Are you considering a move to Seoul, South Korea, and wondering about the cost of living? Seoul is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Seoul and help you understand whether $2819 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $3168.13.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
7.65 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
49.41 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
6.12 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
3.83 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
4.59 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.98 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.58 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.76 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
2.19 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
3.09 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
3.72 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.87 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
12.56 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
10.46 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
41.64 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
6.91 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
3.81 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
6.15 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
6.16 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
4.43 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
3.23 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
2.47 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.12 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
16.83 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
2.56 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.81 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
3.44 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.07 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
45.91 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.67 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.77 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
9.18 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.4 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
28872.42 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
26223.65 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
185.29 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
25.49 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
58.07 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
17.38 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
11.48 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
383.16 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
19882.9 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
63.23 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
49.75 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
84.34 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
127.46 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
850.01 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
541.77 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
2702.25 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1654.2 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
22199.28 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
12203.67 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
3168.13 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
4.72 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Seoul come to a total of approximately $2819. This includes an average monthly rent of around $850 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $198 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1285 per month.
Living in Seoul appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $3168.13. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Seoul, you would likely need an income exceeding $3168.13.
In Seoul, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $3168.13, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Seoul is approximately $850. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $541.77 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Seoul can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $1133 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in South Korea can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout South Korea.
Seoul is overall, very safe and you will probably encounter no problems when traveling there. Still, do not let your guard down and be vigilant at all times.
Tourists are exposed to risk whenever crossing the street since in Seoul risky behavior is common when it comes to traffic. The Republic of Korea has one of the highest rates of traffic deaths for a developed country. Check the road twice before crossing the street. Also, watch out for taxi drivers trying to overcharge you: it is recommended to refrain from using unofficial taxes.
Since Seoul is a somewhat popular tourist destination, it is expected that pickpockets operate in the city center. Petty theft is the most common form of crime in Seoul, but following basic precautions, rules should take care of this issue.
When it comes to natural disasters, Seoul has had a history of earthquakes, but most of them caused little damage. Another issue when it comes to natural disasters is typhoons that may occur in August and September, as well as tsunamis.
Seoul is safe when it comes to mugging or kidnapping, though precaution is still advised. Avoid poorly lit streets and areas, and people offering you free drinks.
Even though there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Seoul's recent history, there is heightened tension between South and North Korea, so precaution is recommended.
There is a risk of someone scamming you in Seoul since there are a lot of scammers and con artists on the streets of this country. The most notable among them is the Teahouse scam with girls saying to tourists that they want to practice conversing in English, which usually ends in a teahouse with a huge bill. Other forms of scams are mostly overcharging in cafes and restaurants, with a separate menu just for tourists.
Seoul is a safe destination for women traveling solo, but it is still advised that unaccompanied women take extra precaution measures, avoid poorly lit and secluded areas, etc.
Regulations and conditions concerning visa and entry into the state of South Korea regularly change, so it is best to get informed at the moment of planning a trip to this country. Foreigners are finger-printed upon arrival in the Republic of Korea. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your intended date of departure from South Korea. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
South Korean Won is the official currency of Seoul. It may not be the best idea to exchange money in the street exchange offices. Your best bet when exchanging money is either an official bank office or withdrawing money from an ATM.
Seoul has a temperate climate characterized by four distinct seasons. Winters are usually long, cold and dry, summers are very short and hot, with lots of humidity, and spring is actually the most pleasant time to visit Seoul. Autumn is also pleasant but like spring and summer, short in duration.
Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea and also one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. It is located west of Incheon's city center, on an artificially created piece of land between Yeongjong and Yongyu Islands.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Seoul, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 34°F | 40°F | 50°F | 63°F | 73°F | 79°F | 83°F | 84°F | 77°F | 66°F | 52°F | 39°F |
| Temp | 28°F | 33°F | 43°F | 55°F | 64°F | 72°F | 77°F | 78°F | 70°F | 59°F | 45°F | 33°F |
| Low | 22°F | 27°F | 37°F | 48°F | 57°F | 66°F | 72°F | 73°F | 63°F | 51°F | 38°F | 26°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 1°C | 4°C | 10°C | 17°C | 22°C | 26°C | 28°C | 28°C | 25°C | 18°C | 11°C | 3°C |
| Temp | -2°C | 0°C | 6°C | 12°C | 17°C | 22°C | 25°C | 25°C | 21°C | 15°C | 7°C | 0°C |
| Low | -5°C | -2°C | 2°C | 8°C | 13°C | 18°C | 22°C | 22°C | 17°C | 10°C | 3°C | -3°C |