Compare countries · Singapore vs South Korea
Singapore vs South Korea
Singapore(Asia)·
South Korea(Asia)
Across 13 comparable indicators: Singapore leads on 7, South Korea on 5, 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)
Singapore
87.7
Worse than 97% of countries
South Korea
61.6
Worse than 83% of countries
South Korea: 30% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Singapore
73.1
Worse than 99% of countries
South Korea
16.1
Worse than 59% of countries
South Korea: 78% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
Singapore
1.36
Better than 94% of countries
South Korea
1.80
Better than 73% of countries
Singapore: more peaceful (1.36 vs 1.80).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
Singapore
77.5
Better than 94% of countries
South Korea
71.0
Better than 80% of countries
Singapore: higher perceived safety (77.5 vs 71.0).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
Singapore
0.949
Better than 96% of countries
South Korea
0.929
Better than 91% of countries
Singapore: higher human development (0.949 vs 0.929).
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
Singapore
$163,354
Better than 99% of countries
South Korea
$63,125
Better than 84% of countries
Singapore: 159% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
Singapore
83.3 yrs
Better than 93% of countries
South Korea
83.6 yrs
Better than 94% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
Singapore
71.9
Better than 74% of countries
South Korea
82.9
Better than 98% of countries
South Korea: better-rated healthcare (82.9 vs 71.9).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
Singapore
421 Mbps
Better than 99% of countries
South Korea
253 Mbps
Better than 88% of countries
Singapore: 66% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
Singapore
45/100
Worse than 69% of countries
South Korea
69/100
Better than 73% of countries
South Korea: freer press (69 vs 45 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
Singapore
6.58
Better than 76% of countries
South Korea
6.04
Around the global middle
Singapore: happier on the Cantril ladder (6.58 vs 6.04).
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
Singapore
700
Better than 94% of countries
South Korea
522
Better than 57% of countries
Singapore: stronger English proficiency (700 vs 522).
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
Singapore
57.5
Worse than 91% of countries
South Korea
71.9
Worse than 66% of countries
South Korea: more pleasant climate rating (71.9 vs 57.5).
Deciding between Singapore and South Korea for real?
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70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
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70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.