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Cost of Living in Seoul

Seoul, Seoul, South Korea · Population 23,016,000 · National capital

▲ +25% vs South Korea average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₩1,750,697 ($1,269)
Couple, monthly₩3,183,654 ($2,307)
Family of four, monthly₩4,190,759 ($3,037)

Estimated Prices in Seoul

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₩16,146 ($11.70)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₩64,584 ($46.80)per meal
Cappuccino₩4,844 ($3.51)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₩365,976 ($265)per month
Monthly public transport pass₩59,202 ($42.90)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₩156,078 ($113)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₩45,209 ($32.76)per month
Fitness club membership₩45,209 ($32.76)per month
Cinema ticket₩11,840 ($8.58)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₩969,301 ($702)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₩674,297 ($489)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₩2,022,890 ($1,466)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Seoul is ₩4,664,400 ($3,380) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₩1,750,697 ($1,269) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₩2,275,906 ($1,649) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₩674,297 ($489)) represents about 39% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Seoul

Seoul vs BusanSeoul vs IncheonSeoul vs DaeguSeoul vs GwangjuSeoul vs DaejeonSeoul vs Suwon

Nearby Cities

Guri

14 km away · Gyeonggi

Gwangmyeongni

14 km away · Gyeonggi

Gwacheon

15 km away · Gyeonggi

Goyang

17 km away · Gyeonggi

Sŏngnam

19 km away · Gyeonggi

Anyang

19 km away · Gyeonggi

Bucheon

19 km away · Gyeonggi

Hanam

20 km away · Gyeonggi

Other Major Cities in South Korea

Busan

Busan · pop. 3,453,198

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Incheon

Incheon · pop. 3,049,315

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Daegu

Daegu · pop. 2,444,412

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Gwangju

Gwangju · pop. 1,490,092

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Daejeon

Daejeon · pop. 1,475,221

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Suwon

Gyeonggi · pop. 1,234,300

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Ulsan

Ulsan · pop. 1,127,553

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Tongjin

Gyeonggi · pop. 1,084,817

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Living in Seoul

Seoul is the capital and one of the key cities in South Korea. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ₩1,750,697 ($1,269), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ₩674,297 ($489) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ₩4,190,759 ($3,037) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ₩3,183,654 ($2,307) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Seoul is ₩4,664,400 ($3,380). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ₩2,275,906 ($1,649) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seoul expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₩1,750,697 ($1,269) per month in Seoul including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for South Korea.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Seoul?
A net salary of around ₩2,275,906 ($1,649) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Seoul with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Seoul is ₩4,664,400 ($3,380).
How much is rent in Seoul?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₩969,301 ($702) per month in the city centre and ₩674,297 ($489) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₩2,022,890 ($1,466).
Is Seoul cheaper than South Korea on average?
No — Seoul is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the South Korea average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Seoul?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₩365,976 ($265) in Seoul. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₩16,146 ($12) and a cappuccino runs around ₩4,844 ($4).
How do transport costs in Seoul compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Seoul is estimated at ₩59,202 ($43). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Seoul are estimates based on South Korea national averages adjusted for city size (population 23,016,000) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.