Capital city, South Korea
Cost of living in Seoul
How much a month costs in Seoul
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $2,080–3,120 (₩2.8M–4.2M).
Prices in Seoul
Typical 2026 ranges in KRW, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | KRW | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | ₩900,000–1.8M | $668–1,340 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | ₩600,000–1.1M | $445–816 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | ₩25,000–45,000 | $19–33 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | ₩100,000–220,000 | $74–163 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | ₩8,000–12,000 | $5.9–8.9 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | ₩15,000–35,000 | $11–26 |
| Cappuccino | ₩4,500–6,500 | $3.3–4.8 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | ₩5,000–8,000 | $3.7–5.9 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | ₩1,550–3,000 | $1.2–2.2 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | ₩6,000–10,000 | $4.5–7.4 |
| Work and life | ||
| Coworking day pass | ₩20,000–40,000 | $15–30 |
| Gym membership (month) | ₩50,000–120,000 | $37–89 |
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | ₩30,000–55,000 | $22–41 |
Value for money: 34/100
A value score of 34/100 means Seoul gives more quality of life per dollar than 33% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 75/100. It's the 11th most affordable of 11 places we cover in South Korea.
| Quality factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Air quality | |
| Internet | |
| Healthcare | |
| Weather | |
| Friendly locals | |
| English |
Cost of living across South Korea
One person, comfortable lifestyle, including rent.
Cheaper alternatives to Seoul
Similar safety, lower cost, in East Asia.
| Place | Country | Comfortable month |
|---|---|---|
| Takayama | Japan | $1,080–1,710 |
| Kawaguchiko | Japan | $1,010–1,650 |
| Nikko | Japan | $1,080–1,710 |
| Hualien | Taiwan | $1,130–1,730 |
| Hakone | Japan | $1,140–1,770 |
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in Seoul?
About $1,040–1,480 on a lean budget, $2,080–3,120 for a comfortable month and $4,450–7,420 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in Seoul?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs ₩900,000–1.8M ($668–1,340) a month in the center and ₩600,000–1.1M ($445–816) outside it.
How much does food cost in Seoul?
A local meal is ₩8,000–12,000 ($5.9–8.9); a mid-range restaurant is ₩15,000–35,000 ($11–26) per person.
Is South Korea expensive?
Prices in South Korea are about 57% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about Seoul
Going to Seoul solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Seoul meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- Visit Korea (Korea Tourism Organization)
- Seoul Metro
- Incheon International Airport
- Seoul Global Center
Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.