Cost Comparison 2025

SeoulvsLuxembourg

South Korea
Luxembourg

Overall

💰

+13.3%

Seoul is 13.3%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+50.0%

Housing is 50.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+63.6%

Restaurants 63.6% pricier

Groceries

🛒

-8.9%

Food shopping 8.9% less

Comparing the cost of living between Seoul, South Korea and Luxembourg, Luxembourg reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Seoul is more expensive than Luxembourg by approximately 13.3%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Seoul are lower than in Luxembourg by 33%. A one-bedroom apartment in Seoul's city center costs around ₩1,200,000, while the same in Luxembourg is approximately €2,000.

Dining out in Seoul offers significant savings compared to Luxembourg. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs ₩8,000 in Seoul versus €20 in Luxembourg.

Public transportation in Seoul is more expensive, with monthly passes at ₩55,000 compared to €0 in Luxembourg.

Purchasing power in Luxembourg is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Seoul.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Seoul can expect to spend approximately ₩528,000 per month (excluding rent), while in Luxembourg, the same lifestyle would cost around €600. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about ₩1,848,000 monthly in Seoul versus €2,101 in Luxembourg. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Seoul, South Korea
Luxembourg, Luxembourg

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
₩1,200,000
€2,000
1BR Outside Center
₩700,000
€1,600
3BR City Center
₩3,000,000
€3,800

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
₩8,000
€20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
₩50,000
€90
Cappuccino
₩4,500
€4
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
₩4,500
€5

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
₩2,500
€1
Bread (500g)
₩3,000
€2
Eggs (12)
₩3,500
€4
Cheese (1kg)
₩16,000
€18

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
₩1,400
€0
Monthly Pass
₩55,000
€0
Taxi Start
₩4,000
€5
Gasoline (1L)
₩1,700
€2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
₩200,000
€200
Internet (60 Mbps)
₩30,000
€50
Mobile Minute
₩50
€0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Seoul to Luxembourg, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Luxembourg to Seoul requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Seoul

Cost of Living Index75
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index85

Luxembourg

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index120

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seoul more expensive than Luxembourg?

Yes, Seoul is approximately 13.3% more expensive than Luxembourg overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Seoul compared to Luxembourg?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Luxembourg salary when living in Seoul. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Luxembourg, you'd need about $56,667 in Seoul for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Seoul and Luxembourg?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 39%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Luxembourg offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Luxembourg provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Seoul if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Luxembourg for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Seoul vs Luxembourg?

In Seoul, a single person needs approximately ₩1,228,000 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about ₩3,648,000. In Luxembourg, these figures are €2,200 for singles and €4,901 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Seoul and Luxembourg in 2025 shows notable differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Luxembourg to maintain your lifestyle from Seoul

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers