Seoul vs Tokyo: Travel Cost Comparison
Seoul is about 16% cheaper than Tokyo for a 7-day trip — around $2,804 vs $3,341 (2026).
| Category | Seoul | Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| Flights/person |  Seoul$800 |  Tokyo$750 |
| Lodging/night | Seoul $90 | Tokyo $150 |
| Food/day | Seoul $42 | Tokyo $55 |
| Transport/day | Seoul $12 | Tokyo $18 |
| Activities/day | Seoul $28 | Tokyo $40 |
| 7-Day Total (2 people) | Seoul $2,804 | Tokyo $3,341 |
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Seoul Trip Summary
Total Estimated
$2,371.60
₩3,201,660Cost Breakdown
₩1,080,000Economy class · $800/ person × 1
₩850,500$90/night × 7 Nights × 1 Room
₩396,900Breakfast $0/ day
Lunch $0/ day
Dinner $0/ day
₩113,400Public Transit · $12/ day
₩226,800Tickets & Admissions ×4 ($28/visit)
Day Tours ×1 ($56/visit)
₩189,000Souvenirs & Gifts $56
Clothing & Accessories $49
Local Goods & Snacks $35
₩20,250eSIM / Data Plan $11.25/ person
VPN, Maps & Apps $3.75/ person
₩33,750Travel Insurance $15/ person
Visa Fees $10/ person
₩291,060Trip Insights & Recommendations
Smart Insights
- T-money card (₩5,000) — subway ₩1,550/ride with free bus transfers within 30 min.
- Integrated Palace Pass ₩6,000 ($4.45) covers all 4 palaces + Jongmyo — saves 57% vs individual tickets.
- Kimbap Cheonguk chain: full meal for ₩5,500-8,500 ($4-6) — 1,000+ locations across Seoul.
- VAT on dining — 10% VAT usually included in prices $29.40≈ ₩39,690
$29.40≈ ₩39,690Not included in your estimate above
Save up to $239.00 (🇰🇷 ₩322,650)
- Book 6-8 weeks early or pick a one-stop connection (~15% less)−$120.00 (🇰🇷 ₩162,000)
- Eat where locals eat in Seoul instead of tourist spots (~30% less)−$91.00 (🇰🇷 ₩122,850)
- Get a multi-day transit pass in Seoul (~30% less)−$28.00 (🇰🇷 ₩37,800)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do you need per day in Seoul?
Based on current estimates, you need approximately $338.80 per person per day in Seoul, covering accommodation, food, transport, and activities at a moderate budget level.
Is $2,371.60 enough for 1 person in Seoul for 7 days?
$2,371.60 provides a moderate budget for 1 person visiting Seoul for 7 days, averaging $338.80 per person daily.
What is the biggest expense when traveling to Seoul?
Flights is typically the largest cost at 33.7% of the total budget ($800.00), followed by other categories. Consider booking early for better rates.
Explore Each Destination
Seoul, South Korea
Full budget breakdown
$2,804 / 7 days
Tokyo, Japan
Full budget breakdown
$3,341 / 7 days