Cost of Living in South Korea

Updated: January 01, 2025

If you've ever considered moving to South Korea, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in South Korea?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in South Korea and whether the reported $1993 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $2010.65.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

South Korea

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	5.56 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	34.75 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	4.86 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	2.78 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	4.17 $
Cappuccino (regular)	3.25 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	1.24 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	0.65 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	1.82 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	2.3 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	3.22 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	2.91 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	12.49 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	8.13 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	28.53 $
Apples (1 lb)	5.73 $
Banana (1 lb)	3.09 $
Oranges (1 lb)	4.92 $
Tomato (1 lb)	5.04 $
Potato (1 lb)	3.18 $
Onion (1 lb)	2.36 $
Lettuce (1 head)	2.05 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.96 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	13.9 $
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	1.85 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	2.19 $
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	3.13 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	0.9 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	38.22 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	2.43 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	0.69 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	8.34 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	1.22 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	24545.84 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	21911.65 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	127.06 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.15 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	19.3 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	42.31 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	16.69 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	8.34 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	325.01 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	18484.27 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	50.47 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	36.18 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	65.02 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	95.42 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	445.59 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	309.71 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	1100.29 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	723.08 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	13976.44 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	7599.99 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	2010.65 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	3.52 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 5.56 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 34.75 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.82 USD, a loaf of bread 2.3 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 2.91 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.9 USD and a monthly pass around 38.22 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 127.06 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 42.31 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 16.69 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 325.01 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 18484.27 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 50.47 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 65.02 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 445.59 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 309.71 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 13976.44 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 7599.99 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 2010.65 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 3.52% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in South Korea

OVERALL RISK: LOW

South Korea 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.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Tourists are exposed to risk whenever crossing the street since in South Korea 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.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Since South Korea is a somewhat popular tourist destination, it is expected that pickpockets operate in larger cities. Petty theft is the most common form of crime in South Korea, but following basic precautions, rules should take care of this issue.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH

When it comes to natural disasters, South Korea 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.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

South Korea 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.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Even though there haven't been any terrorist attacks in South Korea's recent history, there is heightened tension between South and North Korea, so precaution is recommended.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There is a risk of someone scamming you in South Korea 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.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

South Korea 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.

Cost of Living in South Korea

South Korea

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing