Which place is cheaper, Washington 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 Washington can help you decide which place is right for you.
Seoul is a cultural, bustling, and modern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Washington is a international, diverse, and active city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Washington than Seoul. While Seoul is larger than Washington, Washington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Washington is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Seoul attracts visitors for its music, shopping, and big city activities. Washington is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also well known for The Washington Monument and the White House. 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 Washington and Seoul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Washington 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 Washington are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.
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.
Washington is a well-known place for its theatre productions. However, Seoul is not a theatre destination.
Washington has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.
Seoul is not a theatre destination.
Both Seoul and Washington offer fantastic 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, Washington is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.
Both Seoul and Washington are very good when it comes to partying.
Seoul offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.
Washington has a large number of nightlife venues. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.
Seoul is a world-class destination for live music. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its live music scene.
Seoul is known as a music capital around the world. 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.
The music scene helps keep Washington active and fun. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.
Washington is a moderate city for the nearby hiking options. However, Seoul is not a hiking destination.
Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.
Seoul is not a hiking destination.
Seoul is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.
People travel from around the world to go shopping in Seoul. 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.
Washington is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.
Washington is very popular for its Christmas activities. However, Seoul does not offer Christmas activities.
Washington is a world class destination during the Christmas season. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.
Seoul does not offer Christmas activities.
You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Washington.
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 Washington. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.
Both Seoul and Washington are very good destinations to visit as a couple.
Seoul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.
Washington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.
Seoul is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination for backpackers.
Seoul is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.
Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.
Washington 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 Washington. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.
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 Washington offer fantastic 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 Washington can get you around easily. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.
Washington 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 Washington on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.
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 Washington Worth Visiting?.
Both Seoul and Washington have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Washington has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Washington than Seoul. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Washington than Seoul. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Washington, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Washington than Seoul. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Washington that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seoul than Washington 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 Seoul.
When visiting Seoul, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
In Washington, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this diverse 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.
When visiting Seoul, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Washington. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Washington is a fun place to experience. In Washington, 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
In Washington, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this monument-filled 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.
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 Washington is $198. 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 Washington in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Seoul or Washington? 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 Washington are as follows:
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Washington 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 Washington:
For Washington, 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:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
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 Washington:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Washington, 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 Washington. The summer months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year.
In July, Seoul is generally around the same temperature as Washington. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 26°C (78°F), and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Washington. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun.
Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Washington. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.
Both Washington and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Washington for the hiking trails, 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 Washington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Washington during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Washington. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Washington and Seoul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Washington can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Seoul. In the winter, Seoul is much colder than Washington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seoul in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Washington averages at about 35°F (1°C).
In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Washington. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun.
Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Washington. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Washington. Many visitors come to Seoul in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Seoul is generally around the same temperature as Washington. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 13°C (55°F), and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Washington during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Washington. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
Seoul | Washington | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
May | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
Aug | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
Dec | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |