Cost of Living in Seoul, South Korea

Seoul has a cost of living index of 70/100 (New York = 100). It is 30% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

70/100
Cost Index
$2,800/mo
Median Income
76/100
Safety Index
temperate
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 72/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,140/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$450/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$2,200/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 68/100
Milk (1 liter)$2.5/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$3.2/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$4.2/kg
Dining OutScore: 62/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$6.5/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$48/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$8.5/meal
TransportationScore: 35/100
Monthly Transit Pass$55/month
One-Way Ticket$1.35/trip
Taxi (1 km)$0.95/km
UtilitiesScore: 62/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$170/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$35/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$28/month
HealthcareScore: 55/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$25/visit
Dentist Visit$45/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$12/course
EntertainmentScore: 58/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$9.5/ticket
Theater Ticket$35/ticket
Museum Entry$8/ticket
FitnessScore: 48/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$45/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$18/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$6/entry
Personal CareScore: 50/100
Haircut (Men)$18/cut
Haircut (Women)$40/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$5.5/bottle
ClothingScore: 60/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$58/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$35/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$85/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

120 Mbps
Internet Speed
$300
Coworking/Month
excellent
Café WiFi
moderate
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
82/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Gangnam, Hongdae, Itaewon

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seoul cheap to live in?

Seoul has a cost of living index of 70/100, where New York = 100. It is 30% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $1,400–$1,960 per month.

How much does rent cost in Seoul?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Seoul costs approximately $1,140/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $450/month.

Is Seoul good for digital nomads?

Seoul has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 120 Mbps, café wifi reliability is excellent, and coworking spaces run about $300/month. English proficiency is moderate.

What is the average salary in Seoul?

The median net monthly salary in Seoul is approximately $2,800 USD. The income tax rate is around 22%.

How does Seoul compare to New York for cost of living?

Seoul (cost index 70) is 30% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $750/month by moving from New York to Seoul.

Compare Seoul with another city

See exactly how Seoul stacks up against your current city or next destination.

Compare Seoul →Explore another city

Free to start · No credit card needed