How much does it cost to live in Seoul per month?

A single foreigner can expect to spend ₩1.5-3M/month ($1,100-2,200) depending on lifestyle. Rent is the biggest variable: a studio in Gangnam costs ₩800K-1.2M/month, while areas like Guro or Gwanak are ₩400-600K.

Is Korea expensive for foreigners?

Korea is moderate compared to Western countries. Rent and dining out are cheaper than most Western capitals, but imported goods and international schools are expensive. Public transport is very affordable.

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Living in Korea

Cost of Living Calculator

Estimate your monthly expenses in Korea by city and lifestyle.

1City

2Lifestyle

Estimated Monthly Cost

₩2,045,000

~$1,482 USD

3Breakdown

Rent (studio/1BR wolse)₩900,000

Food & groceries₩600,000

Entertainment & social₩300,000

Utilities (elec/gas/water)₩130,000

Transport (subway/bus)₩65,000

Phone (mobile plan)₩50,000

Total₩2,045,000

📖 Cost of Living Tips

Rent: Wolse (monthly rent + small deposit) is most common for foreigners. Expect ₩300K-500K deposit. Officetels near subway stations offer the best value.

Food: Eating out is affordable (₩7,000-12,000 per meal). Cooking at home with local ingredients is even cheaper. Imported groceries cost 2-3x.

Transport: T-money card gives you free transfers between subway and bus. Monthly pass available for ₩65,000.

Phone: Budget MVNOs (알뜰폰) like Mint Mobile KR or KT M offer unlimited data from ₩30,000/month.

✓Updated for 2026Last reviewed October 6, 2026See what changed

Written and reviewed by Taeyang Kim · Rates and thresholds are taken directly from the official notices of Korea's National Tax Service, National Pension Service, National Health Insurance Service, Ministry of Employment and Labor, and Minimum Wage Commission. Results are non-binding estimates for reference only and may differ from the actual amount depending on your circumstances. Found a mistake? Tell us through Contact.