East Asia
Cost of living in South Korea
57%of US price level
Is South Korea expensive?
Prices in South Korea are about 57% of US price levels (World Bank PPP). The most affordable place we cover is Gyeongju, at about $1,340–1,930 a month for a comfortable life.
Cost of living in South Korea, by place
One person, rent included. SoloSquare estimates in US$.
| Place | Month, comfortable | 1-bed rent, center | Local meal | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gyeongju | $1,340–1,930 | $297–520 | $5.2–8.2 | 71/100 |
| Jeonju | $1,340–1,930 | $297–520 | $5.2–8.2 | 70/100 |
| Yeosu | $1,340–1,930 | $297–520 | $5.2–8.2 | 69/100 |
| Sokcho | $1,410–2,080 | $334–594 | $5.9–8.9 | 66/100 |
| Gangneung | $1,410–2,080 | $334–594 | $5.9–8.9 | 65/100 |
| Daegu | $1,410–2,080 | $371–668 | $5.2–8.2 | 65/100 |
| Seogwipo | $1,560–2,370 | $371–668 | $5.9–8.9 | 56/100 |
| Incheon | $1,630–2,450 | $445–816 | $5.2–8.2 | 55/100 |
| Jeju | $1,630–2,520 | $445–816 | $5.9–8.9 | 51/100 |
| Busan | $1,710–2,600 | $520–1,040 | $5.2–8.2 | 46/100 |
| Seoul | $2,080–3,120 | $668–1,340 | $5.9–8.9 | 34/100 |
Cost of living by place
Sources
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- US State Department travel advisory
- K-ETA (Ministry of Justice)
- Korea e-Arrival Card
- Korea Visa Portal
- Speedtest Global Index: South Korea
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.