Cost of living in Seoul, South Korea

Summary of cost of living in Seoul

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: ₩5,551,795
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: ₩3,200,761
  • Cost of living in Seoul is more expensive than in 79% of cities in Asia (6 out of 24)
  • Cost of living in Seoul is more expensive than in 56% of cities in the World (104 out of 232)
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List of prices in Seoul
Current as of Sep 2022.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district ₩9,733
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) ₩6,517
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast ₩6,117
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk ₩2,716
12 eggs, large ₩6,756
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes ₩7,712
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese ₩16,031
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples ₩8,375
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes ₩3,977
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket ₩2,729
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality ₩21,744
2 liters of coca-cola ₩3,003
Bread for 2 people for 1 day ₩3,466
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area ₩3,187,450
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area ₩1,635,570
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat ₩256,012
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area ₩1,313,570
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area ₩897,246
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio ₩114,684
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) ₩27,367
40” flat screen tv ₩378,438
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) ₩100,183
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) ₩9,699
Hourly rate for cleaning help ₩14,215
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) ₩69,628
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) ₩52,630
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) ₩89,914
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes ₩127,933
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new ₩35,091,300
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas ₩1,780
Monthly ticket public transport ₩57,777
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) ₩15,202
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) ₩29,755
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.) ₩7,635
4 rolls of toilet paper ₩3,684
Tube of toothpaste ₩2,527
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city ₩18,215
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub ₩29,836
2 tickets to the movies ₩23,420
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) ₩259,590
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert ₩69,204
1 cocktail drink in downtown club ₩14,727
Cappuccino in expat area of the city ₩5,192
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) ₩4,307
Ipad wi-fi 128gb ₩631,358
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) ₩143
1 month of gym membership in business district ₩68,584
1 package of marlboro cigarettes ₩4,500
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 201 prices entered by 63 different people.
Latest price update: September 29, 2022

Moving to Seoul with your children?

International Schools in Seoul

Did you know that ...

Seoul position in our World Ranking

the world
104th
out of 232
asia
6th
out of 24

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

the world
1st
the world
4th
the world
4th
the world
4th
asia
1st
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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