Cost of Living in South Korea
Summary of cost of living in South Korea:
- The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are 3,602.8$ (5,303,239.0₩), excluding rent.
- The estimated monthly costs for a single person are 985.5$ (1,450,559.0₩), excluding rent.
- Cost of living in South Korea is, on average, 12.6% lower than in United States.
- Rent in South Korea is, on average, 62.2% lower than in United States.
Restaurants |  Edit |
Range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | 6.79 $ | |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | 40.76 $ | |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | 5.43 $ | |
| Domestic Draft Beer (1 Pint) | 3.40 $ | |
| Imported Beer (12 oz Small Bottle) | 4.28 $ | |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | 3.52 $ | |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 12 oz Small Bottle) | 1.47 $ | |
| Bottled Water (12 oz) | 0.72 $ | |
Markets | Edit |
|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | 1.98 $ | |
| Fresh White Bread (1 lb Loaf) | 2.49 $ | |
| White Rice (1 lb) | 1.30 $ | |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | 2.74 $ | |
| Local Cheese (1 lb) | 5.78 $ | |
| Chicken Fillets (1 lb) | 3.82 $ | |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 lb) | 11.75 $ | |
| Apples (1 lb) | 3.37 $ | |
| Bananas (1 lb) | 1.42 $ | |
| Oranges (1 lb) | 2.56 $ | |
| Tomatoes (1 lb) | 2.50 $ | |
| Potatoes (1 lb) | 1.57 $ | |
| Onions (1 lb) | 1.21 $ | |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | 2.37 $ | |
| Bottled Water (50 oz) | 1.09 $ | |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 16.98 $ | |
| Domestic Beer (16.9 oz Bottle) | 1.92 $ | |
| Imported Beer (12 oz Small Bottle) | 2.64 $ | |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | 3.06 $ | |
Transportation | Edit |
|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | 1.02 $ | |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | 44.16 $ | |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | 3.06 $ | |
| Taxi 1 mile (Standard Tariff) | 0.98 $ | |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | 8.15 $ | |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | 1.13 $ | |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | 25,724.57 $ | |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | 26,351.75 $ | |
Utilities (Monthly) | Edit |
|
| Basic Utilities for 915 Square Feet Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | 166.08 $ | |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | 36.19 $ | |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | 21.14 $ | |
Sports And Leisure | Edit |
|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | 51.19 $ | |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | 15.98 $ | |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | 10.19 $ | |
Childcare | Edit |
|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | 684.40 $ | |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | 21,475.63 $ | |
Clothing And Shoes | Edit |
|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | 51.56 $ | |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | 42.37 $ | |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | 75.68 $ | |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | 95.93 $ | |
Rent Per Month | Edit |
|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | 578.17 $ | |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | 372.83 $ | |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | 1,383.94 $ | |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | 832.92 $ | |
Buy Apartment Price | Edit |
|
| Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre | 1,242.55 $ | |
| Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | 777.65 $ | |
Salaries And Financing | Edit |
|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | 2,277.33 $ | |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 4.12 |
Prices in South Korea
This country had 3282 entries in the past 12 months by 386 different contributors.
Last update: 11 December 2025
Our data for each country are based on all entries from all cities in that country.
Last update: 11 December 2025
Our data for each country are based on all entries from all cities in that country.
Sources and References
Moving to South Korea? Explore:
Distribution of Expenses Using Our Statistical Model:
Salary Calculator:Got a job offer in South Korea? Estimate your take-home pay with our Salary Calculator for South Korea.
Moving to South Korea? Explore:
This Page in Other Languages:
 DeutschLebenshaltungskosten in Südkorea
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 PortuguêsCusto de Vida na Coréia do Sul
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 ItalianoCosto della vita in Corea del Sud
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 FrançaisCoût de la vie en Corée du Sud
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 EspañolCoste de vida en Corea del Sur
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