⚖️ City comparison
Seoul vs Shanghai
Seoul (South Korea) and Shanghai (China), compared on what matters when you move from the US: cost, weather, safety, internet, visas and tax.
The short version
- Shanghai is 23% cheaper: $1,567 vs $2,039 a month all-in for one person.
- Shanghai has more pleasant weather: 5 pleasant months a year vs 4.
- Shanghai is warmer: highs average 8°F more across the year (coldest-month high 50°F vs 36°F in Seoul; hottest 94°F vs 87°F).
- Internet is faster in Shanghai: 439 vs 265 Mbps median download.
- The air is cleaner in Seoul: PM2.5 of 17.9 vs 26.9 µg/m³ a year.
- South Korea has a nomad visa ($5,162/mo); China has no nomad visa.
Side by side
| Measure | 🇰🇷 Seoul | 🇨🇳 Shanghai |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 75 | 80 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $2,039 | $1,567 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $942 | $950 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $1,097 | $617 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 4 | 5 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 36–87°F | 50–94°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 75/100 (residents) | 74/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 265 Mbps | 439 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 17.9 µg/m³ | 26.9 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | Moderate (EF) | Low (EF) |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | Very high | Very high |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | High | Moderate |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | Low | Moderate |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | ~10.5h to Seattle | ~11.5h to Seattle |
| 🕘 US work-hour overlap | 0 h | 0 h |
| 🗓️ Visa-free stay (US passport) | 90 days | Visa needed |
| 🛂 Nomad visa | Workation Visa (F-1-D) → pilot, extended into 2026 | No nomad visa |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide income, top 45% | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide, with relief for newcomers, top 45% |
Best months to be there
🇰🇷 Seoul
3 best months
🇨🇳 Shanghai
3 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Seoul climate · Shanghai climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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