇨🇳 Beijing | 🇰🇷 Seoul |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 79 | 75 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $1,617 | $2,039 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $1,030 | $942 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $588 | $1,097 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 5 | 4 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 37–94°F | 36–87°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 74/100 (residents) | 75/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 346 Mbps | 265 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 26.8 µg/m³ | 17.9 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | Low (EF) | Moderate (EF) |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | Very high | Very high |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | Moderate | High |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | Moderate | Low |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | ~11h to Seattle | ~10.5h to Seattle |
| 🕘 US work-hour overlap | 0 h | 0 h |
| 🗓️ Visa-free stay (US passport) | Visa needed | 90 days |
| 🛂 Nomad visa | No nomad visa | Workation Visa (F-1-D) → pilot, extended into 2026 |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide, with relief for newcomers, top 45% | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide income, top 45% |
Best months to be there
🇨🇳 Beijing
3 best months
🇰🇷 Seoul
3 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Beijing climate · Seoul climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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