🏠 Median Monthly Rent

Seoul

• Median Monthly Rent: Approximately ₩1,206,611 (about $900 USD) for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center. (bambooroutes.com)
• Outside the City Center: Rents can be more affordable, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around ₩678,000 (about $500 USD). (https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Seoul/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Tokyo

• Median Monthly Rent:
  • 1R Apartments: Approximately ¥65,400 (about $450 USD).
  • 1K/1DK Apartments: Around ¥74,000 (about $510 USD). (https://www.ejable.com/japan-corner/housing-in-japan/average-rent-in-tokyo//?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Note: Rents in Tokyo vary significantly by ward. For instance, in luxury areas like Minato and Chiyoda, rents can be substantially higher, while more affordable areas like Adachi and Nerima offer lower rental prices. (blog.tokyoroomfinder.com)

📊 Comparison Overview

🔍 Key Insights

• Affordability: Tokyo offers more affordable rental options compared to Seoul, especially for smaller apartments like 1R units.(https://www.ejable.com/japan-corner/housing-in-japan/average-rent-in-tokyo//?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Location Impact: In both cities, rental prices are influenced by the location within the city. Central areas tend to have higher rents, while peripheral districts offer more budget-friendly options.
• Apartment Size: The size and type of apartment significantly affect rental prices. Larger apartments or those with more amenities command higher rents in both cities.

🏙️ Population Density Comparison

Seoul

• Population Density: Approximately 15,533 people per square kilometer as of 2023. (https://bambooroutes.com/blogs/news/south-korea-real-estate-market?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• City Area: The city covers an area of about 605.21 km². (https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Seoul/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Urban Density: Within the urban core, certain districts exhibit even higher densities. For instance, districts like Dongdaemun and Guro have densities exceeding 22,000 people per km², reflecting the intense concentration of population in specific areas. (https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Seoul/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Tokyo

• Population Density: Approximately 15,742 people per square kilometer in the 23 special wards as of January 1, 2024. (https://www.ejable.com/japan-corner/housing-in-japan/average-rent-in-tokyo//?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• City Area: The 23 special wards of Tokyo cover an area of 627.51 km². (https://www.ejable.com/japan-corner/housing-in-japan/average-rent-in-tokyo//?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Greater Tokyo Area: The broader metropolitan area, including neighboring cities like Yokohama and Saitama, spans about 13,452 km² and houses approximately 37.8 million people, resulting in a lower average density of around 2,642 people per km². (https://blog.tokyoroomfinder.com/tokyo-apartments/2024-tokyo-area-rent-guide-a-complete-resource-for-foreigners/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

📊 Density Comparison Table

🔍 Key Insights

• Similar Densities: Both Seoul and Tokyo have comparable population densities in their central urban areas, with Tokyo's 23 special wards slightly surpassing Seoul's overall density.(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnPDeoCK4WU&utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Urban Concentration: Certain districts in both cities exhibit significantly higher densities, indicating areas of intense urban concentration.
• Greater Tokyo Area: When considering the broader metropolitan area, Tokyo's density decreases due to its expansive suburban regions, whereas Seoul's metropolitan area is more compact.