South Korea flagCost of Living Guide · South Korea

Cost of Living Guide in South Korea

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

South Korea offers a moderately affordable cost of living compared to other developed nations, with overall costs including rent 37.9% higher than the Asia average, driven by consumer prices 45.3% above the regional norm while rent is only 12.2% higher. It stands out in Asia for its high quality of life and strong purchasing power, making it attractive for expats and digital nomads despite being pricier than many regional peers. No home country comparison available.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
800,000–1,500,000 KRW ($580–$1,080 USD) — living like a local in a smaller city or goshiwon, eating cafeteria food, using public transport
Comfortable
2,000,000–3,000,000 KRW ($1,450–$2,170 USD) — decent city apartment, mix of home cooking and dining out, occasional leisure in Seoul or Busan
Family of four
5,000,000–8,000,000 KRW ($3,600–$5,800 USD) — expat housing, international school fees, imported goods, family car, and travel

South Korea delivers excellent value for money with costs 37.9% higher overall than the Asia average but offset by superior quality of life, safety, and infrastructure—ideal for expats earning international salaries. It's pricier than budget Asian spots but far cheaper than Western hubs.

Economic & Living Costs in South Korea
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

8000-15000 ₩
Avg: 11500 ₩
0.0% vs 3 months ago

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

35000-100000 ₩
Avg: 67500 ₩
-0.7% vs 3 months ago

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

7500-10000 ₩
Avg: 8750 ₩
+3.0% vs 3 months ago

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

2600-7000 ₩
Avg: 4800 ₩
1.1% vs 3 months ago
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

550000-1500000 ₩
Avg: 1025000 ₩
+3.1% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

400000-1200000 ₩
Avg: 800000 ₩
+33.3% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1500000-3754000 ₩
Avg: 2627000 ₩
-4.5% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

918000-2000000 ₩
Avg: 1459000 ₩
-16.6% vs 3 months ago
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1400-1650 ₩
Avg: 1525 ₩
-0.8% vs 3 months ago

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

6000-18000 ₩
Avg: 12000 ₩
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Monthly Transport Pass

60000-90000 ₩
Avg: 75000 ₩
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Gasoline (1L)

1600-1900 ₩
Avg: 1750 ₩
1.1% vs 3 months ago
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

170000-361250 ₩
Avg: 265625 ₩
+8.4% vs 3 months ago

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

20000-50000 ₩
Avg: 35000 ₩
+7.7% vs 3 months ago

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

25000-72000 ₩
Avg: 48500 ₩
-2.0% vs 3 months ago
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

2000-3820.89 ₩
Avg: 2910.44 ₩
-3.0% vs 3 months ago

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

2500-8000 ₩
Avg: 5250 ₩
-3.2% vs 3 months ago

Eggs (12)

2400-6960 ₩
Avg: 4680 ₩
-13.3% vs 3 months ago

Local Cheese (1kg)

10600-45000 ₩
Avg: 27800 ₩
1.1% vs 3 months ago
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

35000-130000 ₩
Avg: 82500 ₩
+15.4% vs 3 months ago

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

10000-40000 ₩
Avg: 25000 ₩
-12.3% vs 3 months ago

Cinema Ticket

13000-18000 ₩
Avg: 15500 ₩
+3.3% vs 3 months ago

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

300000-2688000 ₩
Avg: 1494000 ₩
+61.5% vs 3 months ago
Last updated: 2026-04-03