Skip to content

Your next address

Istanbul or Seoul

Comprehensive comparison between Istanbul (Turkey) and Seoul (South Korea). Analyze differences in purchasing power, housing, safety, and visas to make your next move.

Loading destinations...

How much salary do you need in Seoul?

Use our Purchasing Power Calculator to find out exactly how much you need to earn in {{city}} to maintain your current lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on 2026 cost of living data, Istanbul is more affordable than Seoul. Istanbul has a cost rating of 85/100, while Seoul has a cost rating of 55/100.
In terms of safety, Seoul ranks higher with a safety score of 95/100, compared to Istanbul at 75/100. Istanbul's safety score is 75/100 and Seoul's safety score is 95/100.
Average rent in Istanbul is typically $1,000 per month, whereas typical rent in Seoul averages $1,800 per month.
For Istanbul, the visa process is rated as: Accessible (Residency permits (Ikamet) are standard, though rules for property-based residency have tightened.). For Seoul, the process is rated as: Digital Nomad Visa (Soul's new 'Workation' visa makes it much easier for remote workers.).

Explore more destinations