Which place is cheaper, Paris 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 Paris can help you decide which place is right for you.
Seoul is a colorful, cultural, and bustling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.
Paris is a bustling, energetic, and beautiful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Paris than Seoul. While Seoul is larger than Paris, Paris has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paris is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. 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 Paris and Seoul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Paris 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 Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.
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.
Paris is very popular for its theatre productions. However, Seoul is not a theatre destination.
The theater scene in Paris is world-class. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.
Seoul is not a theatre destination.
Both Seoul and Paris offer world-class 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, Paris is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.
Paris 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.
Paris is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.
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 Paris offer world-class 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.
Paris has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.
Both Seoul and Paris are world-class 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 Paris specifically to go shopping. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.
Paris is very popular for its Christmas activities. However, Seoul does not offer Christmas activities.
Paris is a world class destination during the Christmas season. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.
Seoul does not offer Christmas activities.
Paris is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.
Paris is one of the most popular family destinations. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Seoul. 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.
Paris 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, Paris has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.
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.
Paris is very popular for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.
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.
Paris 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 Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.
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 Paris offer world-class 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 Paris can get you around easily. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.
Seoul and Paris both are great when exploring on foot.
Seoul is a very walkable city. 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.
Paris is a very walkable destination. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Seoul Worth Visiting? and Is Paris Worth Visiting?.
Both Seoul and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Paris has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Paris than Seoul. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Paris than Seoul. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Paris, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Paris than Seoul. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paris that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris 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 Paris.
Each neighborhood in Seoul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.
In Paris, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this energetic 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. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. 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 fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Seoul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Paris is a fun place to experience. In Paris, 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.
Each neighborhood in Seoul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.
In Paris, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this energetic 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.
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 Paris is $253. 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 Paris in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Seoul or Paris? 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 Paris are as follows:
Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Paris 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:
For Paris, 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:
For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Paris, we can see that Paris 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 Paris is in Europe, 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive?.
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Paris. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Paris, 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.
The summer brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Paris. Most visitors come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Seoul is generally a little warmer than Paris. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 26°C (78°F), and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paris. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Paris. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.
Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Paris. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Paris and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year.
Seoul is a little warmer than Paris in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Paris during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Paris. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Paris and Seoul during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Paris. It's quite cold in Seoul in the winter. In the winter, Seoul is much colder than Paris. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seoul in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Paris averages at about 5°C (40°F).
In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Paris. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun.
Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Paris. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Paris. Many travelers come to Seoul for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Seoul is generally a little warmer than Paris. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 13°C (55°F), and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Paris during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Paris. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Seoul | Paris | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (1.9 in) |
May | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
Aug | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
Dec | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |