Can I Afford to Live in Seoul vs Hanoi on $150K?

Here's how a $150K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Seoul, KR
$7,069/mo take-home
Rent: $900/mo (13% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Hanoi, VN
$8,944/mo take-home
Rent: $450/mo (5% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Seoul
KR
Hanoi
VN
Monthly take-home (est.)
$7,069
$8,944Best ✓
1BR rent
$900
$450Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$380Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$150Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$80
$50Best ✓
Internet
$25
$15Best ✓
Left after essentials
$5,534/month
$7,899/month
Hanoi (Hanoi) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Seoul (KR rate: 15%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $150K a good salary in Seoul?

At $150K/year in Seoul, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,069. With 1BR rent around $900/month, rent takes up 13% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $150K a good salary in Hanoi?

At $150K/year in Hanoi, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,944. With 1BR rent around $450/month, rent takes up 5% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?

Hanoi leaves you with more money after core expenses — $7,899/month vs $5,534/month in Seoul.

Can I afford to live alone in Seoul on $150K?

Yes. At $150K in Seoul, rent takes 13% of your take-home, leaving $5,534/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Seoul vs Hanoi

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only