Which place is cheaper, New York City or Seoul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Seoul and New York City can help you decide which place is right for you.
Seoul is a high energy, colorful, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.
New York City is a cosmopolitan, one-of-a-kind, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in New York City than Seoul. While Seoul is larger than New York City, New York City has more sights and attractions for tourists. New York City is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also well known for The Statue of Liberty. Seoul is famous for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City and Seoul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
New York City is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in New York City are among the most recognizable in the world. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Seoul can be an interesting and educational experience. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.
New York City is very popular for its theatre productions. However, Seoul is not a theatre destination.
The theater scene in New York City is world-class. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.
Seoul is not a theatre destination.
Both Seoul and New York City offer first-rate local cuisine and restaurants.
Seoul has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New York City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.
New York City is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.
New York City is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.
Seoul has a large number of nightlife venues. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Both Seoul and New York City offer first-rate live music venues.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Seoul K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.
New York City has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.
Both Seoul and New York City are first-rate shopping destinations.
The abundance of shops in Seoul make it a world-class shopping destination. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.
Many people travel to New York City specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.
New York City is very popular for its Christmas activities. However, Seoul does not offer Christmas activities.
New York City is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.
Seoul does not offer Christmas activities.
New York City is a well-known place for its Christmas markets. However, Seoul does not offer Christmas markets.
New York City is a popular destination to visit Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.
Seoul does not offer Christmas markets.
You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or New York City.
Seoul is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in New York City. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.
New York City is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.
For those traveling as a couple, New York City has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.
Seoul makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.
New York City is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
New York City is a great city to visit for backpackers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.
It's common for backpackers to visit Seoul. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.
New York City is very popular for students. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.
Students come from all over the world to visit New York City. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.
Seoul is a great city to visit as a student. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.
Both Seoul and New York City offer first-rate public transit options.
Seoul has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.
With a huge network, the transit system in New York City can get you around easily. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.
New York City is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.
It is easy to get around New York City on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.
Seoul is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.
For even more information, also check out Is Seoul Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.
Both Seoul and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, New York City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in New York City than Seoul. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in New York City than Seoul. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in New York City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in New York City than Seoul. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Seoul if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in New York City.
Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
In New York City, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this vibrant big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seoul. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.
New York City is a fun place to experience. In New York City, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
In New York City, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $110, while the average daily cost in New York City is $326. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Seoul and New York City in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Seoul or New York City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in New York City are as follows:
Also for New York City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both New York City and Seoul change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
For New York City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For New York City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New York City's activities, tours, and tickets:
For New York City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Things to do in New York City with Kids, Things to Do in Central Park in NYC, and The Best Museums in New York City.
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New York City:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and New York City, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul is in Asia and New York City is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Seoul.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Seoul Expensive? and Is New York City Expensive?.
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of New York City. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and New York City, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Both New York City and Seoul during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Seoul in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Seoul is generally around the same temperature as New York City. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 26°C (78°F), and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
New York City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than New York City. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and New York City. Most visitors come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to New York City because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Seoul is around the same temperature as New York City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than New York City. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Seoul as well as New York City. The winter months attract visitors to Seoul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to New York City this time of year.
It's quite cold in New York City in the winter. The weather in Seoul can be very cold. In the winter, Seoul is much colder than New York City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seoul in January average around -3°C (27°F), and New York City averages at about 31°F (-1°C).
Seoul usually gets less rain in January than New York City. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both New York City and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Seoul is generally a little warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 13°C (55°F), and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
In April, Seoul usually receives around the same amount of rain as New York City. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
Seoul | New York City | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 42°F (6°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.8 inches (98 mm) |
May | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
Aug | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
Dec | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 3.4 inches (88 mm) |