Compare countries · China vs South Korea
China vs South Korea
China(Asia)·
South Korea(Asia)
Across 13 comparable indicators: China leads on 4, South Korea on 8, 1 effectively tied. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
China
30.5
Better than 79% of countries
South Korea
61.6
Worse than 83% of countries
China: 50% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
China
10.4
Better than 73% of countries
South Korea
16.1
Worse than 59% of countries
China: 35% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
China
2.01
Around the global middle
South Korea
1.80
Better than 73% of countries
South Korea: more peaceful (1.80 vs 2.01).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
China
76.9
Better than 93% of countries
South Korea
71.0
Better than 80% of countries
China: higher perceived safety (76.9 vs 71.0).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
China
0.788
Better than 61% of countries
South Korea
0.929
Better than 91% of countries
South Korea: higher human development (0.929 vs 0.788).
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
China
$29,333
Better than 61% of countries
South Korea
$63,125
Better than 84% of countries
South Korea: 115% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
China
78.0 yrs
Better than 71% of countries
South Korea
83.6 yrs
Better than 94% of countries
South Korea: 5.6 years longer on average.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
China
69.2
Better than 68% of countries
South Korea
82.9
Better than 98% of countries
South Korea: better-rated healthcare (82.9 vs 69.2).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
China
212 Mbps
Better than 82% of countries
South Korea
253 Mbps
Better than 88% of countries
South Korea: 19% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
China
14/100
Worse than 99% of countries
South Korea
69/100
Better than 73% of countries
South Korea: freer press (69 vs 14 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
China
6.07
Better than 56% of countries
South Korea
6.04
Around the global middle
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
China
464
Worse than 74% of countries
South Korea
522
Better than 57% of countries
South Korea: stronger English proficiency (522 vs 464).
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
China
74.4
Worse than 63% of countries
South Korea
71.9
Worse than 66% of countries
China: more pleasant climate rating (74.4 vs 71.9).
Deciding between China and South Korea for real?
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Find your match →Full China profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full South Korea profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.