North Korea flagCost of Living Guide · North Korea

Cost of Living Guide in North Korea

Complete pricing for housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses

North Korea's cost-of-living data is extremely unreliable and should not be used for relocation planning. The country is not accessible to independent expats or digital nomads, and official pricing bears no relationship to actual economic conditions where most residents live in severe poverty.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
Not applicable — independent expat residence is not permitted
Comfortable
Not applicable — independent expat residence is not permitted
Family of four
Not applicable — independent expat residence is not permitted

North Korea is not a viable destination for expats, digital nomads, or people considering independent relocation. The country does not permit independent foreign residence, cost-of-living data is unreliable, and economic conditions reflect severe state control rather than functioning consumer markets. Consider alternative Asian destinations with transparent data and accessible visa pathways.

Economic & Living Costs in North Korea
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

2.5-4.29 KPW
Avg: 3.4 KPW
+35.9% vs 3 months ago

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant (3-course)

20.2-42.94 KPW
Avg: 31.57 KPW
+57.0% vs 3 months ago

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

15.22-18.99 KPW
Avg: 17.1 KPW
+54.0% vs 3 months ago

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

6-12.31 KPW
Avg: 9.16 KPW
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

80-96 KPW
Avg: 88 KPW
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

80-120 KPW
Avg: 100 KPW
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

538-2000 KPW
Avg: 1269 KPW
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

120-320 KPW
Avg: 220 KPW
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

N/A
Avg: N/A

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

N/A
Avg: N/A

Monthly Transport Pass

N/A
Avg: N/A

Gasoline (1L)

N/A
Avg: N/A
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

N/A
Avg: N/A

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

N/A
Avg: N/A

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

N/A
Avg: N/A
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

0.74-0.85 KPW
Avg: 0.79 KPW
-6.0% vs 3 months ago

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

1.4-2.69 KPW
Avg: 2.04 KPW
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Eggs (12)

1.22-2.82 KPW
Avg: 2.02 KPW
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Local Cheese (1kg)

N/A
Avg: N/A
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

38-67 KPW
Avg: 52.5 KPW

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

N/A
Avg: N/A

Cinema Ticket

N/A
Avg: N/A

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

N/A
Avg: N/A
Last updated: 2026-04-03