Highest Take-Home
South Korea
2025 · Seoul
26.7%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$73,347
$6,112/mo
Income 18% State 2% Social 7%
On a $100,000 salary, you'd take home $73,347 in South Korea versus $66,959 in Japan.
South Korea
$73,347
+$6,389/year
Japan
$66,959
That's $532 more per month in South Korea
Side-by-side breakdown
Japan
2025 · Tokyo
33.0%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$66,959
$5,580/mo
Income 14% State 7% Social 12% Other 0%
Tax rate by income level
Effective Tax Rate by Income
Shows effective tax rate (total tax / gross income) at different income levels in USD
Understanding the difference
Life & Taxes
Chasing the Neon Dream
From Tokyo's futuristic streetscapes to Seoul's K-pop-infused energy, these two hubs attract a similar breed of ambitious digital nomads and corporate expats. Whether you are drawn by the precision of Japanese minimalism or the fast-paced 'pali-pali' culture of Korea, both nations offer a high-tech lifestyle that feels years ahead of the West.
Daily Grind and High Vibes
Life in Tokyo is a Masterclass in quiet efficiency and hidden izakayas, whereas Seoul feels like a city that never sleeps, fueled by non-stop delivery and vibrant nightlife. You will trade space for incredible public safety and world-class transit, living in urban jungles where professional ambition usually dictates the pace of your social calendar.
The Progressive Payday
Both countries use layered tax brackets that demand more as you climb the corporate ladder, culminating in identical top rates for high earners. However, the path there differs: Korea offers a more granular eight-bracket system and specific wage credits, while Japan keeps it slightly simpler with seven brackets and local inhabitant surcharges.
Safety Nets and Perks
Your monthly contributions fund some of the world's most envied healthcare systems, ensuring a doctor's visit never breaks the bank. While Japan includes unique local levies like the forest environmental tax, Korea integrates its long-term care insurance directly into the health rate, both ensuring that the aging population is cared for by the current workforce.
The Final Verdict
If you are a mid-career professional seeking diverse personal deductions and credits, South Korea's system often feels more tailored to your spending habits. For those valuing long-term stability and a predictable social security structure in a legendary cultural landscape, Japan remains the gold standard for expatriate living.
Detailed tax breakdown
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