Cost of living in Seoul, South Korea

Summary of cost of living in Seoul

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: ₩6,017,348
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: ₩3,543,031
  • Seoul is the 4th most expensive city in Asia (4 out of 14)
  • Cost of living in Seoul is more expensive than in 57% of cities in the World (66 out of 150)
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List of prices in Seoul
Current as of Feb 2025.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district ₩11,759
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) ₩8,333
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast ₩3,856
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk ₩2,947
12 eggs, large ₩5,729
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes ₩8,031
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese ₩8,585
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples ₩10,032
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes ₩4,271
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket ₩3,589
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality ₩28,976
2 liters of coca-cola ₩3,163
Bread for 2 people for 1 day ₩4,191
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area ₩3,572,780
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area ₩1,874,210
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat ₩273,226
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area ₩1,363,380
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area ₩727,013
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio ₩118,797
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) ₩30,706
40” flat screen tv ₩418,515
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) ₩100,183
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) ₩10,869
Hourly rate for cleaning help ₩14,266
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) ₩84,222
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) ₩64,872
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) ₩120,439
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes ₩170,960
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new ₩34,646,900
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas ₩1,677
Monthly ticket public transport ₩62,588
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) ₩13,129
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) ₩5,748
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) ₩6,336
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) ₩32,765
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) ₩15,753
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) ₩10,736
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) ₩8,307
4 rolls of toilet paper ₩3,094
Tube of toothpaste ₩4,101
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city ₩16,604
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub ₩31,542
2 tickets to the movies ₩29,910
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) ₩195,379
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert ₩63,200
1 cocktail drink in downtown club ₩13,223
Cappuccino in expat area of the city ₩5,039
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) ₩5,084
Ipad wi-fi 128gb ₩775,637
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) ₩184
1 month of gym membership in business district ₩74,403
1 package of marlboro cigarettes ₩4,500
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 162 prices entered by 51 different people.
Latest price update: February 09, 2025

Moving to Seoul with your children?

International Schools in Seoul

Seoul position in our World Ranking

the world
66th
out of 150
asia
4th
out of 14

Cheapest and most expensive products in Seoul compared to other cities:

the world
1st
the world
1st
the world
2nd
the world
3rd
the world
5th
asia
1st

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Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), with no extras, new

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International Cost of Living Index

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Prices recently added

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