East Asia Updated
Average Cost of Living in Seoul-South-Korea
The average cost of living in Seoul-South-Korea, South Korea is $1,017 per month for a single person, and $3,098 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $878 per month. The local average net salary is $2,909 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 23.1 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $1,017 / month
- Family of 4
- $3,098 / mo
- Student
- $611 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Seoul-South-Korea
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$2,909.24 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Seoul-South-Korea | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Seoul-South-Korea | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Seoul-South-Korea | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Seoul-South-Korea | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Seoul-South-Korea | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Seoul-South-Korea | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Seoul-South-Korea | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Seoul-South-Korea | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Seoul-South-Korea | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Seoul-South-Korea | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Seoul-South-Korea FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Seoul-South-Korea. |
Rent & Property Prices in Seoul-South-Korea
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $878 | $669 – $1,003 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $597 | $468 – $802 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,170 | $1,672 – $3,333 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,180 | $1,003 – $1,337 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $18,153 | $13,373 – $34,769 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $9,528 | $6,686 – $13,373 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $878$669 – $1,003
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $597$468 – $802
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $2,170$1,672 – $3,333
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,180$1,003 – $1,337
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $18,153$13,373 – $34,769
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $9,528$6,686 – $13,373
Grocery Prices in Seoul-South-Korea
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $2.03 | $1.37 – $2.34 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $3.00 | $1.67 – $4.68 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $3.79 | $1.67 – $6.69 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $2.89 | $1.60 – $4.01 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $13 | $8.69 – $33 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $8.87 | $4.55 – $13 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $23 | $12 – $47 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $7.30 | $4.68 – $12 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $3.29 | $2.01 – $6.69 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $5.25 | $3.34 – $8.02 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $6.02 | $2.81 – $8.69 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $3.48 | $1.60 – $4.68 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $2.54 | $1.34 – $4.68 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.40 | $1.00 – $4.01 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.99 | $0.53 – $1.34 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $19 | $10 – $30 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.17 | $1.14 – $3.74 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.69 | $1.67 – $5.35 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $3.01 | $3.01 – $3.68 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $2.03$1.37 – $2.34
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $3.00$1.67 – $4.68
- White Rice (1 kg) $3.79$1.67 – $6.69
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $2.89$1.60 – $4.01
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $13$8.69 – $33
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $8.87$4.55 – $13
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $23$12 – $47
- Apples (1 kg) $7.30$4.68 – $12
- Bananas (1 kg) $3.29$2.01 – $6.69
- Oranges (1 kg) $5.25$3.34 – $8.02
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $6.02$2.81 – $8.69
- Potatoes (1 kg) $3.48$1.60 – $4.68
- Onions (1 kg) $2.54$1.34 – $4.68
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.40$1.00 – $4.01
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.99$0.53 – $1.34
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $19$10 – $30
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.17$1.14 – $3.74
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.69$1.67 – $5.35
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $3.01$3.01 – $3.68
Public Transport & Car Costs in Seoul-South-Korea
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $1.04 | $0.97 – $1.07 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $43 | $40 – $60 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $3.21 | $3.21 – $3.34 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $0.53 | $0.51 – $1.00 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $8.02 | $8.02 – $8.02 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.20 | $1.10 – $1.34 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $26,324 | $24,853 – $26,324 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $26,062 | $20,059 – $31,927 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $1.04$0.97 – $1.07
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $43$40 – $60
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $3.21$3.21 – $3.34
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $0.53$0.51 – $1.00
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $8.02$8.02 – $8.02
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.20$1.10 – $1.34
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $26,324$24,853 – $26,324
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $26,062$20,059 – $31,927
Utility & Internet Costs in Seoul-South-Korea
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $150 | $99 – $227 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $31 | $13 – $53 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $19 | $13 – $27 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $150$99 – $227
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $31$13 – $53
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $19$13 – $27
Childcare & Preschool in Seoul-South-Korea
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $1,495 | $368 – $2,409 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $20,914 | $18,053 – $28,083 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $1,495$368 – $2,409
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $20,914$18,053 – $28,083
Clothing Prices in Seoul-South-Korea
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $45 | $33 – $74 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $26 | $20 – $40 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $64 | $47 – $100 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $58 | $47 – $100 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $45$33 – $74
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $26$20 – $40
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $64$47 – $100
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $58$47 – $100
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Seoul-South-Korea
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $58 | $37 – $134 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $18 | $6.69 – $29 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $10 | $8.69 – $12 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $58$37 – $134
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $18$6.69 – $29
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $10$8.69 – $12
Restaurant Prices in Seoul-South-Korea
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $8.69 | $6.02 – $12 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $60 | $33 – $100 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $6.69 | $5.35 – $6.69 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $3.34 | $2.21 – $5.35 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $5.18 | $3.34 – $6.69 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $3.67 | $2.01 – $4.68 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.49 | $1.07 – $2.34 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.75 | $0.53 – $1.34 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $8.69$6.02 – $12
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $60$33 – $100
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $6.69$5.35 – $6.69
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $3.34$2.21 – $5.35
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $5.18$3.34 – $6.69
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $3.67$2.01 – $4.68
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.49$1.07 – $2.34
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.75$0.53 – $1.34
Salaries & Mortgages in Seoul-South-Korea
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $2,909 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 4.00% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $2,909
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 4.00%
Compare Seoul-South-Korea with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
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South Korea
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South Korea
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$543
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Japan
Hachioji-Japan
Monthly / 1 person
$1,008
vs NYC
22.9/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Seoul-South-Korea?
- An estimated $1,017 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Seoul-South-Korea. A family of four needs around $3,098 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $611.
- How much money do I need to live in Seoul-South-Korea?
- Plan for at least $1,017 per month as a single person, $3,098 per month for a family of four, or $611 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Seoul-South-Korea.
- What is the average rent in Seoul-South-Korea?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Seoul-South-Korea rents for around $878 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $2,170 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Seoul-South-Korea?
- The average monthly net salary in Seoul-South-Korea is around $2,909. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 30% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Seoul-South-Korea?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Seoul-South-Korea costs around $8.69. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $95 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($2.03/L) and bread ($3.00/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Seoul-South-Korea?
- A monthly public transport pass in Seoul-South-Korea costs around $43. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Seoul-South-Korea?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Seoul-South-Korea costs around $19 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.